Bard College, Liberal arts college in Annandale-on-Hudson, United States
Bard College is a liberal arts institution in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, situated on a campus covering 510 hectares (1,260 acres) within the Hudson River Historic District. The institution includes 23 academic departments and about 40 major programs, covering a wide range of disciplines.
The institution was founded in 1860 as St. Stephen's College and was initially affiliated with Columbia University. In 1944, it became independent and began admitting female students, having previously been exclusively male.
Performances and exhibitions take place regularly at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts and the Hessel Museum, where students and visitors can experience theater, music, and visual arts. The campus is a place where artistic work is part of everyday life, visible in rehearsals, shows, and gallery openings that are often open to the public.
The campus is large and best explored on foot or by bicycle, with buildings connected by pathways and roads. Public events such as concerts and exhibitions are often accessible, though it is advisable to check opening times in advance.
The institution runs the Bard Prison Initiative, which allows inmates in several New York State correctional facilities to earn a full college degree. This program provides access to higher education in a setting where such opportunities are rare.
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