The Cooper Union, nestled in the vibrant East Village of New York, is a treasure trove of history and hidden gems. Founded in 1859 by industrialist Peter Cooper, this free college was ahead of its time, offering an egalitarian education to anyone who qualified, regardless of race, religion, or gender. Fun fact: Cooper was inspired by the École Polytechnique in Paris, which was free for students.
The iconic Foundation Building is an architectural marvel. Designed by Frederick A. Petersen, it was one of the first buildings in New York to have an elevator shaft before elevators were even invented! The building housed the Great Hall, which has been a stage for historic speeches by Abraham Lincoln, Susan B. Anthony, and even Barack Obama.
Cooper Union was initially free for all students, a policy that lasted until 2014. The shift to charging tuition caused a stir, but in 2018, a plan was set in motion to return to full-tuition scholarships by the end of the decade. Speaking of tuition, did you know Peter Cooper envisioned a time capsule to be opened in 3000 AD? It was placed in the Foundation Building and is one of the oldest known in the United States.
The school is divided into three primary schools: Albert Nerken School of Engineering, Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture, and the School of Art. Alumni have gone on to achieve great things, including Daniel Libeskind, the master planner for the World Trade Center site, and Eva Hesse, the pioneering sculptor.
The campus also features the quirky 41 Cooper Square building, designed by Thom Mayne. This modern marvel has a shimmering facade and a unique "skip-stop" elevator system that stops only on every second floor, encouraging walking and interaction among students.
It's also worth mentioning the school's quirky traditions. For instance, the Cooper Union End of Year Show is a must-see event where students showcase their incredible projects, transforming the entire campus into a bustling gallery.
So, whether you're intrigued by its architectural wonders, its historic Great Hall, or its commitment to free education, the Cooper Union stands as a beacon of innovation and history in the heart of New York's East Village.