Restoration of J. Pierpont Morgan’s Library: Lighting

The Morgan will be seen in a new light! An important part of our project to restore the 1906 McKim, Mead, & White-designed library and improve the site surrounding it is a lighting design by New York City-based lighting designer Linnaea Tillett. The new lighting will enhance and accentuate the neo-classical architecture and the new garden.

As a New York City native who was born and raised in Manhattan, Linnaea Tillett grew up visiting the Morgan. From the start of the project, Tillett viewed the lighting design as an opportunity to bring magic to the Morgan. Through a sensitive approach, she has created a scheme that considers the competing elements: the densely populated surrounding neighborhood; the harsh New York City LED street lights; the architecture of the J. Pierpont Morgan Library building; and the new garden on the campus of the Morgan. Her work highlights the dimensionality of the library’s entrance, sculptures, architecture, and the garden to bring a warm, welcoming view from the street for all to enjoy.

Lead sponsorship provided by the Charina Endowment Fund, Inc., Sherman Fairchild Foundation, Inc., @morgan.stanley, Katharine J. Rayner, Mrs. Oscar de la Renta, The Thompson Family Foundation, Inc., and public funds from the City of New York through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, with support from Mayor Bill de Blasio, City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, and Council Member Keith Powers. #morganlibrary #nyc #architecture #linnaeatillett