Rosenbach Museum

The Rosenbach

Type	Rare books and manuscripts museum
Address	2008-2010 Delancey Place
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	Rittenhouse Square
Phone	(215) 732-1600
Website	Official site
Established	1954
Collection	400,000 objects
Admission	Guided tours required; check website for pricing
Hours	Thu-Sat 10:30am-6pm, Sun 10:30am-4:30pm

The Rosenbach is a museum and research library at 2008-2010 Delancey Place near Rittenhouse Square, housing one of the world's great collections of rare books, manuscripts, and literary treasures. The collection includes nearly 400,000 objects, with highlights including the manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses, Lewis Carroll's own copy of Alice in Wonderland, and Bram Stoker's notes for Dracula.

History

The Rosenbach Museum was founded in 1954 from the personal collection of Dr. Abraham Simon Wolf Rosenbach (1876-1952) and his brother Philip (1863-1953). Dr. Rosenbach was the preeminent rare book dealer of his era, known for acquiring some of the most significant literary manuscripts in existence.

The museum occupies a 19th-century townhouse near Rittenhouse Square, where the Rosenbach brothers lived and conducted their rare book business. The building itself is part of the collection, preserved as an example of how a prosperous Philadelphia family lived in the early 20th century.

In 2013, the Rosenbach became affiliated with the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, uniting two of the world's preeminent collections of rare books and manuscripts.

Collection Highlights

The Rosenbach holds more than 130,000 manuscripts and 30,000 rare books, including:

Literary Manuscripts

James Joyce's Ulysses — The handwritten manuscript of one of the 20th century's most important novels, considered a premier treasure. Dr. Rosenbach acquired a first edition in 1922, smuggled into the country when the book was banned.
Bram Stoker's notes for Dracula — The author's working papers for the gothic classic
Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland — Carroll's own copy of the first edition

Historic Documents

George Washington's earliest extant letter — The first surviving letter written by the future president
Benjamin Franklin's first Poor Richard's Almanack — The only surviving copy
Milton's Paradise Lost — Tonson's assignment copy
First edition of Don Quixote — One of the earliest printings

Poetry Collections

The most extensive collection of Robert Burns manuscripts in existence
Manuscripts of William Wordsworth, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats
A celebrated love letter from Keats to Fanny Brawne
Thomas Gray's letters

Marianne Moore Collection

The Rosenbach has a special relationship with modernist poet Marianne Moore (1887-1972). The museum acquired virtually all of her manuscripts and correspondence, and when she bequeathed her belongings to the institution, her Greenwich Village apartment living room was recreated as a permanent installation. This collection earned the Rosenbach designation as a National Literary Landmark.

Visiting

The Rosenbach operates as a museum rather than a lending library. All visits require guided tours and advance tickets.

Detail	Information
Hours	Thu-Sat 10:30am-6pm, Sun 10:30am-4:30pm
Admission	Ticketed guided tours; check website for current pricing
Address	2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Accessibility	Limited; historic townhouse with stairs

Getting There

View on Google Maps

2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Rosenbach is located on the quiet, tree-lined Delancey Place, one block south of Rittenhouse Square:

Walking — Between 20th and 21st Streets on Delancey Place
SEPTA Subway — Walnut-Locust Station (Broad Street Line)
SEPTA Bus — Routes 9, 12, 21, 42

References

External Links