Washington Irving High School

A grand fireplace. That’s the first thing that greets you as you step into the Washington Irving High School. It’s not just any fireplace, mind you. A plaster bas-relief overmantel stretches above it. It depicts scenes from “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, a nod to the school’s namesake, the famed author Washington Irving. Washington Irving High School stands as a testament to a rich past, a fusion of education and artistry. Founded in 1902 as an all-girls school, it stands proudly on Irving Place, a fitting tribute to its namesake. The original eight-story edifice, designed by C.B.J. Snyder in 1913, exudes a timeless charm. A later addition, designed by Walter C. Martin in 1938, reaches twelve stories, adding a modern touch to the historic structure. As you explore the lobby, your gaze will inevitably be drawn upwards to the twelve magnificent murals by Barry Faulkner. These aren’t mere decorations. They are a visual journey through the early history of New York. The artistry doesn’t stop there. The auditorium boasts murals by Robert Knight Ryland and J. Mortimer Lichtenauer, adding another layer of artistic richness to Washington Irving High School. Even the stairwells become canvases, showcasing the works of Salvatore Lascari. Outside, a bust of Washington Irving by Friedrich Beer keeps watch at the corner of Irving Place and 17th Street. This bust isn’t just a piece of art, it’s a symbol of the school, featured on student IDs. The school’s history isn’t without its darker moments. In 2016, a fire caused by an electrical explosion forced a temporary closure and relocation. A few years later, in 2017, a student was arrested and charged with assaulting another student within the school walls. These incidents serve as reminders of the challenges faced by urban schools like Washington Irving High School. The school closed its doors in 2015, transitioning into the Washington Irving Campus, housing multiple smaller schools. But the legacy of Washington Irving High School lives on, within the walls of this historic building.