Insider Access to the New York Public Library Theater Collection

Get an insider’s look into the exclusive theater archives at the New York Public Library. The NYPL has the world’s leading collection of theater history, most of which is not normally open to the public.

The library's official theater curator hosts this 90 minute behind-the-scenes tour. You will meet in the library's atrium at 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (65th Street and Columbus Avenue, on the Lincoln Center campus).

First you'll learn about the history of the building itself. Then you will take an elevator upstairs to the archives, where you will don special gloves to examine rare scripts, musical scores, personal papers from the world’s leading theater makers.

Next, Doug will lead the group into the vaults of the library! You''ll see hidden treasures rarely put on display, including original set models from your favorite shows, antique drafts of librettos by famous Broadway writing teams, and vintage show posters.