Morgan Library and Museum
Built in 1906 as the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, this Beaux-Arts landmark on Madison Avenue is now a public museum housing rare manuscripts, drawings, and historic books. Inside, the East Room is the real showpiece, a three-story rotunda of ornate bronze balconies, painted ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves that reward a wide-angle lens. Shoot upward from the center of the room to capture the full height and symmetry of the space, and look for detail shots of the gilded trim, antique globe, and richly colored frescoes. Natural light filters in softly during the day, but the warm interior lighting is consistent and flattering at any hour. Arrive when the museum opens to get the East Room before crowds fill the frame. A 16-35mm lens handles the grand interior well, while a 50mm is useful for tighter architectural details. Photography is permitted without flash in most areas. (New York City, New York, United States)
