New Haven: Hidden Treasures at Yale

Yale has a beautiful campus. Apart from the architecture and galleries, spend time strolling through the campus. Fall and Spring are my favourite months, as the trees and flowers are a perfect backdrop to the classic buildings and spires.

Quick Tips:

My first visit was in March- and it must've been during Spring Break as there were no students around. It was a cold and blustery day, adding a dramatic setting to the campus. There was ample parking, although I don’t know how the situation would differ during the school year. The campus seemed very friendly to visitors.

Remember to bring along a good map or get directions from the internet (like Mapquest printouts.) New Haven has good and bad parts, and it would not be a good idea for a tourist to get lost in a sketchy part of town. Once off the I-95, it is a bit tricky to get to the main campus.

Best Way To Get Around:

Driving and walking seems to be the best options. Within campus, you may have to drive to further locations. If you choose to stay within the center (which is where the main buildings are), then walking is fine. There is also a walking tour guide brochure you can pick up from the visitor's center (please see my entry for further information).

This is inside the Yale Bookstore, which sells anything and everything with Yale University printed on it (and books, of course, run by Barnes & Noble.) However, I was much more impressed by the foreign languages section (called the World Language Center.) Since we are all avid travelers here, I assume you would be as interested as I am in learning a foreign language. My current project is to learn Italian, and I found an array of Italian text books, novels, children’s books, flash cards. There is something for everyone, from beginners and native speakers. The head of the Language Center came over to introduce himself and told me that many people from around the world order from him.

This museum was designed by Louis Kahn. This concrete, steel and glass building is striking and was finished after the architect’s death. Inside, the space is lit naturally through the slits of glass in the roof and large panes of glass throughout the structure. The interior is composed of luxurous but muted materials such as travertine marble and natural linen wallcoverings, This is a beautiful space, and of course, the artwork is worth looking at too. This museum houses an impressive array of British artwork. Check out the official website for information and photos: Yale Center for British Art.

Across the street from the Yale Center for British Art is this delightful museum. This holds one of the finest American art collections in the world (although I hear that particular section is closed until beginning of 2001 due to renovations). In addition, there are Egyptian, Asian and European masterpieces here as well as sculpture, drawings and photographs.

This building is also designed by Louis Kahn, one of his first major commissions. However, I think the British Art building is definitely his stronger work.

Telephone: 203-432-0600

Opened Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. On Sunday, from 1 to 6 pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays

Designed by the ubiquitous architecture firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM). The building has a marble façade, framed and divided into proportional sections. Sculptures by Isamu Noguchi can be found in the courtyard, which in turn are framed by beautiful trees.

Inside is a stunning library of glowing marble structure. It is simply amazing. Visitors are allowed Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 5pm. I would call 203-432-2977 to confirm hours first. There is a copy of the Gutenberg Bible inside, "the first Western book printed from movable type."

For those of you who cannot make a trip inside the building, take this virtual tour: Tour of Library and Building.

Visitors are allowed on Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

This is in a cute building within Yale campus and has a good array of information. In the back room, there is a small photo exhibit of the history of Yale. The students on duty at the front desk can be a bit hurried, but ask nicely and you will be given accurate and good information. There are group tours of the campus, which includes the Rare Books Library and other main buildings. The tours are offered Monday to Friday, at 10:30 am, 2 pm, and on Saturday and Sunday, at 1:30 pm only. Call 203-432-2977 to confirm times before you go.

Beware of getting lost in the surrounding areas. New Haven has pockets of good and bad neighbourhoods and the situation differs from street to street. Why not consult an online program like Mapquest for a print-out of directions before you embark on your drive. Also, check out these official sites: City of New Haven and Yale University.