Bard Graduate Center is devoted to the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through research, advanced degrees, exhibitions, publications, and events.

Bard Graduate Center advances the study of decorative arts, design history, and material culture through its object-centered approach to teaching, research, exhibitions, publications, and events.

At BGC, we study the human past and present through their material expressions. We focus on objects and other material forms—from those valued for their aesthetic elements to the ordinary things used in everyday life.

Our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty inspires and prepares students in our MA and PhD programs for successful careers in academia, museums, and the private sector. We bring equal intellectual rigor to our acclaimed exhibitions, award-winning catalogues and scholarly publications, and innovative public programs, and we view all of these integrated elements as vital to our curriculum.

BGC’s campus comprises a state-of-the-art academic programs building at 38 West 86th Street, a gallery at 18 West 86th Street, and a residence hall at 410 West 58th Street. A new collection study center will open at 8 West 86th Street in 2026.

Founded by Dr. Susan Weber in 1993, Bard Graduate Center has become the preeminent institute for academic research and exhibition of decorative arts, design history, and material culture. BGC is an accredited unit of Bard College and a member of the Association of Research Institutes in Art History (ARIAH).

Photo by Fresco Arts Team.

As of July 1, Peter N. Miller, professor at Bard Graduate Center since 2001 and dean since 2008, assumes a new position as president of the American Academy of Rome.

According to Susan Weber, BGC’s founder and director, “At thirty, Bard Graduate Center has firmly established itself as the premier American institution for graduate study in the decorative arts, design history, and material culture. It is quite an achievement for a young institution, and one that owes much to Peter Miller, who has played an important leadership role here since he arrived 22 years ago. I am confident that he will thrive in his new position and that the American Academy in Rome will benefit, as we have, from his innovation, intelligence, and boundless energy.”

Miller said, “I will look from afar with pride and pleasure as BGC goes from strength to strength. I could not imagine a more collegial and supportive institution.”

Moving forward, Weber explained that Christian Crouch, dean of graduate studies at Bard College and an ex officio member of BGC’s board of trustees, will take on a larger role in the institution’s leadership. Associate professor Deborah Krohn will continue in her role as chair of academic programs and associate professor Aaron Glass will take on additional responsibilities as associate chair for research programs.