Friends of the Great Hall

THE GREAT HALL OF THE COOPER UNION is where history happens. On its iconic stage, some of the brightest minds in history have shared their vision for our future, and today we continue to present impactful programming that informs, inspires, and shapes public discourse.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE GREAT HALL  

FRIENDS OF THE GREAT HALL help us sustain, expand, and enhance public programming that drives discussion and change for New York City, and beyond. Make your gift today and become part of this powerful legacy of transformative free speech! 

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  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.