

One of the greatest knowledge institutions in the world opens its many doors to us in this riveting behind-the-scenes exploration.
In Ex Libris, democracy is alive and in the hands of a forceful advocate and brilliant filmmaker... one of the greatest movies of Wiseman’s extraordinary career and one of his most thrilling.
With 92 branches across the city, The New York Public Library is a vital resource – and determined to remain so in the 21st century. In this fascinating tour, we encounter passionate readers, archivists and educators, budget-focused administrators and inspiring speakers including Patti Smith and Elvis Costello. Wiseman films in grand marble foyers, crowded annexes and anonymous meeting rooms, creating a mesmerising portrait of a rich and diverse institution. There is no need for talking heads to attest to the value of NYPL’s social and cultural mission: the humble observation of people at liberty to learn, question and interact compellingly states the case – and confirms the importance of libraries everywhere.
When
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Tickets
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197 mins
Rating
Unclassified (All Ages)
Viewers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Learn more
WATCH: Directors in New York | In Conversation with Frederick Wiseman
MUBI, Sep 2017
READ: The Art of Documentary No. 1
Lola Peploe, The Paris Review, Sep 2018
LISTEN: Legendary U.S. documentarian Frederick Wiseman
The Screen Show, Jun 2022

Get multipasses to this film program
3 session pass – $33–45
6 session pass – $66–84
10 session pass – $100–120


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