Columbia University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. Founded during the British colonial era, it was initially known as King's College. Over the years, Columbia has grown into a world-renowned institution, recognized for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life.
The university's history is deeply intertwined with the development of New York City and the nation. Originally established in 1754 under a royal charter from King George II, it was renamed Columbia College after the American Revolution. This change reflected the new nation's spirit of independence and its shift away from colonial ties.
Located in the bustling city of New York, Columbia University offers a dynamic urban campus that blends historic architecture with modern facilities. Its academic departments are consistently ranked among the top in the world, catering to students from diverse backgrounds who come to study a wide range of disciplines.
Over the centuries, Columbia has produced an impressive roster of alumni, including U.S. Presidents, Nobel laureates, and influential leaders in various fields. The university's emphasis on fostering a community of thinkers and innovators is evident in the success and contributions of its graduates.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbia_University
From its intersection with Park Row (just east of City Hall) you can walk (takes about 20-30 minutes each way), bike, or drive across the historic and iconic bridge to Brooklyn. The view from the bridge is quite lovely, with excellent views of Lower Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn and good views of Midtown and the New York Harbor in the distance.
The first museum in the U.S. devoted to artists of African descent. Temporarily relocated from 144 W 125th St building for construction of new museum building.
Constructed between 1858 and 1862, the Reservoir is a vast urban lake that covers 106 acres of Central Park and is the largest body of water within Manhattan. Renamed the "Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir" in 1994, the Reservoir is probably best known for the 1.58 mile track that runs around its edge and which is a favorite for joggers, who can both run and enjoy the spectacular views of the city skyline.
The historic heart of the Financial District and the home of the New York Stock Exchange, Wall Street is a metonym for American big business, stock trading and the entire financial industry, although most New York financial firms are no longer headquartered on the street itself, but housed nearby in new offices, and some have moved to Jersey City. A narrow street running downhill from Broadway to the East River, Wall Street was named for the wall that was built here in 1652 to keep Manhattan's indigenous peoples out of the growing Dutch settlement. The wall was demolished by the British in 1699. By the late 18th century, traders and speculators would gather under a buttonwood tree at the foot of Wall Street to trade informally - this was the origin of the New York Stock Exchange that was established in 1817.
A children's museum home to exhibits featuring Adventures with Dora & Diego.
None of Central Park is actual virgin forest, but this is the closest any part of the park gets to feeling like genuine forest. It is beautiful and cool in hot weather. However, like a real forest, it is a mosquito habitat, so make sure to use insect repellent before walking through this part of the park.
The Manhattan Bridge, just a bit to the east of the Brooklyn Bridge, with signposted access from Jay St. slightly over 4 blocks north (toward the river) of Tillary St., can also be crossed by pedestrians and cyclists, but if you do so, you will be rattled by passing subway trains that traverse the bridge, your view will be partly obstructed by mesh, and you won't be in a position to see much to the north of the bridge (so no great views of the Midtown skyline like you get from the Brooklyn Bridge walkway). It's still worth doing if you have enough time, though, partly because of the views of the Brooklyn Bridge that you can see from the Manhattan Bridge. As of November 2021, construction is taking place on the bridge; it narrows the path pedestrians and cyclists share in places, but access is otherwise unimpeded.
Get up close to over 200 lifelike wax figures of the biggest stars and icons in entertainment, sports and history.
Exhibits on the history of highrise and skyscraper construction.
One of the foremost conservatories of those disciplines in the United States.
The One World Trade Center skyscraper rises 1,776 feet above the street and is the tallest building in the United States (and for that matter, the Western Hemisphere). Despite its colossal size, its simple design allows it to blend remarkably well into the Lower Manhattan skyline. An observation deck on the top floors offers 360-degree views of the city.
The only US museum devoted to Puerto Rican culture.