Dumbach Scholars Immerse Themselves in Art, Architecture, and Culture in New York City

Guided by Blueprint Tours and architecture professor Charlie Pipal of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the group encountered some of the world’s most iconic artistic and architectural landmarks. From the energy of Times Square to the innovative design of Hudson Yards and the urban renewal vision of The High Line, students experienced the city as a living classroom.

The weekend began with visits to galleries in Chelsea and dinner at Chelsea Market, followed by time at Little Island—a public park that blends architecture, landscape, and art. On Saturday, students toured the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, walked through Central Park, and explored the rich cultural collections of El Museo del Barrio and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

For many students, seeing masterworks in person deepened their understanding in a way no textbook could replicate.

"The Dumbach trip to New York City was amazing," shared Maddie Barber '28. "The highlights were definitely the museums. I enjoyed seeing the art we have studied together in person because I was able to make closer observations and get a better idea of the context. I also loved when we were given free time to explore the city. I was able to make so many new friends and connect with people I did not know as well before."

The group also attended two Broadway productions—& Juliet and Stranger Things—experiencing firsthand the creativity and excellence of New York's theatre community. Michael Laarveld '28 reflected on the impact of the experience: "Going on the New York trip really amplified my understanding of art history and grew my appreciation for it. We got to see some of the works we've studied for AP Art History in person at places like the Met or MoMA. Seeing The Starry Night was a very cool experience since it's one of my favorite 250 list artworks. A highlight of the trip was seeing the Stranger Things play—the effects and acting were unbelievable and I'm so glad we were given the chance to go see it."

On Sunday, students attended Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral before visiting Rockefeller Center, Chinatown, SoHo, and the New York University campus at Washington Square Park. The final day included a visit to the iconic Seagram Building—a structure studied in AP Art History—and the Museum of Modern Art, where students encountered some of the most influential works of modern art.

Shane Starmann '28 described the breadth of the experience: "The New York trip was such an amazing experience. There was always something to do and we got to experience so much art, music, and food. I loved learning more about the city and its culture, and my personal favorite parts were Central Park and the Met Museum."

More than a trip, the Dumbach Scholars' journey was a formative academic pilgrimage—an opportunity to integrate rigorous intellectual study with lived experience. Through art, architecture, culture, and prayer, students engaged the world with curiosity and depth—hallmarks of a Jesuit education—and returned to campus with broadened perspectives and a renewed appreciation for the beauty that shapes our shared human story, eager to share those experiences with the Rambler community.