What NYU Paris Is

Located at 57 boulevard Saint-Germain in the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement), NYU Paris is a global academic center for students and scholars from around the world. Founded in 1969 as a Franco-American initiative, it offers programs across the humanities, social sciences, STEM, law, and the arts.

NYU Paris is not a public museum or open campus. Its central location places it among Parisian academic and cultural institutions, including the Sorbonne, the Panthéon, and the Jardin du Luxembourg. For official updates, visit the NYU Paris website and the Paris Tourist Office.

History

Early Foundations and Establishment (1969–1974)

NYU Paris was established in 1969, becoming one of the earliest American university centers in the French capital. Its first cohort operated from the offices of the Franco-American Fulbright Commission in the 16th arrondissement. As student interest grew, the program moved to the France-Amériques centre in the 8th arrondissement, a venue associated with international and cultural diplomacy.

In 1974, NYU Paris secured its own premises at 56 rue de Passy, leased from the family of philosopher Jean-Marie Benoist. This dedicated site enabled the expansion of academic activities and established NYU’s long-term presence in Paris.

Growth and Academic Expansion (1974–2014)

During these decades, NYU Paris broadened its academic offerings and partnerships, attracting students from NYU’s global campuses, including NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU Shanghai, as well as from partner universities. Students could also enroll in courses at local institutions such as the University of Paris and Sciences Po.

The center became known for small class sizes, cultural events, and student support services, fostering a close-knit academic community and engagement with Parisian culture.

Relocation to the Latin Quarter (2014–Present)

In 2014, NYU Paris moved to 57 boulevard Saint-Germain, occupying the former École spéciale des travaux publics building. Modern facilities include classrooms, the NYU Paris Library, computer labs, student lounges, and shared space with Librairie Eyrolles, one of the city’s largest specialized bookstores. The move strengthened NYU Paris’s ties to Parisian academic and cultural life.

What to See

The campus’s facilities include its library, computer labs, classrooms, and student lounges. Some areas, such as residence halls, may not be accessible during tours; virtual tours are available.

The Latin Quarter is known for its academic heritage, historic monuments, medieval streets, and lively cultural scene. NYU Paris is not a tourist attraction, but its location makes it a starting point for exploring the area. The Sorbonne, Panthéon, and Jardin du Luxembourg are nearby.

Practical Visiting Information

Campus Access, Hours, and Tours

Access is reserved for enrolled students, faculty, staff, and authorized visitors. Prospective students, families, and collaborators may schedule guided campus tours or attend open house events. Walk-ins are not permitted because of security requirements, and advance registration is mandatory.

Standard visiting hours Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; hours may vary for events and during academic breaks.
Guided tours and open houses Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM. Check availability and register through NYU Visit Tours.
Tour admission No fee; space is limited.
Tour length 90 minutes. Student ambassadors lead tours covering academic programs, facilities, and campus life.
Occasional public events and lectures are open to visitors; check the official NYU Paris events page for updates.

Admissions, Programs, and Housing

NYU Paris offers semester and year-long study abroad programs for undergraduate students from NYU and partner schools. Select first-year students in the Liberal Studies core and Global Liberal Studies programs may also begin their studies there. Courses fulfill NYU degree requirements and cover the humanities, social sciences, STEM, law, and the arts. Eligibility, application, and deadline details are available on the official NYU Paris website.

Campus life includes personalized academic advising, cultural excursions, and student services. Housing options include university-arranged accommodations and assistance finding local apartments.

Accessibility, Health, and Security

NYU Paris offers support for students with disabilities upon request and is accessible to visitors with mobility needs. Notify the visitor team in advance if accommodations are required. Some historic buildings in the surrounding area may present accessibility challenges; check each site’s official accessibility page for details.

Security checks take place at campus entrances, and visitors must show photo ID. Health protocols follow current guidelines; masks are optional and sanitizer is available.

Tips

Book campus visits in advance and check event calendars.
Allow extra travel time during rush hours when using the Paris Metro.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; campus visits recommend smart-casual dress.
On-campus dining access is limited, so nearby cafés and bakeries are an option.
Free Wi-Fi is available during official tours and events.
Greet staff with “Bonjour” and ask before taking photos indoors.
In crowded areas, be mindful of pickpockets.
Book tickets to major sites online in advance, visit popular attractions early, and check official sites for event and exhibition schedules. Guided walking tours focused on the area’s history and culture are widely available.
Paris’s cafés, theaters, and art galleries offer opportunities for cultural engagement.

Nearby Places

NYU Paris is near Metro stations such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Odéon. The Latin Quarter can also be reached by Metro Line 10, including Cluny–La Sorbonne, and is best explored on foot.

Nearby attractions include:

Notre-Dame Cathedral Closed for restoration; exterior viewing and nearby attractions remain accessible. It is currently under restoration.
Luxembourg Gardens
Louvre Museum
Panthéon Open daily 10:00 AM–6:30 PM; last admission 6:00 PM. Adult tickets are ~€11; free for EU residents under 26. See the Panthéon website.
Musée de Cluny Open Wed–Mon, 9:15 AM–5:45 PM; tickets are ~€10.
Shakespeare and Company Bookstore
Rue Mouffetard Market

Eiffel Tower

Constructed for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, the Eiffel Tower is a global symbol of France and an engineering landmark. Once controversial, it is associated with Paris’s artistic and technological legacy.

Hours:

Summer (mid-June–early Sept) 9:00 AM–12:45 AM; last entry 11:45 PM.
Winter (early Sept–mid-June) 9:30 AM–11:45 PM; last entry 10:45 PM.
Check current hours on the Eiffel Tower Official Site.

Tickets are available for the stairs or elevator to the second floor, with an additional ticket for summit access. Guided tours are offered in multiple languages, and discounts are available for youth, students, and seniors. Booking online offers the best availability and can help visitors skip lines.

Metro Line 6 (Bir-Hakeim), Line 9 (Trocadéro)
RER Line C (Champ de Mars–Tour Eiffel)
Elevators and facilities are available for visitors with reduced mobility.
Early morning or late evening visits reduce crowding.
Trocadéro Gardens and Champ de Mars offer locations for panoramic photographs.
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Dining options are available on the tower; reservations are recommended.