If you are an incoming student or just a local resident of Brooklyn, New York, there are many places to tour on the Pratt Institute Campus. From lush gardens, abstract sculptures, to historical landmarks, there is always someplace to explore on the college grounds. Whether looking for a quiet place to study, or a quick bite to eat, here are 11 of the best places to visit on this beautiful campus.
1. The Library
From the "Stacks" of books, to the multimedia center in the basement, there is always something to do in the library. The library, built in 1896, features unique architecture and floors made by the Tiffany Glass & Decorating Company. This a great spot to draw, read, study or even finish a paper during the school year.
2. Rose Garden
Pratt's Rose Garden is a beautiful feature on the campus grounds. Various sculptures, lush flowers, and an open green area make this an ideal spot to relax and hang out on campus.
3. Engine Room
The Engine Room is one of the most iconic spots on campus. The room features an historic steam engine, built in 1887, when the school was founded. It was used to power the Pratt campus until 1977. The engine still continues to run, leaving the room toasty warm, of which the campus's cat residents love to sleep in. This is an excellent spot to warm up, read a book, and take a break from school work.
4. Sculpture Park
Another unique feature to the Pratt campus is the sculpture park. Featuring large head sculptures to abstract shaped pieces, there is always unique art found around the campus. The sculptures dress the campus up, and inspire students and visitors that come and hang out on the campus grounds.
5. Newman Mall and Clock
The Newman Mall and Clock were a recent addition to the Pratt campus by Mr. Newman, who worked on the campus' redesign. The mall features unique, stacked benches in an arc around the campus' one-of-a-kind towering red clock. Students often gather here to eat lunch and enjoy the nice scenery of the Pratt campus.
6. Fountain
Located in the main courtyard of campus is an Italian marble fountain purchased by the Pratt family in 1900. The soft sound of water running, and the cool breeze that comes through the area, make this another popular area for students to gather and relax.
7. Pie Shop
The Gallery Cafe, also known as the "Pie shop" to most students is one of two main dining halls on campus. Students can find fresh pizza, frozen yogurt, and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies to curb any cravings after late night studio work. The cafe got it's name, "Pie shop," due to its overwhelming amount of pizza choices for students.
8. Cafeteria
The Cafeteria is the largest dining hall on campus. The area features the most variety in food from daily selections, salad bar, and even a wok station. The large hall also contains an extensive amount of seating, making this another common place for students to hang out on campus.
9. Fishbowl
The Fishbowl is a student lounge found in the lowest level of the main building. The lounge got its name from the glass windows covering the side wall of the area, allowing anyone walking by, to see the events happening in the lounge. The lounge is a great place to study and just hang out, as well as, attend small events that are often held there for Greek Life, Student Council, and even local art gallery showings.
10. Cannon Court
The massive, bronze cast cannon, made in 1720, was brought to the campus in 1899 from Havana, Cuba. This iconic cannon is a Pratt symbol as the athletic teams on campus are known as the "Cannoneers." The cannon is set in a mini courtyard near the campus' gates and features a circular set of benches for students and visitors enjoying the campus' grounds.
11. ARC
The ARC is a prominent area for students to visit on campus as it features the campus' athletics and recreation. The ARC contains a full gym, several studios for group classes, and even a full running track for any students wishing to escape running outside during New York's bitterly cold winters. Students often spend time here enjoying the variety of group classes including yoga, as well as, practicing for the school's sports teams.
In the busy city of New York, it is nice to escape the hectic city life and relax on a proper college campus. These 11 unique areas are the most popular places for students to gather and hang out on campus. These spots are some of the highlights I remember seeing on my college campus tour of Pratt, that made me fall in love with the school. So whether you are student about to join the Pratt community, or just a local visitor, I recommend seeing these places when visiting the Pratt Institute campus!
