Degree Programs & Library
38 West 86th St.
New York, NY 10024
212.501.3000
[email protected]
Bard Graduate Center Gallery
18 West 86th St.
New York, NY 10024
212.501.3023
[email protected]
BGC Gallery is currently closed.
About
Bard Graduate Center advances the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through its object-centered approach to teaching, research, exhibitions, publications, and events.
At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life.
Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum.
BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026.
Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College and a member of the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH).
Contact Us
212.501.3023
[email protected]
You can also stay in touch with everything that’s happening at BGC by connecting with us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletters.
At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life.
Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum.
BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026.
Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College and a member of the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH).
Contact Us
212.501.3023
[email protected]
You can also stay in touch with everything that’s happening at BGC by connecting with us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, or by signing up for our newsletters.
Directions and Public Transportation
By Bus:
M86 cross-town, M10 on Central Park West, M7 or M11 on Columbus Avenue. The MTA bus map can be found here.
By Subway:
B or C train to 86th Street and Central Park West; walk a half block west.
1 train to 86th Street and Broadway; walk two and half blocks east.
Click here to use the MTA’s Trip Planner to plan your visit and check schedules.
By Car:
On-street parking in the area is extremely limited. Several garages in the area charge hourly rates, including ones located at 87th street and Columbus, 84th street and Amsterdam, and 83rd street between Columbus and Amsterdam.
M86 cross-town, M10 on Central Park West, M7 or M11 on Columbus Avenue. The MTA bus map can be found here.
By Subway:
B or C train to 86th Street and Central Park West; walk a half block west.
1 train to 86th Street and Broadway; walk two and half blocks east.
Click here to use the MTA’s Trip Planner to plan your visit and check schedules.
By Car:
On-street parking in the area is extremely limited. Several garages in the area charge hourly rates, including ones located at 87th street and Columbus, 84th street and Amsterdam, and 83rd street between Columbus and Amsterdam.
Accessibility
In the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street
Bard Graduate Center’s event spaces are sites for understanding, thoughtful questioning, and enjoyment for all people, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the lobby outside of the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street, staff are available to answer questions about accessibility. Visitors may also email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023 for more information.
Visitors with disabilities are welcome to pay as they wish. Care partners and aids are always given complimentary admission when attending Bard Graduate Center with an individual with a disability.
Entering the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street for an Event
There are four steps up to our main entrance followed by three steps down into the main lobby. There is also an accessible entrance with no stairs to the left of the main entrance.
If you need assistance entering the building, use the call button on the left side of the accessible entrance, or dial 212-501-3002, and someone will come to your aid.
In the Lobby
Our staff will greet you as you enter. There is seating available in the lobby if you arrive before the Lecture Hall opens.
We are happy to provide a manual wheelchair (that requires a companion to push) for your convenience. Please let us know in advance the number of wheelchairs your party requires so that we have them ready when you arrive.
Bard Graduate Center does not staff a coat check; however, visitors may hang their coats in the lobby closet.
In the Lecture Hall
The Lecture Hall is on the first floor and you will enter from the lobby. There are no stairs to enter.
The Lecture Hall is wheelchair-friendly. All chairs in the Lecture Hall are portable. The chairs do not have arms.
Restrooms and Lockers
There are two individual wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains on the sixth floor, which you can reach via the wheelchair-accessible elevator in the lobby.
Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Assistive listening devices are available for all programs that take place in the Lecture Hall.
American Sign Language interpretation and CART captioning is available for Bard Graduate Center programs by request with two weeks’ notice.
To place a request for additional services, email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023. These services are provided free of charge.
Service Dogs
All service dogs are welcome.
In the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street
Bard Graduate Center Gallery’s exhibition spaces are sites for understanding, thoughtful questioning, and enjoyment for all people, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the lobby of the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street, staff are available to answer any questions about accessibility. Visitors may also email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023 for more information.
Visitors with disabilities are welcome to pay as they wish. Care partners and aids are always given complimentary admission when attending Bard Graduate Center with an individual with a disability.Visitors with Limited Mobility
Entering the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street
There are five steps up to our main entrance. There is also an accessible entrance with a ramp and wheelchair lift to the left of the main entrance.
If you need assistance entering the building, use the call button on the left side of the accessible entrance, or dial 212-501-3002, and someone will come to your aid.
