Can you imagine being a college student and attending an enclosed, 32 acre, 19th century Ivy League campus and having NYC at your fingertips? Welcome to Columbia University located in Morningside Heights, just north of my neighborhood – the Upper West Side. The university was founded in 1754 and is the oldest institution of higher learning in New York and the fifth oldest in the United States.
It was the architecture that enticed me there. And…they just happened to be in the process of setting up for graduation. One can only imagine this setting a few days later at the commencement ceremony. Even the Empire State Building is lit in blue and white in honor of the graduates. Later I read there was a 63-year age difference separating the oldest and youngest graduates. At one end was an 83-year-old getting his Ph.D. that was started in the 1950s. The youngest, who will earn a B.A. in economics and mathematics, will turn 20 this month. How inspiring!
walking down the steps of the low library overlooking low plaza
There are various options for tours and you can learn about them here. I chose to take the self guided tour. It’s as easy as printing out the information at home or picking one up at the visitor’s center. With the walking tour, you’ll only have access to the Low Memorial Library and St. Paul’s Chapel which was perfect since the weather was beautiful and I really just wanted to stroll the campus and take in the sights.
inside the low memorial library
The dome of St. Paul’s Chapel is complete with salmon Guastavino tiles which can also be found in Grand Central Terminal, Carnegie Hall and the Cathedral of St. John Divine.
st. paul’s chapel
Can you imagine having your first year residence right in the heart of this 32 acre campus?
moving out day
There are many interesting facts and tidbits you’ll take in on this tour…as much or as little as you want to learn! It was certainly a morning well spent!
Beautiful and very interesting. Thanks for sharing. XXOO
Thanks my dear! xoxo
Now why didn’t I think of that before, Robin! My mom got her Master’s at Columbia back in the 30s…a woman before her time. THAT is one place I’d love to see with my own eyes when we visit you, if you don’t mind going back again. And doing the self-guided walking tour would be perfect for us both. WOW. I’d love to see where Mom walked!
Now how cool is that! Why of course! We will go when you and Astrid visit!
Nice visit of this famous university thanks for sharing
Thanks Noel! Really enjoy your photography too!
Great post, Robin, about an amazing university!
Thanks so much Mary!
What a beautiful place, and I love the idea of that 80 year old finishing his PhD. Learning is ageless isn’t it. At least I hope so
I can not believe the amazing places at your fingertips! No wonder you love this city ~ thanks for sharing so much.
Friends of my sons are studying there….we all turned green with envy! It is such a privilege to be there AND New York at your fingertips.Nice images.
My favourite is the second shot I love it
Crisp and gorgeous as usual!