Map of the Day: Columbia's Not-So-Secret Tunnels

In honor of the hundreds of Columbia University freshman that have arrived on campus this week, here's the most accurate map we could find of the tunnels that run under campus. Exploring the tunnels and leaving your mark on the subterranean walls has been a popular undergraduate activity for generations-- but of course, little ones, proceed at your own risk. The tunnels are filled with boiling-hot pipes, and since the riots in 1968, the administration has blocked many passages. Before you go, it's best to read up-- the ColumbiaTunnels.org site is the best resource. If you're too lazy (or smart) to head in, check out these pictures-- they'll give you a pretty good idea of what you're missing.

Update: also check out this informative article by Michael Schreiber and Gabriel Rodríguez-Nava.

While we're on the subject of urban exploration, check out these beautiful pictures SoupFlowers took inside the Red Hook Sugar Refinery-- a building which is not long for this world.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jake Dobkin in Miscellaneous on August 29, 2006 11:47 AM

Comments [rss]

Bob A Booey

Will Gothamist next be reporting on which Psych 101 professor is the "cool" one?

SB

I thought there were more students starting to show up around here...

http://subwayblogger.com/2006/08/23/yall-aint-from-around-here-huh/

Rachel

Whatever happened to streets and sidewalks?

Charlie

I made it 4 years without goin to one of those tunnels...

the great green earth

Fordham University's campus in the Bronx has some pretty crazy tunnels as well. They don't seem to be as extensive as Columbia's, but they did connect every archaic building together. I've tripped in them, good colorful tasty times.

Gin Joey Lawrence

are the Gin Blossoms playing there? GET PSYCHED

Kojak

Come to think of it, most Universities with a large campus have this type of system. I know Stony Brook does, I've been inside there. Its actually pretty cool... like an underground city of sorts.