Gotham Book Mart

About

The Gotham Book Mart was a Midtown Manhattan bookstore and cultural landmark that operated from 1920 to 2007. The business was located first in a small basement space on West 45th Street near the Theater District in Manhattan; it later spent many years at 41 West 47th Street within the Diamond District, before finally moving to 16 East 46th Street.

Beyond merely selling books, the store virtually functioned as a literary salon, hosting poetry and author readings, art exhibits, and more. It was known for its distinctive sign above the door, which read, "Wise Men Fish Here" (sign created by artist John Held Jr.). The store specialized in poetry, literature, books about theater, art, music, and dance. It sold both new books as well as out-of-print and rare books.