Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, Cornell University boasts a sprawling campus that seamlessly blends natural beauty with state-of-the-art facilities. From its iconic gorges to its world-renowned research centers, Cornell’s campus is a testament to its long-standing commitment to academic excellence.

Explore Cornell’s Vibrant Quadrangles
West Campus
The heart of Cornell’s campus, West Campus, is home to a vibrant mix of historic and modern buildings. The central quadrangle, known as the Arts Quad, features a stunning collection of neoclassical architecture, including the soaring McGraw Tower. Adjacent to the Arts Quad is the Engineering Quad, which houses the College of Engineering and its state-of-the-art engineering facilities.
Central Campus
Central Campus, located between West Campus and East Campus, is the administrative hub of the university. Here, you’ll find Uris Library, one of the largest academic libraries in the Ivy League with over 12 million volumes. Central Campus is also home to the iconic Sage Chapel, an architectural masterpiece that serves as a spiritual and cultural center for the university community.
North Campus
North Campus is the university’s science and technology hub. It houses a vast array of research centers, including the Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility (CNF) and the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). North Campus is also home to Cornell’s Weill Hall, a world-renowned performing arts venue that hosts world-class performances by students and visiting artists.
East Campus
East Campus is Cornell’s residential haven. It features a diverse collection of dormitories, from traditional brick structures to modern high-rises. East Campus is also home to the Cornell Botanic Gardens, a 400-acre sanctuary that showcases a wide variety of plant life from around the world.
Landmarks of Cornell’s Campus
The Gorges
Cornell’s gorges are a geological marvel that define the university’s landscape. The most famous of these is the Fall Creek Gorge, which is home to several waterfalls and sheer cliffs. The gorges are a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.
Architecture
Cornell’s campus is renowned for its architectural diversity. From the Beaux-Arts style of Sage Chapel to the modern glass and steel of Olin Library, Cornell’s buildings showcase the architectural trends of the last two centuries. Many of the university’s buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Sustainability
Cornell is committed to sustainability, and its campus reflects this commitment. The university uses geothermal energy to heat and cool many of its buildings, and it has a robust recycling program in place. Cornell has been recognized for its sustainability efforts, earning a Gold rating from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS).
Step-by-Step Guide to Exploring Cornell’s Campus
- Start at Uris Library: Uris Library is the gateway to Central Campus and a great starting point for your campus tour.
- Visit the Arts Quad: Admire the neoclassical architecture of the buildings that surround the Arts Quad, including McGraw Tower and Goldwin Smith Hall.
- Explore the Engineering Quad: Learn about Cornell’s world-renowned engineering programs in the Engineering Quad, home to cutting-edge engineering facilities.
- Stroll through the Gorges: Hike along the Fall Creek Gorge Trail for stunning views of waterfalls and sheer cliffs.
- Visit the Cornell Botanic Gardens: Immerse yourself in natural beauty at the Cornell Botanic Gardens, which feature a wide variety of plant life from around the world.
Tips and Tricks for Visitors
- Take a guided campus tour: Cornell offers free guided tours that provide a great overview of the campus and its history.
- Bring comfortable shoes: Cornell’s campus is spread out, so be prepared for a lot of walking.
- Use the Cornell smartphone app: Download the Cornell app for maps, bus schedules, and other campus information.
- Check out the Cornell Store: Stop by the Cornell Store on campus to purchase Cornell merchandise and souvenirs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t drive on campus: Cornell’s campus is mostly pedestrianized, so it’s best to walk, bike, or take the bus.
- Don’t miss the gorges: The gorges are one of Cornell’s most iconic landmarks, so make sure to visit them during your time on campus.
- Don’t skip Uris Library: Uris Library is a must-see for any visitor to Cornell. It’s one of the largest academic libraries in the Ivy League.
Conclusion
Cornell University’s campus is a vibrant and inspiring place that reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to academic excellence. From its historic quadrangles to its world-class research facilities, Cornell’s campus is a testament to the university’s status as one of the world’s leading educational institutions.
Additional Information
Tables
Table 1: Cornell Campus Size
Feature | Measurement |
---|---|
Total campus area | 745 acres (301 hectares) |
Number of buildings | 526 |
Number of dormitories | 38 |
Number of libraries | 19 |
Table 2: Cornell Student Body
Characteristic | Number |
---|---|
Total undergraduate students | 15,044 |
Total graduate students | 9,680 |
International students | 4,285 |
Students from New York State | 3,189 |
Table 3: Cornell Faculty
Rank | Number |
---|---|
Full professors | 1,384 |
Associate professors | 645 |
Assistant professors | 318 |
Lecturers and other | 282 |
Table 4: Cornell Research Funding
Source | Amount (2021-2022) |
---|---|
Federal government | $432 million |
State government | $113 million |
Private foundations | $124 million |
Industry | $105 million |