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).

Bard Graduate Center’s department of Public Humanities + Research (PH+R) launched Wednesdays @ BGC last fall. The series features events conceived by visual and performance artists, curators, writers and designers, scientists and researchers. Some are inspired by the exhibition on view in the BGC Gallery, others by the scholarly interests of BGC faculty members, students, and alumni.

Wednesdays @ BGC begins its 2023–24 season on September 6. Watch your email for an announcement coming later this month of all of the fall events. A limited number of tickets are available for each event and many 2022–23 events sold out, so order your tickets early!

BGC Members receive discounts and early access to tickets. Become a member today and you will receive a season announcement and chance to purchase discounted tickets one week before the general public, on Wednesday, August 16.