
One enters the Morgan on Madison Avenue, through a marble and glass atrium with a stand of bamboo visible on the far end. It is light and airy, but there is no clear direction for the museum visit. After the ticket counter, one has 3 choices where to begin: the original mansion featuring Mr. Morgan's sumptuous study and library, the petite "Clare Eddy Thaw Gallery" showcasing the superb medieval collection, or the new exhibition spaces intended for temporary shows. Also located in the new entrance is a café (20 minute wait for a table for 2 for lunch) and downstairs is an auditorium and education center.

The visitor then moves into the gallery devoted to Illuminated Manuscripts and Books. Being as Mr. Morgan was a true bibliophile, this collection is superb. With outstanding examples of printed works from Bibles to livres d'artistes, one can see the biggest single private collection of 15th Century Milanese Tarot cards, Volume 1 (on display from the complete set of 20) of Edward Curtis' photojournal "The North American Indian", 1907-1930, and the original "Frankenstein" manuscript by Mary Shelley, all in one room!
Moving upstairs one enters the Engelhard Gallery which currently features an exhibition of original music and literary manuscripts. The most stunning object is an original score by Mozart, composed in 1782, and given to Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria for his birthday in 1865, in a presentation case of silver and velvet worthy of its recipient. Also interesting are original drawings for the Babar children's books, notes and drawings by Alexander Calder and a hand written manuscript by Jane Austin.
The "new" Morgan is indeed splendid and well worth a visit, however, in all honesty, I was under-whelmed by the much touted Piano addition. Basically no more exciting than a hotel lobby, it remains the original collection assembled by Mr. Pierpont Morgan that astonishes the observer with its quality, connoisseurship and intellectual stimulation.
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