nypl’s beaux-arts style
By paul April 3rd, 2008 Posted in: Spotlight
Following a nine-month, $5-million renovation, the New York Public Library’s Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division reopened in December. Davis Brody Bond’s renovation impeccably restored the historic 7,000-square-foot space to the Beaux-Arts glory of Carrère and Hastings’ original design while integrating the latest technology for advanced geographical research. One of the most stunning elements of the elegant 40 x 35-foot reading room is the restored Beaux-Arts painted plaster ceiling ornamented with carved black walnut wall trim and four bronze chandeliers. Nearly every surface of the space was restored, from the antique red quarry floor tiles to massive arched bronze windows and walnut reading tables. Lighting was updated by replacing fluorescent table lamps, which previously hindered unfolding large maps, with recessed ceiling lights. Technological improvements, including high-speed computers, facilitate accessing the library’s renowned collection of 420,000 maps and atlases. But even if you aren’t planning a geography lesson, visiting NYPL’s Map Division is definitely worth the trip. Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division, Room 117, Humanities and Social Sciences Library, 212.930.0587, www.nypl.org