In the Lobby
Our staff will greet you as you enter. The exhibition catalogue and a selection of Bard Graduate Center publications for sale in the lobby. There is some limited seating if you are waiting for a companion.
We are happy to provide large print labels and a manual wheelchair (that requires a companion to push) for your convenience. Please let us know in advance the number of wheelchairs your party requires so that we have them ready when you arrive.
In the Exhibition
The exhibition occupies the first through fourth floors of our building. There are large folding stools available on each floor for our guests’ comfort.
You can use the wheelchair-accessible elevator or the stairs or to move between floors.
Restrooms and Lockers
There is a wheelchair-accessible restroom with three stalls on the lower level and a large single-occupant wheelchair-accessible restroom on the fourth floor.
You will also find water fountains, a coat closet, and lockers where you can store your personal belongings on the lower level. The lockers require a quarter which is returned to you when you reclaim your items. If you need a quarter, our staff will happily provide you with one on request.
Bard Graduate Center is not responsible for loss or damage.
Visitors with Vision Loss
One-time use large-print labels are available and also can be downloaded from our website. Verbal description tours of exhibitions are available by request. Join a Bard Graduate Center Gallery educator in conversation and explore a selection of objects through detailed verbal description and touch.
Service Dogs
All service dogs are welcome.
Additional Services
To place a request for additional services, email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023. These services are provided free of charge.
WiFi
Connect to the BGC Gallery free WiFi network to access the audio guide and engage with digital content.
Tours
Bard Graduate Center offers tours on select Thursdays. Visit our events page for tour dates and to book.
Bard Graduate Center’s event spaces are sites for understanding, thoughtful questioning, and enjoyment for all people, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the lobby outside of the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street, staff are available to answer questions about accessibility. Visitors may also email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023 for more information.
Visitors with disabilities are welcome to pay as they wish. Care partners and aids are always given complimentary admission when attending Bard Graduate Center with an individual with a disability.
Entering the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street for an Event
There are four steps up to our main entrance followed by three steps down into the main lobby. There is also an accessible entrance with no stairs to the left of the main entrance.
If you need assistance entering the building, use the call button on the left side of the accessible entrance, or dial 212-501-3002, and someone will come to your aid.
In the Lobby
Our staff will greet you as you enter. There is seating available in the lobby if you arrive before the Lecture Hall opens.
We are happy to provide a manual wheelchair (that requires a companion to push) for your convenience. Please let us know in advance the number of wheelchairs your party requires so that we have them ready when you arrive.
Bard Graduate Center does not staff a coat check; however, visitors may hang their coats in the lobby closet.
In the Lecture Hall
The Lecture Hall is on the first floor and you will enter from the lobby. There are no stairs to enter.
The Lecture Hall is wheelchair-friendly. All chairs in the Lecture Hall are portable. The chairs do not have arms.
Restrooms and Lockers
There are two individual wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains on the sixth floor, which you can reach via the wheelchair-accessible elevator in the lobby.
Visitors Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
Assistive listening devices are available for all programs that take place in the Lecture Hall.
American Sign Language interpretation and CART captioning is available for Bard Graduate Center programs by request with two weeks’ notice.
To place a request for additional services, email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023. These services are provided free of charge.
Service Dogs
All service dogs are welcome.
In the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street
Bard Graduate Center Gallery’s exhibition spaces are sites for understanding, thoughtful questioning, and enjoyment for all people, and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
In the lobby of the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street, staff are available to answer any questions about accessibility. Visitors may also email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023 for more information.
Visitors with disabilities are welcome to pay as they wish. Care partners and aids are always given complimentary admission when attending Bard Graduate Center with an individual with a disability.Visitors with Limited Mobility
Entering the Gallery at 18 West 86th Street
There are five steps up to our main entrance. There is also an accessible entrance with a ramp and wheelchair lift to the left of the main entrance.
If you need assistance entering the building, use the call button on the left side of the accessible entrance, or dial 212-501-3002, and someone will come to your aid.
In the Lobby
Our staff will greet you as you enter. The exhibition catalogue and a selection of Bard Graduate Center publications for sale in the lobby. There is some limited seating if you are waiting for a companion.
We are happy to provide large print labels and a manual wheelchair (that requires a companion to push) for your convenience. Please let us know in advance the number of wheelchairs your party requires so that we have them ready when you arrive.
