art history phd nyc

History of Art and Archaeology (PhD)

Program description, archaeological excavations.

The Institute of Fine Arts is dedicated to graduate teaching and advanced research in the history of art and archeology and in the conservation and technology of works of art. The Institute strives to give its students not only a sound knowledge in the history of art, but also a foundation in research, connoisseurship, and theory as a basis for independent critical judgment and research. The student following the PhD course of study gains a deeper understanding of a subject area, beyond what is normally acquired at the master’s level and develops a capacity for independent scholarship.

The PhD Program at the Institute of Fine Arts is a course of study designed for the person who wants to investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through detailed, object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation. The degree program provides a focused and rigorous experience supported by interaction with the leading scholars of the Institute, and access to New York area museums, curators, conservators, archaeological sites and NYU’s global network.

At present the Institute conducts five active excavations in cooperation with the Faculty of Arts and Science: at Abydos, Egypt; at Aphrodisias, Turkey; at Sanam, Sudan; at Selinunte, Sicily; and at Samothrace, Greece. Advanced students are invited to participate in these excavations and may be supported financially by the Institute.

All applicants to the Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) are required to submit the  general application requirements , which include:

• Academic Transcripts
• Test Scores  (if required)
• Applicant Statements
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of Recommendation , and
• A non-refundable  application fee .

See Fine Arts for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements 

Language requirement, qualifying paper, dissertation proposal, dissertation defense, departmental approval.

The program is designed for five to six years of full-time study. A total of 18 courses (72 credits) are required for the PhD degree. A minimum of six of these courses must be in seminars, at least four of which lie outside the student’s major field. Distribution requirements are met by choosing courses in the following fields:

• Pre-modern Asia;
• Pre-modern Africa and the Middle East;
• The Ancient Mediterranean and Middle East, including Egypt;
• Pre-modern Europe and the Americas;
• Post-1750 Global;
• Museum and Curatorial Studies;
• Technical Studies of Works of Art;
• Architectural History.

The technical studies of works of art course is chosen from the courses offered through the Conservation Center.

Course Definitions and Requirements

Proseminar:.

The purpose of the Proseminar is to introduce students in the doctoral program to advanced research methods in the history of art. Because it is a dedicated course for the entering PhD student, it will serve to consolidate the cohort. It is taken during the first semester and is taught by a rotation of the Institute faculty, with a different faculty member chosen each year. Emphasis is placed on the specific practices of art-historical analysis in relation to visual and textual interpretation. The contents of the seminar vary each year according to the research interests of the chosen instructor. The class is structured around specific problems in the history of art rather than broad conceptual paradigms, with an emphasis on historical interpretation.

Colloquium:

A colloquium provides an analysis or overview of the state of the literature on a given art historical topic or problem, with extensive reading, discussion, and presentations. There may be a final paper. 

A seminar is a focused advanced course that explores a topic in depth. Seminars are often based on an exhibition in the New York area. Students are expected to produce a substantive paper that demonstrates original research.

Lecture courses explore topics or historical periods, giving overviews of major issues as well as detailed analysis of specific problems and works of art. Students are responsible for assigned and recommended reading, and may produce short papers and/or take an exam.

Additional Program Requirements

PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in reading two modern research languages other than English that are relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students may be expected to learn other languages that will equip them for advanced research in their chosen fields. Students whose Bachelor’s or Master’s degree is from a non-English speaking institution may be exempt from one language.

The qualifying paper may be developed from seminar work or might be on a topic devised in consultation with the student’s advisor. Normally, the student will be advised to produce a detailed study on a subject that leads towards the dissertation. It should be no longer than 10,000 words (excluding bibliography and footnotes). Students may submit their M.A. thesis in lieu of the Qualifying Paper.

Following the completion of their coursework, Ph.D. students are examined on a major field consisting of two contiguous areas and on a third minor area, which can be in a related field or provide skills necessary for their dissertation. Students should consult their advisor in selecting the two additional examiners and the fields for examination. It is the responsibility of the advisor to invite examiners and to inform any outside examiners about Institute procedures. Students should work closely with each of their examiners to determine appropriate bibliographies.

