Post by New York University

At the time when it opened on May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was by far the largest suspension bridge in the world, and the first direct link between Manhattan and Brooklyn, which was then an independent city. The bridge, a monument to designer John A. Roebling’s engineering breakthrough, became part of the cultural fabric of NYC almost immediately, inspiring generations of artists, writers, musicians, and filmmakers who’ve used it as setting, subject, and symbol. It was made a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 1972 and continues to draw tourists from around the world and commuters from around the city. If you go (bring a water bottle! 😅): 👟 Walk less than half a mile from NYU’s Brooklyn MetroTech campus to the start of the Brooklyn Bridge promenade 📷 Stroll the mile-long span and take a photo (or 97) with the city skyline 🪹 Look for birds nesting atop the 277-foot towers (there have been peregrine falcon sightings) 🏛️ Exit near City Hall and continue your history tour in Lower Manhattan (hint: there are plenty of American Revolution sites to explore here for the nation’s 250th! 🇺🇸) 📷 Photos by Tracey Friedman