NYC’s Best-Kept Secret: Free Museum Access & the Incredible Story of Belle da Costa Greene

Belle Da Costa Greene was known for her style and fashion. "Just because I am a librarian doesn't mean I have to dress like one," Greene once said.

New York City is home to some of the most incredible cultural institutions in the world, and one of the best ways to experience them is through the Culture Pass program. If you’re a New Yorker with a library card, you have free access to more than 80 museums, gardens, and cultural sites across the five boroughs. I used this underrated gem for the first time to visit The Morgan Library & Museum and explore the Belle da Costa Greene exhibit. Open until May 5, it's a fascinating glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most influential women in the art world.

Who Was Belle da Costa Greene?

Greene has a complicated history and a lasting legacy.

Belle da Costa Greene was a force. As the personal librarian to John Pierpont Morgan — the financier behind J.P. Morgan Chase Bank — and later the director of The Morgan Library, she played a pivotal role in shaping its world-renowned collection of rare manuscripts, books, and artwork. Her story is even more compelling because she was a Black woman passing as white in early 20th-century America. Born Belle Marion Greener, she adopted the name da Costa to obscure her African American heritage, allowing her to navigate spaces that would have otherwise been closed to her due to the racial barriers of the time.

Greene came from a distinguished lineage of free Black people. Her father, Richard Theodore Greener, was the first Black graduate of Harvard University and a prominent educator, diplomat, and lawyer. He was deeply involved in civil rights and worked to advance opportunities for Black Americans during Reconstruction. Despite this background, Belle and her family chose to pass as white, a decision that afforded her access to elite institutions but also required her to sever ties with parts of her identity.

The exhibit, titled “Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy,” showcases her remarkable career, highlighting her acquisitions, personal letters, and photographs. She was known for her impeccable taste, charm, and strategic mind, which helped her amass one of the most impressive private library collections in history.

"J.P. is so well trained now that he rarely ever buys a book or manuscript without consulting me by cable or letter first," Greene once famously stated.

Greene made headlines throughout her storied career.

The Magic of the Culture Pass

My visit to The Morgan Library was made even more special because it was free, thanks to Culture Pass. If you’re unfamiliar, Culture Pass is a program available to New Yorkers with library cards from the Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, or Queens Public Library. It grants free admission to cultural institutions like the Guggenheim Museum, The Met Cloisters, MoMA PS1, and more.

The process is simple:

1. Log into the Culture Pass website with your library card credentials.

2. Browse available passes for different museums and attractions.

3. Reserve a pass for your desired date.

4. Show your pass at the venue and enjoy your free visit!

It’s honestly one of the best-kept secrets for NYC residents who love museums and cultural experiences but don’t always want to pay the hefty admission fees.

Sign at the entrance of The Morgan Library & Museum located on Madison Ave. between 36th & 37th streets.

Why You Should Visit The Morgan Library & Museum

Even beyond the Belle da Costa Greene exhibit, The Morgan Library is a breathtaking space. Originally the private library of financier J.P. Morgan, it’s a sanctuary for book lovers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts alike. The library’s main reading room, with its ornate wood paneling, towering bookshelves, and celestial ceilings, looks like something out of a fairytale. Every corner of the museum is filled with history, from rare literary manuscripts to stunning artwork and historical documents.

Whether you’re interested in rare books and historical archives or just want to bask in the opulence of the Gilded Age, The Morgan is worth a visit.

If you have a NYC public library card, I highly recommend exploring the program and planning your own free cultural excursions. Whether it’s a trip to The Morgan, a stroll through The Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image, a world of experiences is waiting for you — all for free.

Have you used Culture Pass before? If so, what’s been your favorite spot to visit? Let me know in the comments!