The purposes of the major examination are to ensure that students develop a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field of study in both breadth and depth, that they can draw independent conclusions based on the study of objects and on written scholarship, and that they are able to effectively communicate these conclusions to an academic audience. The major examination is separate and distinct from the presentation of the dissertation prospectus. Students should allow at least one semester (15 weeks) of preparation for the oral examination. The committee will submit three essay questions to the Academic Office immediately following the oral examination. Within 30 days of the oral examination, the student must pick up the written component, the "Two Week paper." For the "Two Week Paper," the student chooses one topic out of the three given by the examiners. The paper must be submitted two weeks after picking up the prompts from the Academic Office.

In order for the candidate to continue to the dissertation, the advisor and the two other examiners must pass both the oral and written components of the examination. If the candidate does not pass either part of the exam, the candidate is allowed one more attempt. Failure to pass both parts of the second major examination will result in termination from the program.

The proposal must be presented to a dissertation committee no later than six months after passing the major examinations. Students will discuss potential dissertation topics with their supervisor, who will form a dissertation committee of three faculty members (the supervisor and two others). The proposal will be distributed to the committee members in advance of a proposal presentation.

The proposal presentation provides a forum for the committee and the student to discuss intellectual and methodological aspects of the dissertation and to formulate research plans. Immediately following the presentation, the committee will determine if the proposal has passed or if it is in need of revision. The final, approved proposal will be distributed at the next full faculty meeting for further comment. The written proposal consists of:

 A narrative exposition of the dissertation subject detailing the state of current scholarship as well as the student’s own research aims. The proposal should demonstrate the viability of the project and should clearly set forth the research questions to be addressed with direct reference to sources and contexts. The narrative should not exceed 2500 words (approximately 8-10 pages). Arguments should be properly footnoted;

A chapter outline that is no more than one page;

 A bibliography of principle references, divided as appropriate into separate archival and primary source sections;

Up to five images

The dissertation may contain no more than 250 pages of text. Permission to exceed this limit can be granted only through petition to the faculty by way of the Director of Graduate Studies. Each doctoral candidate submits to a final oral defense of the dissertation before a committee of five scholars.

All Graduate School of Arts & Science doctoral candidates must be approved for graduation by their department for the degree to be awarded.

Sample Plan of Study

Following completion of the required coursework for the PhD, students are expected to maintain active status at New York University by enrolling in a research/writing course or a Maintain Matriculation ( MAINT-GA 4747 ) course.  All non-course requirements must be fulfilled prior to degree conferral, although the specific timing of completion may vary from student-to-student.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will have the skills and abilities to:

• Critically investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation.
• Effectively communicate original, independent research and interpretations of secondary material through written and oral presentation.  
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of critical issues in the field of art history or archaeology through written and oral examinations in a defined field. 
• Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding and interpretation of one topic in art history through substantial original research presented in the form of a dissertation.

NYU Policies

Graduate school of arts and science policies.

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages .

Academic Policies for the Graduate School of Arts and Science can be found on the Academic Policies page . 

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Doctor of Philosophy

The Institute of Fine Arts is dedicated to graduate teaching and advanced research in the history of art and archeology and in the conservation and technology of works of art. The Institute strives to give its students not only a sound knowledge in the history of art, but also a foundation in research, connoisseurship, and theory as a basis for independent critical judgment and research. The student following the PhD course of study gains a deeper understanding of a subject area, beyond what is normally acquired at the master’s level and develops a capacity for independent scholarship. The PhD Program at the Institute of Fine Arts is a course of study designed for the person who wants to investigate the role of the visual arts in culture through detailed, object-based examination as well as historical and theoretical interpretation. The degree program provides a focused and rigorous experience supported by interaction with the leading scholars of the Institute, and access to New York area museums, curators, conservators, archaeological sites and NYU’s global network. The program is designed for up to six years of full-time funded study. A total of 18 courses (72 points) are required for the PhD degree. Each student registers for three courses per semester for the first five semesters. One course in the fifth semester is dedicated to developing the dissertation proposal. In the sixth semester students register for 12 points devoted preparing for the oral exam and beginning work on the dissertation. Exceptions to full-time study are made only for urgent financial or medical reasons and must have the approval from the Director of Graduate Studies.

