New York Public Library

New York Public Library Jill Kupin Rose Gallery

For Chermayeff & Geismar, the challenge was to create a permanent exhibition that celebrates the history, collections and public programs of one of New York’s most important cultural institutions.

Situated along the grand marble corridor that runs the length of the library’s second floor, the exhibition casework is designed to act as a light fixture to illuminate the corridor. Large backlit photographs act as “chapter headings,” creating a quiet, dramatic contrast to the detailed information below. Rare photographs, artifacts and film, along with graphics and carefully rendered facsimiles of rare books and documents, evoke the library’s history, showcase its treasures and explain how it operates.

Design Team

Ivan Chermayeff, John Grady (Principals in Charge); Herman Eberhardt, Andrea Ferraro, Thomas Ferraro, Fabio Gherardi, Robert Henry, Steve Light, Charlotte Noruzi, Chris Rover, Julie Walsh Consultants: Vincent Calabella, Rebecca Cooney, Richard Fahey, Phillip Greenberg, Chris Maynard (photography); RBH Multimedia (video production); Fisher Marantz Stone (lighting; Davis Brody Bond (architects)

Design Firm

Chermayeff & Geismar

Fabricators

EXPLUS Incorporated, Exhibitology