“Patience” and “Fortitude”. This is how Fiorello LaGuardia nicknamed in the 1930s the two enormous lion sculptures framing the entrance to the main building of the New York Public Library. A way for the mayor of the city (1934-1945) to pay tribute to the resistance of the inhabitants during the Great Depression. Patience and courage are also embodied in this temple of knowledge in numerous works. A refuge value. A rock. A certainty. A hope.
With more than 65 million items throughout its network, the New York Public Library is the second largest library in the United States after the Library of Congress.
It was created in the late 19th century through a $2.4 million bequest by Samuel J. Tilden and a $5.2 million gift from Andrew Carnegie. While the New York Public Library is spread over 89 locations, it is primarily embodied by its main building on 5th avenue.
Inaugurated in 1911 after 14 years of construction, this imposing Beaux-Arts-style building is a must-see. The highlight of the visit is the Rose Reading Room, the huge reading room on the top floor.
The building has been renamed The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building in honour of the billionaire philanthropist who donated $100 million in 2008 to fund the building’s expansion using part of the galleries under Bryant Park.
Step into the shoes of Peter Parker with this adult Spider-Man costume inspired by the movies. Several variations are available (Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Amazing Spider-Man and Spider-Man trilogy in the MCU) so you can dress up as your favorite Spider-Man!