Distribution Requirements

Students must take at least one seminar in four fields outside of their area of specialization. The Proseminar may count as one of these seminars. Students are required to take one course in technical studies of works of art. The minimum total seminars for PhD students is six. Students may take courses in other relevant disciplines in consultation with their advisor, and subject to the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

Distribution requirements are met by choosing courses in the following fields:

• Pre-modern Asia
• Pre-modern Africa and the Middle East
• The Ancient Mediterranean and Middle East, including
• Pre-modern Europe and the Americas
• Post-1750 Global
• Museum and Curatorial Studies
• Technical Studies of Works of Art
• Architectural History

Course Definitions and Requirements

Proseminar : The purpose of the Proseminar is to introduce students in the doctoral program to advanced research methods in the history of art. Because it is a dedicated course for the entering PhD student, it will serve to consolidate the cohort. It is taken during the first semester and is taught by a rotation of the Institute faculty, with a different faculty member chosen each year. Emphasis is placed on the specific practices of art-historical analysis in relation to visual and textual interpretation. The contents of the seminar vary each year according to the research interests of the chosen instructor. The class is structured around specific problems in the history of art rather than broad conceptual paradigms, with an emphasis on historical interpretation. Colloquium: A colloquium provides an analysis or overview of the state of the literature on a given art historical topic or problem, with extensive reading, discussion, and presentations. There may be a final paper.

Seminar: A seminar is a focused advanced course that explores a topic in depth. Seminars are often based on an exhibition in the New York area. Students are expected to produce a substantive paper that demonstrates original research. Lecture: Lecture courses explore topics or historical periods, giving overviews of major issues as well as detailed analysis of specific problems and works of art. Students are responsible for assigned and recommended reading, and may produce short papers and/or take an exam.

Curatorial Track

This doctoral-level program is offered jointly by the Institute of Fine Arts and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, under the supervision of the Joint Committee on Curatorial Studies composed of faculty, curators, and the Directors of both institutions. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for curatorial careers in specialized fields. Students are required to take two courses in Curatorial Studies, which are taught at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, before being offered an internship at the Museum.

Language Requirement

PhD students must demonstrate proficiency in reading two modern research languages other than English that are relevant to their studies. Proficiency is demonstrated by passing an examination administered by the Institute of Fine Arts. International students focusing on a field of study in which their native language is relevant may be granted an exemption from the language requirement pending submission of an exemption form signed by their advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

Qualifying Paper

The Qualifying Paper may be developed from seminar work or might be on a topic devised in consultation with the student’s advisor. Normally, the student will be advised to produce a detailed study on a subject that leads towards the dissertation. It should be no longer than 10,000 words (excluding bibliography and footnotes).

Students are examined on a major field consisting of two contiguous areas and a third component that can be in a related field providing skills for their dissertation.

Students are encouraged to teach after passing the second year review. Opportunities for teaching at NYU and at other New York area colleges and universities will be coordinated by the Director of Graduate Studies.

PhD students are funded for up to six years, depending on the transfer of previous graduate work. The program is normally divided into three years of course work, exams, and submission of a dissertation proposal and three years for dissertation research and writing. Variations to this pattern might occur according to opportunities for students to develop skills or experience in their specialist fields, as approved by the student’s advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies. Students are encouraged to compete for outside fellowships. The award of such fellowships might extend the number of years taken to complete the program. Institute funding will be suspended during the period of outside fellowship support.

Students Entering with a Master’s Degree

To receive the PhD degree, all Institute requirements must have been fulfilled, including a Master’s thesis (of copy of which is submitted with the application), and a distribution of courses within areas of study that correspond to those outlined in Distribution Requirements. No credits will be automatically transferred; credit will be awarded based upon evaluation by the Institute Faculty at the First Year Course Review. In addition, at least one written comprehension exam in a foreign language must have been passed. The student entering with a MA degree must pass an exam in a second language, if not yet attained, by the end of his/her first year of study. Entering students who have been awarded an MA at the Institute will begin as third year PhD students. They are expected to have a distribution of courses that meet the Course Distribution for the PhD and are required to pass a written comprehension exam in a second language.

Degree Requirements

PhD | Masters Degree | Conservation

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Art History Graduate Programs in the New York City Area

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Graduate School of Arts & Sciences - New York University

• New York, NY ·
• New York University ·
• Graduate School
• · Rating 4.8 out of 5   10 reviews

Blue checkmark. New York University, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 10 Niche users give it an average review of 4.8 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I am enrolled specifically in the Magazine concentration. My professors have all been helpful with helping me succeed and are willing to stay back to go over something I don't understand. There are... Read 10 reviews.

