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).

Hannah’s research specializes in the study of cultural heritage objects using various analytical methods with a particular focus on previous conservation methods and the lasting implications of the materials used. Hannah is a Conservation Scientist at Scientific Analysis of Fine Art (SAFA). Her work at SAFA includes using microscopy and spectroscopic methods to investigate mechanisms of degradation in fine art objects. Recent research has included the study of mid-twentieth century painted finishes and to explore conservation treatment options for the preservation of East Village graffiti art from the 1980s. Hannah completed her undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering and Art History at Tufts University and then received her master’s degree in Science and Engineering in Arts, Heritage, and Archeology from the University College London (UCL, Institute of Sustainable Heritage). Her dissertation research focused on the mechanical effects of the degradation of animal glue applied to canvas. After her master’s, she worked as an Architectural Conservator in New York where she specialized in the analysis and treatment of interior finishes of landmarked buildings. She has been an Adjunct Lecturer at Johns Hopkins University, teaching a course on conservation for the Museum Studies Master’s program.