City University Of New York

Visiting City University of New York (CUNY): Complete Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Tips

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled throughout the five boroughs of New York City, the City University of New York (CUNY) is the largest urban public university system in the United States. Established in 1847 as the Free Academy, CUNY now comprises 25 campuses—each a reflection of the city’s rich cultural diversity, architectural heritage, and commitment to educational opportunity. This guide provides a comprehensive overview for visitors, covering essential information on campus access, guided tours, hours, ticketing, accessibility, travel tips, and neighborhood highlights. Whether you are a prospective student, a history enthusiast, or a city explorer, CUNY’s campuses offer a unique lens on New York’s educational and cultural landscape (CUNY Official Website; CCNY History and Tours; Brooklyn College Visitor Information).

View looking northeast from 56th Avenue gate at a Queensborough Community College building across a parking lot

Night view looking north along Flatbush Avenue Extension and across Chapel Street showing former Sperry Corporation factory now part of City University of New York

About CUNY as a Historic Landmark
Overview of CUNY’s Campus Locations
Senior Colleges
Community Colleges
Graduate, Honors, and Professional Schools
Visiting Hours and Access
Guided Tours and Virtual Visits
Ticketing and Admission
Accessibility
Travel Tips
Neighborhood Attractions
Architectural Styles and Campus Atmospheres
Campus Highlights and Unique Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual Highlights
Plan Your Visit
Conclusion

About CUNY as a Historic Landmark

Founded to provide accessible higher education, CUNY’s campuses are woven into the fabric of New York City’s history. With over 170 years of legacy, the university has championed social mobility while preserving significant architectural landmarks. Visitors can admire Gothic Revival masterpieces like CCNY’s Shepard Hall, stroll through the classic collegiate quads at Brooklyn College, and experience the energy of modern vertical campuses such as Baruch College (CUNY History).

Overview of CUNY’s Campus Locations

CUNY’s 25 campuses are spread across all five boroughs, each offering unique academic, architectural, and cultural experiences.

Senior Colleges

City College of New York (CCNY) (Manhattan): Features a 37-acre Neo-Gothic campus in Harlem, adjacent to St. Nicholas Park.
Baruch College (Manhattan): A vertical, urban campus centered on business and public affairs.
Hunter College (Manhattan): Situated near Central Park, offering access to museums and cultural institutions.
Brooklyn College (Brooklyn): Renowned for its classic Georgian-style architecture and green spaces.
Queens College (Queens): Known for its expansive lawns and suburban atmosphere.
Other Senior Colleges: John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Lehman College, College of Staten Island, York College, Medgar Evers College, and City Tech.

Community Colleges

Serving diverse student populations, CUNY’s community colleges include BMCC, Bronx Community College, Hostos, Kingsborough, LaGuardia, Guttman, and Queensborough. These campuses focus on community engagement and accessibility.

Graduate, Honors, and Professional Schools

CUNY’s specialized institutions, such as the Graduate Center, Macaulay Honors College, CUNY School of Law, and the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, are located primarily in Manhattan and Queens, offering advanced and professional education.

Visiting Hours and Access

Most CUNY campuses are open to the public Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours for events or tours. Key historic buildings, such as City College’s Shepard Hall, may have specific opening times—always consult the individual campus website for up-to-date information. Special events, exhibitions, and performances may take place outside regular hours and often require advance registration or tickets.

Guided Tours and Virtual Visits

Many CUNY campuses offer guided tours for prospective students and the general public. Tours are typically available by advance booking and provide detailed insights into campus history, architecture, and student life. Virtual tours are widely accessible via campus websites, making it easy to explore remotely.

Ticketing and Admission

General access to CUNY campuses is free. However, tickets may be required for special exhibitions, performances, or certain guided tours. Event tickets can be reserved online or at campus box offices. Always consult event calendars for details.

Accessibility

CUNY ensures that all campuses are ADA-compliant, providing ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and dedicated services for visitors with disabilities. For specific accommodations, contact the campus visitor services team in advance.

Travel Tips

Public Transit: All campuses are easily reached via New York City’s subway and bus networks. Using a MetroCard is recommended.
Parking: Limited visitor parking is available; public transportation is the preferred option, especially in Manhattan.
Walking: Comfortable footwear is advisable as many campuses are expansive and best explored on foot.

Neighborhood Attractions

Many CUNY campuses are situated near some of New York City’s most celebrated attractions:

CCNY: Explore Harlem’s historic sites and St. Nicholas Park.
Hunter College: Steps away from Central Park and Museum Mile.
Brooklyn College: Close to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.
John Jay College: Near Lincoln Center and the Theater District.

Architectural Styles and Campus Atmospheres

CUNY campuses showcase a rich architectural tapestry:

Neo-Gothic Splendor: CCNY’s Shepard Hall.
Classic Collegiate Quads: Brooklyn and Queens Colleges.
Urban Verticality: Baruch College’s Newman Vertical Campus.
Modern Facilities: City Tech, John Jay, and Guttman campuses.

Each campus atmosphere reflects its surrounding neighborhood, from tranquil green spaces to bustling city blocks.

Campus Highlights and Unique Experiences

City College of New York: Shepard Hall’s Great Hall, historic art galleries, and annual cultural events.
Hunter College: Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute and proximity to major museums.
Brooklyn College: The scenic campus quad and dynamic Performing Arts Center.
Macaulay Honors College: Public lectures and exhibitions in a historic Upper West Side building.

Visual Highlights

City College of New York Shepard Hall
Shepard Hall, City College—an emblematic example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Brooklyn College Library
Brooklyn College’s iconic library at the heart of its green campus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are CUNY campuses open to the public?
A: Yes, most are open during regular business hours. Some buildings may require advance registration or a guest pass.

Q: Is there a fee to visit CUNY campuses?
A: No, general campus access is free. Tickets may be required for certain events or tours.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several campuses offer guided tours—check the specific campus website for availability.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Parking is limited; public transit is recommended.

Q: Are campuses accessible for visitors with disabilities?
A: Yes, all CUNY campuses provide ADA-compliant facilities and services.

Plan Your Visit

Consult Campus Websites: Review individual campus pages for current visiting hours, tour registration, and event schedules.
Leverage Public Transit: Use the subway and buses for easy, sustainable travel across campuses.
Explore Local Attractions: Enhance your visit with nearby museums, parks, and cultural landmarks.
Engage with Campus Life: Attend public lectures, exhibitions, or performances for a richer experience.
Stay Updated: Follow CUNY on social media and subscribe to newsletters for the latest news and visitor information.

Summary and Final Tips

Exploring CUNY’s campuses offers a unique opportunity to experience New York City’s educational, architectural, and cultural heritage. With free general access, guided tours, and a welcoming atmosphere, visitors can immerse themselves in the university’s storied past and vibrant present. Plan ahead for the best experience—check hours, register for tours, use public transit, and take time to enjoy the neighborhoods surrounding each campus. For interactive experiences and personalized guidance, utilize tools like the Audiala app.