36th Street, Between Madison and Park avenues
Charles McKim of McKim, Meade, & White
Date Constructed: 1906

Financier J.P. Morgan had this magnificent structure built next to his Madison Avenue townhouse in 1906; it housed his vast collection of books and art as well as his private study. After his death, it became a public reference library and museum. Architect Charles Mckim designed the library along strong classical lines, with walls of marble blocks that were precision–cut and fitted without mortar.