Rosenbach Museum & Library, Philadelphia

The Rosenbach Museum & Library in Philadelphia is a unique cultural institution housed within two 19th-century townhouses. It features the extensive collections of Philip and Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach, prominent figures in rare books, manuscripts, and decorative arts in the early 20th century. The Rosenbach Company played a pivotal role in building prestigious libraries like Harvard's Widener, The Huntington, and the Folger Shakespeare Library.

The museum is notable for its authentic presentation of the Rosenbach brothers' living quarters. It features an impressive array of 18th-century English furniture, with pieces from celebrated makers like Chippendale, Vile, Adam, Hepplewhite, and Sheraton. Additionally, it contains rare pieces such as an olivewood box crafted for Charles II, an American recamier sofa by Samuel McIntire, and exquisite English silver and gold items from the 17th and mid-18th centuries, including works by Paul Storr and Hester Bateman, along with items linked to the British royal family.

The Rosenbach's art collection is equally remarkable, encompassing over a thousand portrait miniatures, including one of James I by Nicholas Hilliard, and a rich selection of 18th-century porcelain, glass, paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

The library aspect of the Rosenbach is equally impressive, housing over 130,000 manuscripts and 30,000 rare books. It's divided into two main libraries: the East library, housing Shakespeare's second folio, Bram Stoker's "Dracula" notes, and James Joyce's "Ulysses" manuscript. The West library specializes in American literature, featuring the only surviving copy of Benjamin Franklin's "Poor Richard's Almanac" and America's first printed book.

In 2013, the Rosenbach became a subsidiary of the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, but it continues to operate independently with its own board, maintaining its unique character as a bridge between a public museum and a scholarly research library.