Rutgers University School of Arts and Sciences

• New Brunswick, NJ ·
• Rutgers University–New Brunswick ·
• · Rating 4.2 out of 5   5 reviews

Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Graduate School, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 4.2 stars. Featured Review: Alum says I had a lot of support, I met a lot of great people, we grew together and guided each other. The housing situation was also pretty decent. They have a large variety of programs and a lot of electives... Read 5 reviews.

Mason Gross School of the Arts

Blue checkmark. Rutgers University–New Brunswick, Graduate School, NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ.

College of Arts and Sciences - Sacred Heart University

• Sacred Heart University ·
• Graduate School ·
• FAIRFIELD, CT
• · Rating 5 out of 5   6

Pratt Institute School of Liberal Arts and Sciences

• Pratt Institute ·
• BROOKLYN, NY

New Jersey Institute of Technology

• · Rating 4.59 out of 5   27

College of Arts and Sciences - Stony Brook University, SUNY

• Stony Brook, NY ·
• Stony Brook University ·
• · Rating 3 out of 5   3 reviews

Stony Brook University, Graduate School, STONY BROOK, NY. 3 Niche users give it an average review of 3 stars. Featured Review: Doctoral Student says In the Physics Department, the classes are wide-ranging and generally well taught. They are challenging and require the amount of effort expected of a very good graduate education. However, the... Read 3 reviews.

CUNY Brooklyn College School of Humanities and Social Sciences

• Brooklyn, NY ·
• CUNY Brooklyn College ·

CUNY Brooklyn College, Graduate School, BROOKLYN, NY.

CUNY Brooklyn College School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts

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CUNY Queens College School of Arts and Humanities

• Queens, NY ·
• CUNY Queens College ·

Blue checkmark. CUNY Queens College, Graduate School, QUEENS, NY.

College of the Arts - Montclair State University

• Montclair, NJ ·
• Montclair State University ·

Montclair State University, Graduate School, MONTCLAIR, NJ.

Pratt Institute School of Art

Blue checkmark. Pratt Institute, Graduate School, BROOKLYN, NY.

Division of Humanities & the Arts - CUNY City College of New York

• CUNY City College of New York ·
• · Rating 4 out of 5   1 review

CUNY City College of New York, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 1 Niche users give it an average review of 4 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The psychology program at CUNY City College of New York continues to surprise me with interesting classes like Gender and Psychology as well as Trauma and resilience. It shows the deep and diversity... Read 1 reviews.

School of Arts and Sciences - CUNY Hunter College

• CUNY Hunter College ·
• · Rating 5 out of 5   5 reviews

CUNY Hunter College, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 5 Niche users give it an average review of 5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says The teachers are highly engaged with student development but are working filmmakers themselves which is not only inspiring but so helpful for the quality of our education. Read 5 reviews.

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College of Arts and Communication - William Paterson University of New Jersey

• Wayne, NJ ·
• William Paterson University of New Jersey ·

William Paterson University of New Jersey, Graduate School, WAYNE, NJ.

School of the Arts - SUNY Purchase College

• Purchase, NY ·
• SUNY Purchase College ·

SUNY Purchase College, Graduate School, PURCHASE, NY.

The William J Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences

• Jersey City, NJ ·
• New Jersey City University ·

New Jersey City University, Graduate School, JERSEY CITY, NJ.

Columbia University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

• Columbia University ·
• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   4 reviews

Columbia University, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 4 Niche users give it an average review of 4.5 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says It was a really great and flexible program that allowed me to explore my own interests without the restricting requirements getting in my way too much. Honestly a great major Read 4 reviews.

The CUNY School of Professional Studies

• CUNY Graduate School & University Center ·
• · Rating 4.63 out of 5   24 reviews

CUNY Graduate School & University Center, Graduate School, NEW YORK, NY. 24 Niche users give it an average review of 4.6 stars. Featured Review: Master's Student says I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at CUNY. The Applied Theatre Program can feel like a step child in the school but all in all, its been wonderful. The instructors are insightful and engaging. My... Read 24 reviews.

