New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building
This building holds the largest botanical library in the western hemisphere.
The LuEsther T. Mertz Library Building, a New York City Landmark, was designed in 1896 by Robert W. Gibson (1854-1927) and completed in 1901. The Beaux-Arts design is classically inspired, with Corinthian columns, ornamental scrolls and garlands, and a green copper dome. Look for the seals above the three entrances; from left to right, they are the seals of the United States, New York City, and New York State. In the center of the third story is the seal of The New York Botanical Garden.
When the building first opened, it housed the library, herbarium (collection of dried plants and fungi), and a museum. It was considered the largest museum in the world dedicated entirely to botany. Thomas Edison (1847-1931), who was a member of NYBG's Board of Managers, was among the scientists who kept an office and conducted research here. Today the Library Building holds NYBG offices, art and science galleries, and the LuEsther T. Mertz Library, which is one of the most comprehensive botanical and horticultural libraries in the world.
The Library is on the sixth floor and is open to the public, offering exhibits of rare books and a circulating Members' Library in addition to its extensive research collections. Check the daily handout
this page online
Erected by New York Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Landmarks • Science & Medicine. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.
Location. 40° 51.996′ N, 73° 52.759′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in New York Botanical Garden. It can be reached from Webster Avenue east of Bedford Park Boulevard, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx NY 10467, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mother Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Lillian Goldman Fountain of Life, 1905 (within shouting distance of this marker); Tulip Tree (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); John J. Hoffee Tulip Tree Allιe (about 400 feet away); Solar Canopies (about 400 feet away); Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Arthur and Janet Ross Conifer Arboretum (about 500 feet away); Flowering Cherries (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 15, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 238 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 15, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
