The Cooper Union
The only private, full-scholarship college in the U.S. educating students for the professions of art, architecture and engineering, The Cooper Union opened in 1859 with the goal of educating working-class men and women in New York City. Founder Peter Cooper, who was one of America's richest businessmen, had less than a year of formal schooling and couldn't spell. In the mid-1800's, he used his success to build The Cooper Union to give access to education to the children of immigrants and working class families.
Other interesting facts about The Cooper Union:
Thomas Edison and Felix Frankfurter were students.
The Red Cross and NAACP were organized there.
Researchers developed the prototype of the microchip at Cooper Union.
Presidents Lincoln, Grant, Cleveland, Taft and Theodore Roosevelt spoke in the Great Hall.
Free Events:
Continuing Exhibitions:
The Cooper Union offers visitors to New York City the opportunity to experience incredible art exhibits for free. Exhibits cover topics ranging from graphic design and typography to art and psychology.
Hours: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. weekdays, noon - 5 p.m. Saturdays, closed Sundays and holidays
Where: The Great Hall Gallery, East 7th at 3rd Avenue
Lectures/Book Signings:
While some of the offerings are not free, every month there are a couple of options available free to the public. In February 2002, the free lectures covered the Mona Lisa and Rebuilding the City.
How To Get to The Cooper Union:
Subway: Take the R or N to 8th Street, or take the No. 6 to Astor Place.
Bus: Astor Place or Cooper Square stop from M1 (5th and Madison), M15 (1st/2nd), M6 (7th/Broadway/linkvenue of the Americas), M101 or M102 (3rd/Lexington).
Other: Find directions by car, air and a campus map on the Cooper Union website.
For more information or to be added to their mailing list, call: 212.353.4195.
More Freebies: Free Boat Rides and Museums