School of Visual Arts

• · Rating 4.61 out of 5   23 reviews

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Sotheby's Institute of Art - NY

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CUNY Queens College Aaron Copland School of Music

• · Rating 5 out of 5   1 review

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• · Rating 4.5 out of 5   2 reviews

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CUNY Queens College School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

• University of Pittsburgh ·
• PITTSBURGH, PA

Welch College of Business and Technology

• · Rating 5 out of 5   3

School of Communication, Media and the Arts - Sacred Heart University

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Department of Art History

as.nyu.edu/arthistory Silver Center, 100 Washington Square East, Room 303, New York, NY 10003-6688 • 212-998-8180

Chair of the Department

Professor Geronimus

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Associate Professor Robinson

Director of Urban Design and Architecture Studies Program

Clinical Professor Broderick

Once described by New York Times art critic John Russell as the best undergraduate department of art history in the country, the art history program at NYU was established to provide a rigorous and wide-ranging education in the many facets of the history and theory of art, a mission that its faculty continues to enthusiastically embrace. Students become familiar with global art from antiquity to the present. The department offers courses in ancient, medieval, Renaissance, baroque, modern, contemporary, East Asian, South Asian, Islamic, Latin American, African, Oceanic, Pre-Columbian, and Native American art, treating not only painting, sculpture, architecture, and photography but also graphic media, manuscript illumination, the decorative arts, and aspects of urban design. The department is one of the few undergraduate programs in the country with extensive offerings in conservation and museology. A myriad of museums, galleries, and local architectural sites make New York City the ideal place in which to study the visual arts on site and in the flesh. Beyond New York, art history courses are offered at NYU's study away sites, such as Berlin, Buenos Aires, Florence, London, Madrid, Paris, and Prague.

The department offers majors and minors in art history and in urban design and architecture studies. Since an education in the history of art can be enhanced by a firsthand understanding of its making, our majors are encouraged to minor in studio art through the Steinhardt School. The department publishes its own student journal ( Ink & Image ), and has an honors program which culminates in the writing and oral defense of a senior honors thesis.

Art history graduates have proven exceptionally successful in securing positions in museums, commercial galleries, auction houses, and nonprofit organizations. Those who go on to undertake graduate study typically pursue careers as curators, conservators, and academic art historians at the university and college level. Students majoring in urban design and architecture are well prepared for graduate study in architecture, urban planning, and historic preservation.

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This Theater Was a Haven for Bold Art. Then the Archdiocese Intervened.

The Connelly Theater has suspended operations after its church landlord began more carefully scrutinizing show scripts and its general manager resigned.

By Michael Paulson

The Connelly Theater in New York’s East Village has for years been a shabby but warm haven for adventurous performing arts: the play “Job,” which is now wrapping up a Broadway run; Kate Berlant’s “Kate,” a one-woman show that went on to London and California after selling out downtown; and the satire “Circle Jerk,” a Pulitzer finalist in 2021.

But over the past few weeks, the building’s landlord — the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New York — began more intensely scrutinizing the content of shows whose producers were seeking to rent the space. At least three planned productions had to relocate.

Josh Luxenberg, who has been the theater’s general manager for the past decade, submitted his resignation late Friday. And early Tuesday, the Catholic school that is the intermediary between the theater and the archdiocese said it was “suspending all operations of its theater.”

Producers who have rented from the Connelly say they were aware that it was owned by the archdiocese, and that there was always a clause in their contract allowing the Roman Catholic Church to bar anything it deemed obscene, pornographic or detrimental to the church’s reputation. But only recently, they said, did the archdiocese seek to rigorously scrutinize scripts before approving rentals.

New York Theater Workshop said it was told by a bishop this month that it could not stage “Becoming Eve,” which is adapted from a memoir about a rabbi who comes out as a transgender woman, at the Connelly early next year. It is now looking for another venue.

“We had seen a range of really provocative, amazing, inspiriting, artistically rigorous shows there, so I was surprised this would be rejected,” said Patricia McGregor, the artistic director of New York Theater Workshop. “And if in the East Village of New York City we are meeting this kind of resistance, where else might this be happening?”

In a statement last week, the Archdiocese of New York did not acknowledge any changes in its approval process. “It is the standard practice of the archdiocese that nothing should take place on church-owned property that is contrary to the teaching of the church,” Joseph Zwilling, the archdiocese’s director of communications, wrote in an email. “That applies as well to plays, television shows or movies being shot, music videos being recorded, or other performances.”

