New York Public Library self-guided audio tour

Step out of the hustle of New York's Fifth Avenue into the New York Public Library and get inspired by its magnificent architecture and history guided by your personal audio tour! Built in the late 1890s by contributions from philanthropist Stephen A. Schwarzman, the Library's Main Branch is a perfect example of classical architecture and a treasury of 2.5 million volumes.

The tour starts outside so you can examine all the details of the building - impressive columns, beautiful ornaments and the famous lions - and learn the history of library creation and the hardships it had to overcome.

Inside, you'll be carried away by the breathtaking interiors of the Astor Hall and the Frieze Hall, the Rose Main Reading room and the authentic atmosphere of the Berg Collection room where you can see the portraits of the Berg brothers who contributed to the Library's collection development. Hear the story of the McGraw Rotunda and marvel at its stunning murals on the walls and on the ceiling.