Stuyvesant Polyclinic Hospital

Stuyvesant Polyclinic Hospital is a five-story brick building with terracotta ornaments and Renaissance architectural details located at 137 Second Avenue. The structure features elaborate decorative elements including sculptural busts and carved limestone accents throughout its facade.

The building opened in 1884 as a gift from philanthropist Anna Ottendorfer, who created it to serve the medical needs of German immigrants in the Lower East Side. Its construction marked a turning point in how immigrant communities could access organized healthcare in the city.

Terracotta busts of renowned scientists decorate the building's exterior, celebrating figures from medicine, botany, chemistry, and natural history. These sculptures reflect how the place connected scientific discovery with healing and learning.

The building is accessible to the public today as it houses a branch of the New York Public Library and community workspace. The location is easily reached by subway and sits within walking distance of many shops, restaurants, and other neighborhood attractions.

The building stands as one half of a paired complex that includes the Ottendorfer Library next door, together forming the city's first purpose-built German-American medical and educational center. This combination of hospital and library in a single location was an uncommon arrangement for the 1880s and reflected the community's values around both healing and knowledge.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1883

Part of: Ottendorfer Public Library and Stuyvesant Polyclinic Hospital

Address: 137 2nd Avenue

GPS coordinates: 40.72900,-73.98771

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:08