The Interchurch Center, Administrative building in Morningside Heights, New York, United States
The Interchurch Center is a 19-story administrative building in Morningside Heights located at 475 Riverside Drive that houses religious organizations and nonprofit foundations. The limestone structure provides conference rooms, a cafeteria, wellness facilities, and a parking garage for its tenant organizations.
The building was inaugurated in 1958 when President Dwight D. Eisenhower placed the cornerstone before approximately 30,000 people, marking the start of this ecumenical center. Funding came from John D. Rockefeller Jr., who provided the essential support for the project.
The building serves as a gathering place for various Protestant denominations and regularly hosts concerts, exhibitions, and interfaith events that visitors can experience throughout the year. This role as a connecting hub for different faith communities continues to shape the character of the space today.
The building is most easily accessed using public transportation near Morningside Heights and by locating entrances along Riverside Drive. Visitors should know that many areas are reserved for tenant organizations and that access to certain spaces may be restricted.
The exterior limestone was deliberately chosen to match the color of Riverside Church across the street, a requirement imposed by the donor. This careful coordination shows how thoughtfully the building was integrated into its urban surroundings.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
