J.P. Morgan's New York City Hideaway: The Modern-Day Magic of The Morgan

Back in 1880, old J.P. Morgan laid eyes on a fancy schmancy mansion in the heart of New York City, deciding 'mine's the spot'. It had been the humble abode of the Phelps clan, but they'd wisely tapped an architectural dream team – McKim, Mead, and White – to design it. Charles McKim himself, hailing from downtown, was put in charge of turning it into a resplendent museum, and by 1882, it was all move-in ready for ol' J.P. He began filling it with trinkets plucked from Europe – handwriting examples, ancient tomes, manuscripts, and luminous documents.

We're not jesting; we're talking centuries-old stuff, unboxed and shiny. By 1900, the treasures amassed by J.P. were so extensive they found a temporary lodging at the Lenox Library. Then, in 1906, the library underwent a permanent upgrade, and J.P. added extra space in 1928, 1962, and 1991. You might have thought it was simply a library, but in 1924, following J.P.'s departure, it was thrown open to the public as per his last wishes. The thrilling transformation didn't happen until 2006; it was rechristened 'The Morgan Library & Museum.

So, if you're anticipating a droll, art museum that'll put you to sleep, forget about it; you're in for a delightful adventure! This expansive, six-storey building, with its tender blend of architecture and art, will have even the most discerning art enthusiasts rubbing their chins in bewildered contemplation.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons