14 Great Places to Take Graduation Photos on Columbia's Campuses (Besides Our Favorite, Alma Mater)
Construction for graduation ceremonies on Morningside's Low Plaza near Alma Mater starts on April 21. Here are some great alternative spots for your graduation photos!
Graduation season is here and it is time for the Class of 2025 to strike a pose. Every year, we love to see the creativity and verve that goes into your grad poses — from selfies to family pics, to group snaps and everything in between!
We know everyone wants to grab an iconic photo in their regalia with Alma Mater, but construction for graduation starts earlier than you think. This year, the date for construction load-in is April 18 with construction beginning on April 21.
Columbia News has you covered with ideas for other iconic spots (like The Thinker above and the Sundial on College Walk) on and around Columbia's campuses to grab your photos. Check out spots below and share your graduation photos for a chance to be featured on Columbia platforms.
1. The Thinker
Le Penseur, or The Thinker, (above photo) reminds us of the value of deep thought and contemplation, a practice we hope you've developed during your time here. That is worthy of commemorating in a photo!
2. Butler Lawn
Butler Lawn offers iconic views of Low Library in the background from one angle and Butler Library from another.
3. Butler Library
Pay homage to the study rooms that got you through midterms and finals with a snapshot in front of iconic Butler Library.
4. Scholars' Lion
Roar, Lion, Roar, as our fight song goes.
5. Revson Plaza
Whether you pose with one of the many sculptures on Revson Plaza, or opt for the angle of the bustling city streets below, we can't recommend this spot enough.
6. College Walk
Hats off to you, graduates! You've got to time it right — as we know, there's always a flurry of activity on College Walk — but this photo location hints at the Columbia graduate's future: all roads lead to success.
7. The Curl
The perfect location for a power pose, if we do say so ourselves.
8. Van Am Quad
Check out how the tiling on the ceiling of the rotunda beautifully complements the graduate's regalia.
9. The Square on Manhattanville Campus
The edges and angles of Manhattanville campus are the perfect reason to bring a little pizzazz to your graduation poses.
10. Barnard Greek Games
Photo locations abound on Barnard's campus, but we admire the spirit of Barnard Greek Games statue and the torch it beckons us to carry forward.
11. Teachers College
There's just something fantastical about the rust-colored stone and wooden entrance to the Arthur Zankel building.
12. Allan Rosenfield Building at Columbia University Irving Medical Center
You can't go wrong with a pose at the beautiful arched entrance to Columbia Mailman School of Public Health.
13. Hudson River Greenway in Fort Washington Park
The George Washington Bridge is an ever-present fixture for our students at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center campus. At Fort Washington Park, you can get up close and personal with the bridge for a great grad photoshoot with a Hudson River backdrop.
14. The Lion Hath Roared at Baker Athletics Complex
Once a lion, always a lion. Nothing but smiles for these Columbia College graduates near The Lion Hath Roared bronze sculpture at Baker Athletics Complex in Uptown Manhattan.