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The JP Morgan Library & Museum and the modern wing that ties it all together

The all-encompassing magnificence of the landmark Morgan Library

One of many private salons of Pierpont Morgan's only Manhattan home

A bright, modern event space — the glass-enclosed Gilbert Court by Renzo Piano

The restored, classic perfection of Pierpont Morgan's Rotunda

Imagine standing beneath the beauty of the Rotunda's domed ceiling

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Morgan Library & Museum

Location:

Style: Social Gatherings

A national landmark and a New York City public institution for over 80 years, the Morgan Library & Museum offers both historic and contemporary venues for corporate entertaining

The Morgan Library & Museum in New York was originally the Manhattan residence of financier Pierpont Morgan. Pierpont was the only surviving son of Junius Morgan, a successful businessman and investment banker. Pierpont followed his father’s footsteps and at the age of 20 had his first apprentice job. Father and son worked together for 30 years arranging financing for America’s growing economy.

In 1882, the (younger) Morgan Family moved into what would be their New York City residence throughout Pierpont’s life — a brownstone at 219 Madison Avenue. Pierpont was an avid collector with specific interests in books and manuscripts. And he had the means to acquire art on a large scale.

The Morgan home soon became insufficient to house Pierpont’s growing collection. In 1902, the highly-acclaimed architectural firm of McKim Mead and White were retained to design a new building to house Pierpont’s artwork. This was not to be a brownstone, “I want a gem,” Pierpont declared. Indeed it was to be. “Mr. Morgan’s Library” as it became known, was completed in 1906.

The masterpiece of the McKim building is the Library. The ornately-painted ceilings illustrate the constellations and the signs of the zodiac. Located over the entrance doorway are Pierpont’s “lucky stars,”  emphasizing when he was born and when he married his wife Fanny. Other featured historic rooms include the Rotunda, a classic circular room with domed ceiling, and the Study, Pierpont’s private consulting room.

Throughout the mid-20^th century the museum continued to grow and in 2000, the decision was made to construct a modern wing. New York-based architects Beyer Blinder Belle and Italian architect Renzo Piano collaborated to restore the historic spaces and integrate them with a new building — of metal and glass. The Morgan Library as we see it today now includes a new museum entrance, performance hall, galleries, and Piano’s light-filled Gilbert Court.

Several of the original historic spaces including the Library, Rotunda, private parlours, and the Gilbert Court are available for social and corporate receptions.

Image source: the Morgan Library and Museum