When and Where to Capture the Empire State Building Lit Up Blue for Columbia Grads in 2022

It’s a Columbia Commencement tradition not to be missed: On the night of May 18, from sunset until 2:00 a.m. (EDT), the top of New York’s iconic Empire State Building will light up in blue and white to honor Columbia’s graduates. 

But where best to capture photos of and with the Empire State building? We asked the expert: University Photographer Eileen Barroso, who has been taking pictures of Columbia grads with the building for years and years. 

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.

Here are five great spots to take your photos the night of Commencement:

34th Street and 7th Avenue

36th Street and 5th Avenue

Weehawken, NJ Boulevard East

Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center

26th Street and 5th Avenue

The Empire State Building image ® is a registered trademark of ESRT Empire State Building, L.L.C. and is used with permission.

Looking for more photo opportunities ahead of Commencement? Don't forget to check out these fantastic spots to grab photos on campus. 

Before you go, don't forget to check out these other stories in preparation for Commencement 2022:

• 6 Things to Know About Commencement 2022 and Graduation Season at Columbia

• How to Keep Your Parents Occupied When They Come to Campus for Your Graduation

• Here's Every Columbia 2022 Class Day Speaker We Know (So Far)

• Columbia's 2022 Honorary Degree Recipients Announced

• Meet 15 'Lions of Social Justice' From the Class of 2022

• Words of Wisdom From Columbians Who Graduated in 2020 and 2021 at the Height of the Pandemic

• Meet Three Columbia Graduates From Our Surrounding Community