It is one of NYU's 14 global academic centers,[2] hosting around 250 students each semester with classes taught by around 50 professors.

New York University first established a campus in Paris in September 1969, installing a small group of students and faculty in the offices of the Franco-American Fulbright Commission at 9 rue Chardin in the 16th arrondissement.

[5] Seeking more spacious facilities, the campus subsequently moved to the top floor of the France-Amériques centre on the avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 8th arrondissement.

In 1974 the university acquired a standalone house at 56 rue de Passy, leased from the family of philosopher Jean-Marie Benoist.

[9] NYU Paris offers courses in anthropology, history, philosophy, politics, linguistics, psychology as well as European and Mediterranean studies.