Situated boldly within the heart of Manhattan, is the prestigious City University of New York Graduate Center (CUNY GC). Renowned for its significant contribution to research and doctoral studies, this grand institution is cocooned by the buzzing 5th Avenue and 34th Street, a stone’s throw away from the iconic Empire State Building. Hosting a vibrant academic community that spans across various domains and disciplines, it is a crucible of intellectual exchange and cutting-edge scholarship.
Established in 1961, the CUNY GC currently resides in a landmark building that previously functioned as the B. Altman and Company Department Store. This picturesque edifice dates back to 1906, and was acclaimed for its exceptional Beaux-Arts architectural style, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the years, CUNY GC has transformed its abundant 490,000 square feet into a thriving educational ecosystem, while preserving the historic charm and legend of its predecessor.
The CUNY GC boasts of a rich array of scholarly features and intellectual pursuits. One of its most remarkable characteristics is the Advanced Science Research Center (ASRC), which is devoted to transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries to foster discovery in five distinctive research initiatives. It is home to the CUNY School of Professional Studies, the CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies, and the GC Digital Initiatives, offering a wide spectrum of research and doctoral programs. Also, the university has an impressive public programming schedule with lectures, seminars, and arts events that foster a lively discourse within the bustling metropolis.
In addition to this, The Martin E. Segal Theatre Center, a part of the CUNY GC, is a significant spotlight for theatre students offering an array of public events, all of them free. The Mina Rees Library housed within the graduate center is a treasure trove containing more than 200,000 print volumes and vast electronic resources. The building’s rooftop is equally captivating, offering panoramic views of the classic Manhattan skyline, including the illustrious Empire State Building.
Ultimately, the visit to the CUNY Graduate Center is a dive into the world of academia, set within a historic architectural gem in the city that never sleeps. It provides a glimpse of a dynamic community of scholars, researchers, theater enthusiasts, budding professionals, and artists who are shaping the future and revisiting the past, all under one monumental roof. Its unique integration of scholarship, location, architecture and history create an impressive point of interest for those visiting New York City. Whether you're an academic, a student, a history connoisseur or simply a curious traveler seeking a unique slice of Manhattan's cultural landscape, the CUNY Graduate Center is a compelling stop on your itinerary.
