Tzu Chi Center is a community and exhibition space in New York City dedicated to compassion, education, and global engagement. Through community programs, youth involvement, United Nations NGO collaboration, and cultural exhibitions, the center connects local action with global humanitarian values.
Located on the Upper East Side since 2019, just steps from the United Nations headquarters, Tzu Chi Center serves as a gathering place for conversation, shared learning, and service. We welcome community members, students, NGO partners, and visitors to explore global issues through education, reflection, and community connection.
Tzu Chi USA
The center operates under Tzu Chi USA, the American chapter of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, a global humanitarian organization focused on charity, medicine, education, disaster relief, environmental protection, and humanistic culture.
As part of this global network, Tzu Chi collaborates with United Nations–accredited NGOs and civil society partners to support collaborative learning, public engagement, and humanitarian exchange related to sustainability, relief, and social responsibility.
The Founder of Tzu Chi
In 1966, a young Buddhist nun called Dharma Master Cheng Yen witnessed extreme poverty and suffering in Hualien, Taiwan. She made a powerful aspiration to relieve suffering and educate the rich while helping the poor. With the help of five female disciples and thirty housewives, they funded the first relief mission that would mark the beginnings of what we now know as the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. Master Cheng Yen’s leadership and teachings continue to guide Tzu Chi volunteers today.
Within the center, visitors can explore the Global Gallery, featuring multimedia exhibitions that share stories of compassion, relief efforts, and mindful living from around the world. The space also hosts educational programs, youth activities, community gatherings, and opportunities for reflection.
Tzu Chi Center is a place to learn, connect, and take part in compassionate action — locally and globally.
229 E 60th Street
New York, NY 10022
Tel: 212-660-9229
Open Monday to Friday
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
For tours, groups, schools, and all other questions, please contact us at tccny@tzuchi.us
