Manhattanville and West Harlem

Understanding Manhattanville and West Harlem

Incorporated in 1806, Manhattanville grew around a commercial waterfront and rail connections. Dairy processing, meatpacking and other industries used its transport links. The broad viaducts still make that history visible in the street layout.

As cargo shifted toward trucks and industry declined, the waterfront’s role changed. Compare older transport structures with public spaces around the expanding university campus.

Places to explore

• Wallach Art Gallery

  Lenfest Center for the Arts, 615 West 129th Street

  See the current exhibition. Admission is free, with regular public hours Wednesday through Sunday. Group visits require advance arrangements.

• The Lee C. Bollinger Forum

  125th Street and Broadway

  The public ground-floor Atrium offers seating, charging tables and Wi-Fi. University holidays and specified dates can affect access.

• West Harlem waterfront and viaduct arches

  Hudson River / 12th Avenue

  Choose river views and notice the scale of the arches around 125th Street. They show how transport shaped this industrial district.

Planning a visit

The Wallach Art Gallery lists the 1 train to 125th Street on Broadway. Choose the gallery, Forum Atrium or waterfront as your destination and check current train service.

For university events, check the venue and entry arrangements for the session you choose.