Interesting Things to See in Greenwich Village
About a month ago I walked through Greenwich Village, the neighborhood around my alma mater, New York University. While I was busy admiring the architecture, my daughter took a series of photographs that capture the charm and character of the Village. She has a keen eye for composition, and her photos reveal some of the most compelling sights in the area.
Grace Church: A Gothic Surprise in Manhattan
Walking down Broadway, we passed Grace Church, a striking example of French Gothic Revival architecture. Before the spring bloom, the church can appear almost somber and gothic, an unexpected sight for a building in the middle of Manhattan. Its ornate doors and stonework explain why it is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Cooper Union and the Great Hall
Further down the street is one of my personal favorites: the Great Hall at Cooper Union. This internationally renowned school for art, architecture, and engineering occupies an impressive 19th-century building. Built in 1859, the structure includes architectural details that predate modern conveniences — for example, an elevator shaft installed before the invention of electric elevators. In 1860, Abraham Lincoln famously delivered a historic speech in the Great Hall. Cooper Union remained tuition-free until 2014, and the building itself is a National Historic Landmark.
Astor Place and the Merchants Building
Across from Cooper Union stands an undulating residential building at Astor Place that draws attention with its unusual facade. Near West 4th Street and Broadway sits the Merchants Building, officially 693 Broadway. Broadway in this stretch features a number of ornate commercial facades with sculptural details like owls and lions, and this building’s striking blue cornice is a recent addition to improve drainage and highlight the architecture. Technically this area falls into what is often called NoHo, the neighborhood north of Houston Street; SoHo lies a bit farther south. Both NoHo and SoHo are celebrated for their historic architecture.
Washington Square Park and NYU Life
Washington Square Park is the heart of Greenwich Village and a central meeting place for NYU students and local residents. NYU’s campus is open and dispersed throughout the city, but the park is an unmistakable hub: a place for gatherings, performances, and spontaneous creativity. On the rainy day we visited, a street performer was blowing enormous soap bubbles in front of NYU’s Lipton Hall dormitory—an image that perfectly captures the park’s playful spirit.
Row Houses, Washington Mews, and a Courtyard Statue
Along the north side of the park are early 19th-century Greek Revival row houses, many now owned by NYU. One elegant doorway faces the park, a reminder of the neighborhood’s residential past. Behind those row houses is Washington Mews, originally service alleys for the homes that fronted the square. In the courtyard between the buildings we found a statue of Miguel Cervantes, a distinctive piece tucked away in this quieter corner of the Village.
The Washington Square Arch
Looking north from the courtyard you can see the Washington Square Arch, erected in 1892 to commemorate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration in 1789. Modeled after Paris’s Arc de Triomphe, the arch stands 77 feet tall with an opening 47 feet across and marks the termination point of Fifth Avenue. Underneath and around the arch you’ll find sculptures and seasonal exhibitions; on our visit, contemporary art installations framed the space and invited visitors to walk through and engage with the structure.
Sculptures and Public Art
Flanking the arch are two statues of George Washington, titled Washington at War and Washington at Peace, which date from the early 20th century. During our visit a contemporary exhibition called “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” occupied the plaza — a large steel structure with mirrored passages that encouraged visitors to walk through and reflect on boundaries and community. The interaction between historic monuments and contemporary public art is one of the things that gives Greenwich Village its layered, lively character.
Photography, Rain, and a Recommendaton
It rained during our walk, but the weather didn’t stop my daughter from taking beautiful photographs. Her images capture the textures, colors, and small surprises that make Greenwich Village special: historic facades, lively park scenes, tucked-away courtyards, and thought-provoking public art. If you enjoy photography and urban exploration, the Village offers endless opportunities to discover something new on every block. For more of her photography you can look for her work on social media under her Instagram handle mentioned in the original piece. You can also find additional photography in my gallery.
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More Photos
Additional images from New York City and related photo essays are available in the gallery, including shots of notable buildings and the Brooklyn Bridge. These collections showcase urban architecture and the small details that make city life visually compelling.
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