When and Where to Capture the Empire State Building Illuminated Blue for Columbia Grads in 2024
The night of May 15, the Empire State Building will glow blue for Columbia Commencement. Here’s where to capture the best photos with it.
It’s a Columbia Commencement tradition not to be missed: On the night of May 15, from sunset until 2:00 a.m. (EDT), the top of New York’s iconic Empire State Building will light up in blue to honor Columbia’s graduates.
But where best to capture photos of and with the Empire State building? We asked the experts: University Photographer Eileen Barroso, who has been taking pictures of Columbia grads with the building for years and years, and previous grads about their favorite spots.
And don’t forget! If you aren’t able to get out and about to take your Empire State Building pictures, you can always observe the celebration of our grads on the Empire State Building Live Stream.
Over the years, we've found a handful of great spots to take your photos the night of Commencement:
34th Street and 7th Avenue
36th Street and 5th Avenue
Summit One Vanderbilt
Bryant Park
Gilded Lady Mural, 236 Fifth Avenue
230 Fifth Rooftop, 1150 Broadway
DUMBO, Water & Washington Streets, Brooklyn
Weehawken, NJ Boulevard East
The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and is used with permission.