The stepped up scrutiny followed an incident in Brooklyn last fall when a priest was stripped of his administrative duties after allowing the pop star Sabrina Carpenter to film an iconoclastic music video in a Catholic church.

At least two other productions have been affected by the archdiocese’s decision-making.

“Jack Tucker,” a comedy show that was a New York Times critic’s pick, planned to transfer to the Connelly last month following successful runs at SoHo Playhouse and in London. When the archdiocese still had not approved the show days before it was to begin, the producers scrambled to find another Off Broadway venue, a move that doubled their costs.

Lucas McMahon, a producer of the comedy show, said in an email that the archdiocese had “destroyed the viability of an important cultural institution” and that it was “a crushing loss to the Off Broadway and artistic community.”

The SheNYC summer theater festival , which for eight years has staged plays by female, nonbinary and transgender artists at the Connelly, was told by Luxenberg this month that it was not likely to be approved by the archdiocese, and is now trying to find an alternative for next summer.

“They made it clear that anything about abortion, reproductive rights, gender issues or sexuality will not be allowed going forward, and, given the nature of our organization, they expect that most, if not all, of our scripts will get rejected,” said Danielle DeMatteo, the founder and artistic director of SheNYC Arts, which describes itself as “a femme-led nonprofit organization that fights for gender equity in the arts and entertainment industry.”

“I’m heartbroken to lose this space,” DeMatteo said. “And I can’t imagine it being anyone’s theater now.”

Luxenberg, who at the time of his resignation was the theater’s director as well as its general manager, said he was unwilling to continue in the job under the current circumstances. “Remaining in this position now requires screening production proposals for any content that is objectionable to the Catholic Church,” he said in an email. “This puts me in the untenable position of becoming a censor rather than an advocate of artistic freedom.”

The shift comes at an inopportune time for the theater community. There is a growing interest in commercial and independent Off Broadway ventures but a dwindling number of available venues in the Lower Manhattan neighborhoods most sought by producers.

“Any restrictions that might prevent the space from operating at its highest level would be a devastating loss to the community,” said Randi Berry, the executive director of IndieSpace , an organization that helps independent theaters find real estate in New York. “We need spaces that allow for experimentation and risk taking.”

The loss of revenue from the rentals could also pose a challenge for the Cornelia Connelly Center , which runs the independent Catholic school that is the property’s primary tenant and that provides tuition-free education for “under-resourced girls” in fourth to eighth grade. The center leases the building that includes the school and the theater from the archdiocese.

The center’s executive director, Brianne Wetzel, said by email last week that “the Archdiocese of New York, and not our center, has sole control over the approval process of the productions that are performed there.”

Wetzel said the rental income from the theater had been used “to help offset the high cost of maintaining the operation of a full-scholarship school in Lower Manhattan.”

In a second email early Tuesday, Wetzel announced the suspension and said, “Although we do not yet know when the theater will reopen, CCC remains committed to its mission to ensure that current and future girls will receive the guidance they need to reach their educational goals.”

The Connelly, in a building that was once an orphanage, has two theaters — a main stage in a onetime choir hall that can seat nearly 200 people and a smaller theater (formerly the Metropolitan Playhouse) that can seat about 50. In recent years, and particularly since the coronavirus pandemic, it has been producing more ambitious work: This summer, Marin Ireland’s “ Pre-Existing Condition ,” about domestic violence, became a surprise hit in the smaller theater. Other notable Connelly productions include Ruby Thomas’s “ The Animal Kingdom ,” Jeremy Tiang’s “ Salesman之死 ” and Will Arbery’s “ Plano .”

In December, the Connelly had been scheduled to present Kallan Dana’s “Racecar Racecar Racecar,” about a father-daughter road trip. The play is a production of the Hearth , a nonprofit theater project that supports and develops new plays by women and “artists of underrepresented genders,” and had been approved before the recent change in practice.

“We are unsure of what the future holds, but we have a commitment to artists we have hired and Kallan’s play,” Julia Greer, the Hearth’s producing artistic director, wrote in an email before the theater’s suspension of operations. “The Connelly has a rich history of presenting exciting, independently produced new plays, and it’s upsetting to hear that this is now in jeopardy.”

Michael Paulson is the theater reporter for The Times. More about Michael Paulson