Designed by Peter Harrison in 1747, the Redwood Library & Athenæum is a hybrid library, museum, rare book repository and research center. The first purpose-built library structure in America, in continuous use since its opening in March 1750, the Redwood is also the nation’s oldest Neo-classical building and a National Historic Landmark.

The Redwood holds over 200,000 books, manuscripts and art works, including its Original Collection of 751 titles, displayed in the historic Harrison Room. Also featured on permanent view are significant examples of 18th and 19th-century American art: portraits by American masters Robert Feke, John Smibert, Gilbert Stuart and Charles Bird King and a selection of sculpture, rare books and artifacts. Two fine art galleries feature rotating exhibitions, in addition to case displays and presentations of historic and contemporary material, while the Reading Room offers a welcome sanctuary for members.