Princeton Secures Arts Organizations' Future At Westminster College Campus

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Council recently approved two resolutions to maintain arts organizations at the former Westminster Choir College campus, which the municipality acquired from Rider University in April.

Under a licensing arrangement, Westminster Conservatory of Music will remain under Rider University's oversight until December 31.

The Conservatory will offer musical classes Monday through Friday, between 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in certain Buildings located on the Property, and is staffed Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. and Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The University requested that the Municipality grant it a license to continue the operation of the Conservatory.

The Municipality “found that the Conservatory will promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the Municipality’s residents and the community.”

To this end, the Municipality and the University negotiated a license agreement. The agreement will provide Rider with a non-exclusive, revocable license to use the Bristol Chapel, the Cullen Center, the Playhouse, the Cottage, and Princeton Hall to operate the Conservatory.

In the other resolutions, the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra (GPYO) and Princeton Pro Musica secured agreements to continue campus operations through Aug 31, 2026 while Princeton Ballet Society's amended license also extends their residency.

GPYO has agreed to pay the Municipality $1,900 per month, post a security deposit in the amount of $6,000, and provide insurance in accordance with the terms of the License Agreement.

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