into a contract with the Museum for the occupation 

 by it of the buildings erected or to be erected on the 

 square, and for transferring thereto and establishing 

 and maintaining therein its museum, library and col- 

 lections, and carrying out the objects and purposes set 

 forth in its charter. In compliance with the pro- 

 visions of this law, an agreement has been made with 

 the Department, which is hereto annexed, and pro- 

 vides, among other things, that the Museum shall en- 

 joy the exclusive use of the whole of said building, 

 under rules and regulations contained in the contract ; 

 that its exhibition halls shall be open to the public, 

 free of charge, on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 

 Saturday of each week, and on Monday and Tuesday 

 to subscribers and students ; and that the Trustees 

 may appoint, direct, control and remove all persons 

 employed in the building and the museum, library and 

 collections therein contained. 



The directors of the principal museums in America, 

 and a number of scientific gentlemen connected with 

 similar institutions in Europe, have already carefully 

 examined the structure, and pronounce it particularly 

 satisfactory, in respect to light, space, durability, ele- 

 gance of finish, and every convenience for the visitor 

 and the scientific student. 



This edifice was opened to the public, by the Presi- 

 dent of the United States, on the 22d day of Decem- 

 ber, in the presence of the Trustees, the Commissioners 

 of Public Parks, the State and City authorities, and a 

 large assemblage of our most prominent citizens, and 

 scientific men of the country. Addresses were deliv- 

 ered on that occasion by Robert L. Stuart, Esq., 

 President of the Museum ; Hon. W. R. Martin, Presi- 

 dent of the Department of Public Parks ; President 



