École Libre Des Hautes Études

École Libre des Hautes Études Visiting Hours, Tickets, and New York City Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The École Libre des Hautes Études (ELHE) represents a remarkable chapter in New York City’s intellectual and cultural history. Established in the early 1940s as a sanctuary for French and Belgian scholars fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe, the ELHE was more than a refuge: it became a vital bridge for European academic traditions and a hub of innovation in the humanities and social sciences. Although the ELHE ceased to exist as a physical institution after World War II, its legacy endures at The New School, through preserved archives, and in the vibrant academic and cultural life of Greenwich Village. This guide offers detailed historical context, practical visitor information, and recommendations for exploring the ELHE’s enduring influence in New York City (New School Archives; Zenodo).

Introduction
ELHE Historical Background
Visiting the ELHE Legacy
Cultural and Intellectual Significance
FAQs
Additional Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action

ELHE Historical Background

Founding and Wartime Context

Founded in 1941–1942, the ELHE was created in response to the urgent need for a haven for European scholars persecuted by the Nazi regime. Under the initiative of Alvin Johnson, president of The New School, and with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the Free French and Belgian governments-in-exile, the ELHE was legally incorporated as part of The New School but maintained its own administration and finances. The school primarily offered courses in French and served as a “university-in-exile” for leading intellectuals in philosophy, history, linguistics, and the social sciences (New School Archives).

Academic Mission, Curriculum, and Key Figures

The ELHE’s mission was to continue scholarly work disrupted by the war and facilitate intellectual exchange between Europe and America. Its distinguished faculty included Jacques Maritain (philosophy), Henri Focillon (art history), Claude Lévi-Strauss (anthropology), Roman Jakobson (linguistics), Elias Bickerman (history), and Alexandre Koyré (history of science). The school’s curriculum spanned philosophy, economics, literature, and the social sciences, and it published the French-language journal Renaissance (1943–1945), which remains accessible online (Hathi Trust: Renaissance Journal). Digitized course catalogs are available for reference (New School Digital Archives).

Political Tensions and Administrative Structure

Although the ELHE aimed for academic neutrality, it was not immune to wartime politics. Some faculty members supported Charles de Gaulle’s Free France movement, while others advocated for independence from political causes. This tension influenced the school’s governance and ultimately contributed to its separation from The New School in 1947. Despite these challenges, the ELHE’s structure allowed it to preserve European academic traditions within an American setting (New School Archives).

Legacy and Global Impact

The ELHE’s legacy is profound: it contributed significantly to the rise of structuralism, fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, and influenced postwar academic life in both Europe and the U.S. It was instrumental in founding the Linguistic Circle of New York (publisher of the journal Word), and many of its scholars played key roles in establishing the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS) in Paris. The ELHE symbolizes resilience, the transmission of ideas across borders, and the enduring value of intellectual communities in times of crisis (Zenodo).

Visiting the ELHE Legacy

Locations and Access

Original Site: 24 West 12th Street, Greenwich Village — the historic building is private property and not open for interior visits, but its exterior is accessible at any time.
The New School for Social Research: 66 West 12th Street — the main campus remains a vibrant academic center and is open to the public. The lobby, gallery spaces, and certain events are accessible without special arrangement (The New School Visit).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

ELHE Original Site: Exterior view only; accessible at all hours.
The New School: Public areas open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM; some special events may offer extended hours.
Fees: No admission is charged for viewing the exterior or entering public areas of The New School. Tickets or reservations may be required for special exhibitions, lectures, or archival access—check the events calendar in advance.

Accessibility

The New School’s public spaces are wheelchair accessible; elevators and ramps are available.
Greenwich Village sidewalks are generally accessible, though some older buildings may have steps.
Amenities such as restrooms, cafes, and seating are available on campus and throughout the neighborhood.

Guided Tours and Archives

Campus Tours: The New School offers guided tours that may include the ELHE’s history; inquire at the visitor desk or check the website for schedules.
Archival Research: Appointments are required to access the New School Archives and Special Collections, which house documents and artifacts related to the ELHE (New School Archives).
Contact: [email protected] | +1 212-229-5592

Getting There

Public Transit: Subway lines 1, 2, 3, F, M, L, and PATH trains stop nearby at 14th Street and 6th Avenue.
On Foot: Greenwich Village is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for walking tours.

Nearby Attractions

Washington Square Park: The neighborhood’s centerpiece and a hub for students and public events.
Greenwich Village: Explore its literary, artistic, and academic legacy—bookstores, cafes, and historic sites abound.
NYU Campus and Strand Bookstore: Additional landmarks for lovers of intellectual and cultural history.

Cultural and Intellectual Significance

The ELHE was a beacon of intellectual resistance during World War II and a crucible for transformative ideas. It nurtured the development of structuralism through the collaboration of scholars like Roman Jakobson and Claude Lévi-Strauss, influenced American academia, and inspired the foundation of EHESS in Paris. Its story reflects New York’s pivotal role as a sanctuary for displaced scholars and as an incubator of global ideas (Zenodo).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I go inside the original ELHE building?
A: No, the building at 24 West 12th Street is private, but you can view its exterior freely.

Q: Are there tickets or set visiting hours for ELHE sites?
A: No tickets are required for exterior or public campus access. The New School’s public spaces are open Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Special exhibitions may require reservations.

Q: How do I access ELHE-related archives?
A: By appointment only; contact the New School Archives and Special Collections for arrangements.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: The New School occasionally offers tours focused on its history, including the ELHE. Check the events calendar or inquire at the information desk.

Q: What else should I see nearby?
A: Washington Square Park, the Strand Bookstore, and the Greenwich Village Historic District are all within walking distance.

Additional Resources

Conclusion and Call to Action

The École Libre des Hautes Études stands as a testament to the endurance of scholarship, the power of intellectual collaboration, and the city of New York’s historic role as a refuge for displaced thinkers. Although the institution itself is no longer physically present, its legacy is alive in the archives, academic institutions, and cultural fabric of Greenwich Village.

To fully engage with this history:

Visit the New School for Social Research and explore its public spaces.
Arrange an appointment to explore ELHE archives.
Attend public lectures or events on intellectual history.
Enjoy a walking tour through Greenwich Village’s storied streets.
Experience related French-American cultural programming at FIAF or the Alliance Française.

For up-to-date visiting information, events, and exhibitions, consult official sites and download the Audiala app for a curated guide to New York’s historic and cultural landmarks.