Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Also known as: 135th Street Branch Library
Why it's listed
At 103 West 135th Street in Harlem stands a three-story, five-bay cut stone building designed by McKim, Mead, and White and opened in 1905 as the 135th Street Branch of the New York Public Library. Its Renaissance Revival facade, modeled on an Italian palazzo, has a rusticated lower level, smooth upper floors, a large Palladian window and four pilasters beneath broad eaves. Inside, a fine vestibule and a cast and wrought iron staircase stand out. The building matters mainly for what it holds. As Harlem became a major Black community after 1905, the branch began collecting materials on Black history, art and literature during World War I. A Department of Negro Literature and History opened by 1925, and in 1926 Carnegie Corporation funds bought Arthur Schomburg's collection. Renamed the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in 1972, it serves neighborhood residents and scholars. The adjoining Countee Cullen Branch of 1942 is excluded.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is nationally significant as a long-standing site for documenting the Black experience. Since World War I the branch has collected materials on Black history, art and literature for Harlem residents and scholars worldwide. The building is also described as a pleasing example of McKim, Mead, and White's Renaissance Revival work.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 78001881, listed September 21, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 103 W. 135th St., New York |
|---|---|
| County | Manhattan |
| Listed | September 21, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78001881 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- (specific date 1905) |
| Architect / builder | McKim, Mead, and White |
| Architectural style | Renaissance Revival |
| Areas of significance | Black, Education |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Listed as occupied, in good condition, and in museum/educational use; owned by the New York Public Library. |
| Acreage | 0.1 |
| Within district | Central Harlem North Historic District |
| Coordinates | 40.81461, -73.94111 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 78001881.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikidata Q28739775
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.