In the Exhibition
The exhibition occupies the first through fourth floors of our building. There are large folding stools available on each floor for our guests’ comfort.
You can use the wheelchair-accessible elevator or the stairs or to move between floors.
Restrooms and Lockers
There is a wheelchair-accessible restroom with three stalls on the lower level and a large single-occupant wheelchair-accessible restroom on the fourth floor.
You will also find water fountains, a coat closet, and lockers where you can store your personal belongings on the lower level. The lockers require a quarter which is returned to you when you reclaim your items. If you need a quarter, our staff will happily provide you with one on request.
Bard Graduate Center is not responsible for loss or damage.
Visitors with Vision Loss
One-time use large-print labels are available and also can be downloaded from our website. Verbal description tours of exhibitions are available by request. Join a Bard Graduate Center Gallery educator in conversation and explore a selection of objects through detailed verbal description and touch.
Service Dogs
All service dogs are welcome.
Additional Services
To place a request for additional services, email [email protected] or call 212.501.3023. These services are provided free of charge.
WiFi
Connect to the BGC Gallery free WiFi network to access the audio guide and engage with digital content.
Tours
Bard Graduate Center offers tours on select Thursdays. Visit our events page for tour dates and to book.
Events in the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street
Admission
For faster check-in, we encourage you to register or purchase tickets in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the event.
Our events often sell out, so as a kindness to others, please let us know if you cannot use your tickets. We are happy to help with refunds and exchanges. Please contact [email protected].
You can also purchase same-day tickets at the door, subject to availability.
Ticket Prices
We strive to remove barriers to attendance. If purchasing a ticket would present a financial hardship for you, please email [email protected] or call 212-501-3023. It would be our pleasure to offer you a complimentary ticket.
Complimentary Ticket Types
Students and anyone with a college or university ID
Bard Graduate Center (BGC) members
People with disabilities and their care partners
Anyone for whom purchasing tickets would create a financial hardship (see above)
Other museum / gallery staff members
American Alliance of Museums members
North American Reciprocal Museum Association members
Other Ticket Types
Seniors: $12
All Others: $15
Coat Check
Bard Graduate Center does not staff a coat check; however, visitors to the Gallery may hang their coats in the coat closet on the lower level. Visitors to the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street may use the coat closet on the first floor.
For faster check-in, we encourage you to register or purchase tickets in advance and arrive at least 15 minutes before the event.
Our events often sell out, so as a kindness to others, please let us know if you cannot use your tickets. We are happy to help with refunds and exchanges. Please contact [email protected].
You can also purchase same-day tickets at the door, subject to availability.
Ticket Prices
We strive to remove barriers to attendance. If purchasing a ticket would present a financial hardship for you, please email [email protected] or call 212-501-3023. It would be our pleasure to offer you a complimentary ticket.
Complimentary Ticket Types
Students and anyone with a college or university ID
Bard Graduate Center (BGC) members
People with disabilities and their care partners
Anyone for whom purchasing tickets would create a financial hardship (see above)
Other museum / gallery staff members
American Alliance of Museums members
North American Reciprocal Museum Association members
Other Ticket Types
Seniors: $12
All Others: $15
Coat Check
Bard Graduate Center does not staff a coat check; however, visitors to the Gallery may hang their coats in the coat closet on the lower level. Visitors to the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street may use the coat closet on the first floor.
Prospective Students
Gallery Hours & Admission
BGC Gallery is currently closed due to building maintenance and will resume its exhibition programming in Fall 2025. We look forward to sharing more details in the spring.
If you would like to receive notifications by email about the reopening, click here.
During this closure period, we welcome online visitors to explore our library of digital exhibitions.
Gallery Information
212.501.3023
[email protected]
For information on tours, accessibility, workshops, and public programs, please visit the Gallery page.
For information about visiting the Library, which is available to outside researchers and alumni by appointment only, please visit the Library page.
If you would like to receive notifications by email about the reopening, click here.
During this closure period, we welcome online visitors to explore our library of digital exhibitions.
Gallery Information
212.501.3023
[email protected]
For information on tours, accessibility, workshops, and public programs, please visit the Gallery page.
For information about visiting the Library, which is available to outside researchers and alumni by appointment only, please visit the Library page.
