6. The Morgan Library’s ceiling includes zodiac signs corresponding to J.P. Morgan’s life
The Morgan Library & Museum was built between 1902 and 1906 next to J.P. Morgan’s New York residence on Madison Avenue and 36th Street. Often called “Mr. Morgan’s Library,” it served as his private study until 1924 when his son gifted the library to the public. The library employed Belle da Costa Greene, whose father Richard was the first African American graduate of Harvard. It was in his study that Morgan dealt with the aftermath of the Panic of 1907. The Annex Building replaced Morgan’s residence with the addition of a gallery and a garden. In 2006, there was an addition of an Italian-inspired piazza crafted by architect Renzo Piano, connecting the library’s three buildings with steel and glass pavilions.
The library is filled with dozens of secrets, starting with the ceiling, which contains zodiac signs. The two signs above the entrance are Aries and Gemini, representing his birthdate and second marriage. Aquarius is positioned across from Gemini, symbolizing the month in which his first wife died. Aries sits across from Libra, the sign he was assigned upon joining the secret Zodiac Club. In addition, there are also (somewhat) secret doors by walnut bookcases near the entrance, which lead to concealed staircases. The library contains an original Gutenberg Bible, a bell from Morgan’s yacht, a medieval tarot card deck, and letters of Henry James, among thousands of other historic documents.