The collection consists of approximately 2100 items, the complete contents of Bernstein's composition studio in Fairfield, Connecticut . It includes his furniture; office supplies; recordings by Bernstein and other musicians; books, some of which are signed by the authors or Bernstein's friends; artwork and posters, either decorative or relating to performances in which he was conductor or composer; numerous certificates and awards, including Grammys and honorary doctorates; and other personal objects collected throughout Bernstein's life.
The materials in the collection were created between the 16th and 21st centuries, but primarily during Bernstein's career, approximately 1940-1990 .