Graphic designer Wael Morcos examines the history of Arabic typography in the Library’s latest exhibition.

Registration for this event has sold out. A limited number of standby tickets may be available on the day of the event.

Drawing on early 20th-century Arabic newspapers and books featured in the Library’s latest exhibition Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City, Wael Morcos, the designer behind the exhibition’s typography, explores how Arabic type evolved in New York. Morcos highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Middle Eastern and North African creatives to the field, revealing a rich history of Arabic print in the city and its impact on visual culture.

Niyū Yūrk: Middle Eastern and North African Lives in the City is on view in the Celeste Gottesman Bartos and Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos Exhibitions Gallery until March 8, 2026.

To join | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open around 1:30 PM. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Wael Morcos is a graphic and type designer from Beirut, Lebanon, and co-founder of the design studio Morcos Key, and the designer behind the two NYPL displays The People’s Qur’an and Niyū Yūrk. Morcos received his BA in Graphic Design from Notre Dame University (Lebanon) and his MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). His work has been recognized by Print Magazine’s 15 Under 30, the Art Directors Club (Young Guns), and the Type Directors Club (Ascenders).

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ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service at least two weeks in advance of the event: please submit your request via this form. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Courtesy Wael Morcos