New York Daily Photo Analytics

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Rose Reading Room

The Rose Main Reading Room on the 3rd floor of the New York Public Library is one of the most spectacular rooms in the city and one of the world's grandest interiors. However, over time, it fell into serious disrepair - the ceiling murals were barely discernible, windows remained blackened (done during World War II due to fear of air raids) - a restoration was completed in 1998 with a 15 million dollar gift from the Rose family. The room is nearly two city blocks long - 297 feet, 78 feet wide, 51 feet high (note: this photo only shows one half of the room). It seats 636 people at its long oak tables with original bronze lamps and chandeliers. Here you can access 6 million books, 12 million manuscripts and 2.8 million photos beneath magnificent ceilings with murals of blue sky and puffy clouds, inspired by Tiepolo and Tintoretto. See more photos here. This room is a must see for visitors and residents alike...

8 comments:

Andreea said...

how amazing is that. fantastic! a must-see in NY

J$ said...

The crazy thing is that it's such a big room with so many people in it and it's almost dead silent.

Lisi said...

amazing place and great shot!

Anonymous said...

Superbe salle, tres impresionnante. Tres belles photos.

midnitebara said...

oh dear..wow!! a book lovers heaven. Would definitely visit this library if I visit new york!

Kim said...

Wow, spectacular shot of this room. I appreciate learning of it here and am putting it on the mental must see list for NYC. I'm wondering what lens you used to capture this so well? Thanks,
-Kim

Brian Dubé said...

I recently switched from a point and shoot to a Canon 30D with a zoom lens: 17-85mm f/4.5-5.6 IS USM
Brian

Unknown said...

I've moved from NYC to SF and am desperately searching for a place like the Rose Reading Room where I can hunker down and get into my readings/writings. The Rose Reading Room had such amazing energy - there was genius in that silent, studious air. I miss it so much. It's classic NYC, that room.