Architecture in Manhattan

Manhattan has a storied past spanning several centuries - the original capital of the United States during George Washington’s two terms as President, the Stonewall riots leading to the Gay Libration Movement, or the on-going competition for tallest skyscraper among the top growing cities during the early 1900’s. Buildings, streets, parks, statues have a story to tell. The most well-known getting visited by millions of travelers each year. The Statue of Liberty, Flatiron Building, Empire State Building, Central Park. But what about the other landmarks?

Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is the most well-known bridge connecting Manhattan to the other side of the East river allowing for people to live outside of Manhattan while still having access to jobs and culture.  But, down the street from midtown New York City hotels, enter the Queensboro Bridge. The 2-level bridge connects Manhattan to Queens and up until the 1970’s had access to Roosevelt Island midway across the bridge. Walk or drive across the architecture of this bridge and on the other side head to local ICONYC Brewing.

The Cloisters

Did you know The Met has a second location? Located atop a hill at the northern tip of Manhattan, enter into the world of medieval architecture and art constructed in 1933 and funded by John D. Rockefeller Jr. The 4 acre museum exposes the traveler through four spaces of chapels, themed spaces and gardens. The collection started by a private collector later sold to Rockefeller Jr. who continued purchasing pieces and donating them to the museum in its early years. In the past 20 years, J.P. Morgan acquired quite a collection with pieces donated post death by his son.

The Metropolitan Life Tower

Skyscraper design started in 1883 and continued into the mid 1900’s, mostly between New York and Chicago. Driven by social and economic factors, the skylines of both cities were ever changing as each evolved with new construction technology, the invention of the elevator and design. Becoming the world’s new tallest building in 1909, The Metropolitan Life Tower stands at 700 feet and held the title until 1913. The four clock faces on each side of the tower, 4 bells and light beacon at the top were awe-inspired and designed by the architecture firm Napoleon LeBrun and Sons. Winning acclaim in the American architectural profession.

The Tenement Museum

Manhattan in the 19th century was doubling in population every decade with the influx of immigrants fleeing famine, political uprisings, and seeking better opportunities. Single family dwellings were converted to multiple family occupancy and older buildings were converted by adding additional floors to structures or building on rear-yard areas (history.com) to keep up with the growth. Tight quarters, poor air flow, and lack of indoor plumbing were just a few of the everyday conditions. Preserving this moment in Manhattan history, The Tenement Museum is an actual building occupied in the 19th century. Inside, it feels like you’ve transferred back in time and stepped into the preserved living quarters of someone’s home. And to fully understand “a day in the life”, the museum also has walking tours of the neighborhood for more hidden history on the streets of lower Manhattan.

Take a lesser path known on your next exploration around Manhattan