Bard Graduate Center is devoted to the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through research, advanced degrees, exhibitions, publications, and events.

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).

Where BGC Resources Come From

During the academic year ending June 30, 2019, Bard Graduate Center received more than $4.5 million in contributions from over 250 individuals, foundations, corporations, and government agencies. These resources, combined with the income from endowed funds and other revenue, provide the institution with the stability and the opportunity to deliver BGC’s valuable programs. Generous support was also designated to the Quarter Century Campaign — launched in honor of the institution’s twenty-fifth Anniversary.

Sources and their percentage of total raised/earned:

Endowed Funds: 61%

Designated and general-purpose endowments

Contributions and Special Events: 25%

Contributed income from alumni, friends, foundations, and corporations
Government grants
Income from the annual Iris Awards Luncheon and other special events

Tuition and Fees: 8%

Tuition
Application, housing, and usage fees

Other Earned Revenue: 6%

Publications and gallery shop sales
Facility and residential rentals

What BGC Resources are Used For

In the fiscal year now completed, more than 65% of BGC resources were used for the institution’s core programs dedicated to the study and interpretation of decorative art, design history, and material culture.

Academic Programs: 27%

Faculty, curriculum expenses, programs, independent research

Gallery: 15%

Exhibition research, production, and publications

General Management and Operations: 18%

Maintenance, security, technology, website, design, and finance

Research Activities: 7%

Research events, publications, fellowships

Administration and Fundraising: 20%

Director’s Office, Development, Human Resources, Finance and Administration

Financial Aid: 8%

Tuition assistance, stipends, work study

Public Programs: 3%

Continuing education and outreach

Residence Hall: 3%

Management of Bard Hall