Please note that GISS is a relatively small research laboratory with no visitors’ facility. Because of that and because of government security regulations, the institute is not able to otherwise grant access to members of the general public.

Location

GISS is located in New York City at 2880 Broadway, at the intersection of Broadway and West 112th St., in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. At the corner on the first floor of our building is Tom’s Restaurant, a diner which you will likely recognize if you have watched the TV program Seinfeld. The entrance to the GISS offices is just a few steps east along 112th St. from Tom’s. Signs at this entrance identify the building as Columbia University’s Armstrong Hall and the alternative address as 545 West 112th St.

Reaching GISS via mass transit is most convenient via the 1-train of the city’s MTA subway, which has stations along Broadway at the corners of West 110th St. and West 116th St. Bus stops on the MTA’s M104, M4, M11, and M60 routes are also located within short walking distance.

Requirements

Persons who are not U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents and who may be planning a visit to GISS require that special arrangements be made. Please co-ordinate with your GISS host on this at least three weeks before your visit.

Due to implementation of the REAL ID Act (2005), a state driver’s license or identification card, passport, or other federally accepted identification is required for admittance to the GISS premises, which is considered a federal facility. If you do not have a state-issued license or other ID that is considered REAL-ID compliant, we urge you to obtain one before it is required to enter a federal facility. Enforcement of this requirement was delayed due the COVID pandemic and is now expected to begin in May 2025.

All visitors can expect to have their bags searched upon entry to GISS. This may include having to answer questions about personal items, including any medication the visitor may be carrying.