New York University is a private research university in New York City, chartered in 1831 and founded in 1832 by Albert Gallatin. Its main campus surrounds Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village.
The NYU logo is an upheld torch derived from the Statue of Liberty, designed in 1965 by Tom Geismar of Chermayeff and Geismar. The university color is the trademarked NYU Violet.
Logo history
- 1831: NYU is chartered.
- 1965: Tom Geismar designs the torch logo.
- 2016: Commons records the short color logo dated April 8, 2016.
This timeline lists only changes that a cited source confirms. Earlier or minor variants of the New York University mark that could not be dated from a primary or reputable source are left out rather than guessed.
Logo colors
| Color | HEX | RGB | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYU Violet | #57068C | 87, 6, 140 | NYU brand guidelines (PMS 2597 C) |
| Ultra Violet | #8900E1 | 137, 0, 225 | NYU brand guidelines (PMS 266 C) |
| Black | #000000 | 0, 0, 0 | NYU brand guidelines |
The New York University palette in this draft has 3 recorded values. NYU Violet is #57068C, which is RGB 87, 6, 140. Ultra Violet is #8900E1, which is RGB 137, 0, 225. Black is #000000, which is RGB 0, 0, 0. Where a value comes from a redrawn vector rather than the owner’s own guide, check it against official files before using it in design work.
The Commons file uses #4F2987, which is not an NYU value. Recolor exports to #57068C or use NYU’s own files.
Typography
Not stated on the color page.
Design context and usage rules
NYU calls Violet its principal brand color, to appear in every communication. Ultra Violet is an electrified version for emphasis and cannot be matched in CMYK print. The guide warns against violet text on black or on Ultra Violet because the contrast is too low, and approves white on NYU Violet at an 11.6 to 1 ratio.
FAQ
Who designed the NYU torch?
Tom Geismar in 1965.
What is NYU Violet?
57068C, PMS 2597 C.
What does the torch mean?
It comes from the Statue of Liberty.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_University
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nyu_short_color.svg
- https://www.nyu.edu/employees/resources-and-services/media-and-communications/nyu-brand-guidelines/designing-in-our-style/nyu-colors.html
Logos shown are trademarks of their owners and are provided for identification and reference. To request removal, contact [email protected].