Visitor Policies
Bard Graduate Center’s policies reflect our commitment to create a safe and comfortable environment for everyone who visits our buildings. Please follow the policies and safety guidelines outlined below. We reserve the right to ask visitors who do not follow these guidelines to leave.
In the Gallery
BGC advances research in the decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Our exhibitions reflect our scholarly pursuits and serve as the basis for collaboration with colleagues at institutions all over the world. In this spirit of collaboration and inquiry, discussion in the gallery is not frowned upon but encouraged.
The BGC Gallery is housed in an intimate townhouse environment. From time to time when attendance is very high, you may be asked to wait to enter the gallery for a few minutes to enter to ensure the safety of all visitors as well as the objects on display.
Follow the guidance of BGC staff, who are monitoring visitor traffic throughout the building. They are there to help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
BGC visitors and staff have the right to an environment free from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. We reserve the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.
Unless otherwise noted, you may take photographs in the gallery for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Flash photography is not permitted.
As a visitor to BGC Gallery, you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you grant BGC Gallery permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.
Do not touch the items on display unless specifically encouraged to do so.
Food, drink, smoking, e-cigarettes, weapons, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
Oversized items (larger than 17x15x5 inches), including luggage, backpacks, large purses or tote bags, garment bags, wrapped gifts, strollers, bicycles, scooters, and camera extension poles are not permitted in the gallery. Lockers are available on the lower level of the Gallery if you need to store oversized items.
Please do not visit BGC Gallery if you have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have had close contact with anyone who is confirmed to have or suspected of having COVID-19.
Our institution is mask-friendly; we support and encourage those who wish to wear one.
In the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street
Follow the guidance of BGC staff, who are monitoring visitor traffic throughout the building. They are there to help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
BGC visitors and staff have the right to an environment free from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. We reserve the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.
As a visitor to Bard Graduate Center, you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you grant BGC permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.
Smoking, e-cigarettes, weapons, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
Please do not visit Bard Graduate Center if you have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have had close contact with anyone who is confirmed to have or suspected of having COVID-19.
Our institution is mask-friendly; we support and encourage those who wish to wear one.
In the Gallery
BGC advances research in the decorative arts, design history, and material culture. Our exhibitions reflect our scholarly pursuits and serve as the basis for collaboration with colleagues at institutions all over the world. In this spirit of collaboration and inquiry, discussion in the gallery is not frowned upon but encouraged.
The BGC Gallery is housed in an intimate townhouse environment. From time to time when attendance is very high, you may be asked to wait to enter the gallery for a few minutes to enter to ensure the safety of all visitors as well as the objects on display.
Follow the guidance of BGC staff, who are monitoring visitor traffic throughout the building. They are there to help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
BGC visitors and staff have the right to an environment free from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. We reserve the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.
Unless otherwise noted, you may take photographs in the gallery for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Flash photography is not permitted.
As a visitor to BGC Gallery, you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you grant BGC Gallery permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.
Do not touch the items on display unless specifically encouraged to do so.
Food, drink, smoking, e-cigarettes, weapons, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
Oversized items (larger than 17x15x5 inches), including luggage, backpacks, large purses or tote bags, garment bags, wrapped gifts, strollers, bicycles, scooters, and camera extension poles are not permitted in the gallery. Lockers are available on the lower level of the Gallery if you need to store oversized items.
Please do not visit BGC Gallery if you have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have had close contact with anyone who is confirmed to have or suspected of having COVID-19.
Our institution is mask-friendly; we support and encourage those who wish to wear one.
In the Lecture Hall at 38 West 86th Street
Follow the guidance of BGC staff, who are monitoring visitor traffic throughout the building. They are there to help keep everyone safe and comfortable.
BGC visitors and staff have the right to an environment free from abusive, threatening, or inappropriate behavior. We reserve the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.
As a visitor to Bard Graduate Center, you may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise recorded. By attending, you grant BGC permission to use photographs and/or audiovisual recordings in which you appear for archival, documentary, publicity, advertising, or other purposes.
Smoking, e-cigarettes, weapons, and firearms are strictly prohibited.
Please do not visit Bard Graduate Center if you have a fever or any COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 14 days, or have had close contact with anyone who is confirmed to have or suspected of having COVID-19.
Our institution is mask-friendly; we support and encourage those who wish to wear one.
