Rose Reading Room Awarded Landmarks Designation

MIDTOWN MANHATTAN, NY — One of the most iconic spaces in the New York Public Library's Fifth Avenue main branch was awarded landmarks designation Tuesday morning.

The city Landmarks Preservation Commission voted unanimously to award the designation to the Rose Reading Room inside the NYPL's Schwarzman Building, the commission told Patch. The vote brings closure to a movement to protect the space which started in 2013. The Bill Blass Public Catalog Room was also awarded landmarks designation, according to the LPC.

"The Rose Main Reading Room and the Bill Blass Public Catalog Room are the most majestic interiors in New York City, even rivaling the interiors of Grand Central Terminal— another beloved New York City Landmark," LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan said in a statement.

The Rose Reading Room reopened in 2016 after a nearly two-year-long renovation and restoration project, according to the NYPL. The grand space features row upon row of tables in a space dedicated to quiet reading and studies. The Rose Reading Room's high ceilings, giant arched windows and decorative ceiling make it one of the most notable spaces in the entire New York Public Library system.

The room contains distinct architectural features such as molded plaster ceilings, arched windows, imitation Caen-stone walls, quarry tile and marble floors, and wood and bronze finishes, according to the LPC.

"The New York Public Library applauds today's vote to officially designate the Rose Main Reading Room and Bill Blass Public Catalog Room as New York City interior landmarks," New York Public Library President Tony Marx said in a statement.

"For over a century, we have been proud, dedicated stewards of these architectural and civic treasures, and will continue to preserve and protect them with the respect and care that they require and deserve. We thank the Landmarks Preservation Commission for partnering with us in our mission to ensure that these beautiful, unique rooms inspire visitors now and for generations to come."

The Rose Reading Room and Bill Blass Public Catalog Room are the 120th interior landmarks in New York City.

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