what a delight, to return to the much heralded morgan library. i have not had the opportunity to revisit the renzo-piano revived structure, which is both intimate and grand at the same time. and, more critically, i have been fantasizing about having lunch at the morgan dining room, which is a jewel of a space beckoning museum-goers with it's appropriate scale, lovely menu, and welcoming lighting.
so this past friday, i am treated to a rare day of no conflicts - kids in a good place, i zip into the city with my partner in crime. the wet nature of the day calls for an indoor one-hit wonder, and as we are just a few steps away from this venerable institution, we swing by, relieving ourselves of the outside world and our now dampened coats.
what a treat. the space, which joins three distinct morgan buildings, is not so much a building as it is a wrapper - it pulls together these structures, and creates a plaza which is airy, volumetric, and just right. filled with light, which filters in from many directions, it does not have the feeling of a 'mall' - rather, it is thoughtfully crafted, with views through and out to the bustle of madison avenue, or serenely to a bamboo laced garden.
the study, a cubic space masculine and commanding in nature, is imposing and grand. it's historic character is well preserved, and despite it's age it seems mysteriously modern. the librarian's office, likewise crisp and clean - bold too in it's inherent simplicity. and the archival library, which rises up with two hugging mezzanines and internal (inaccessible) staircases, is pure poetry - particularly for anyone in love with books (or filing, for that matter).
the residual gallery spaces and theater offer themselves up for less particular events - they have the ability to transform and adapt - on this particular day, drawings from the uffizi gallery in firenze are fittingly on fine view.
all this, capped off with an absolutely stellar lunch at the cozy dining room - which incidentally fills up quickly on days like these, with well-heeled patrons looking for a delicious mushroom tarte, glass of wine, and lavender creme brulée. excellent and informative service, complimentary frappé tastings, a spectacular variety of breads - all most welcome on a wet friday afternoon.
so this past friday, i am treated to a rare day of no conflicts - kids in a good place, i zip into the city with my partner in crime. the wet nature of the day calls for an indoor one-hit wonder, and as we are just a few steps away from this venerable institution, we swing by, relieving ourselves of the outside world and our now dampened coats.
what a treat. the space, which joins three distinct morgan buildings, is not so much a building as it is a wrapper - it pulls together these structures, and creates a plaza which is airy, volumetric, and just right. filled with light, which filters in from many directions, it does not have the feeling of a 'mall' - rather, it is thoughtfully crafted, with views through and out to the bustle of madison avenue, or serenely to a bamboo laced garden.
the study, a cubic space masculine and commanding in nature, is imposing and grand. it's historic character is well preserved, and despite it's age it seems mysteriously modern. the librarian's office, likewise crisp and clean - bold too in it's inherent simplicity. and the archival library, which rises up with two hugging mezzanines and internal (inaccessible) staircases, is pure poetry - particularly for anyone in love with books (or filing, for that matter).
the residual gallery spaces and theater offer themselves up for less particular events - they have the ability to transform and adapt - on this particular day, drawings from the uffizi gallery in firenze are fittingly on fine view.
all this, capped off with an absolutely stellar lunch at the cozy dining room - which incidentally fills up quickly on days like these, with well-heeled patrons looking for a delicious mushroom tarte, glass of wine, and lavender creme brulée. excellent and informative service, complimentary frappé tastings, a spectacular variety of breads - all most welcome on a wet friday afternoon.
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