The main facade to
New York Public Library Main Branch features six colossal figures by Paul Bartlett; from north (right) to south (left), they are: History, Drama, Poetry, Religion, Romance and Philosophy. Above the entrance are inscriptions concerning three of the component parts of The New York Public Library. They are as follows:
The Lenox Library
Founded by James Lenox
Dedicated to History, Literature and Fine Arts
MDCCCLXX
The Astor Library
Founded by John Jacob Astor
For the Advancement of Useful Knowledge
MDCCCCXLVIII
The Tilden Trust
Founded by Samuel Jones Tilden
To Serve the Interests of Science and Popular Education
MDCCCLXXXVI
Beneath these is this inscription:
MDCCCXV The New York Public Library MDCCCII
Of the dates in this lower inscription, the first, 1895, is that of the incorporation of The New York Public Library. The second, 1902, is that of the laying of the cornerstone.
The New York Public Library, Astor, Lenox and Tilden Foundations, was designated a landmark by the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1967.
In 2007, the New York Public Library was ranked #47 on the AIA 150 America's Favorite Architecture list.
National Register #66000546 (1966)