Gothamist: Hidden Landmarks of Manhattan

Stanley Greenberg

Sat, 21 Jan 2006 20:47:25 -0500

Open House New York will be on again next October. Stay tuned for site listings. www.ohny.org

MT

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 13:42:50 -0500

I tried the same thing with the lobby of the Chrysler Building, Tim. I couldn't get past the front door to even look up. However, if you go to the Woolworth Building after business hours (7 pm or later) you can generally get inside the lobby. You can t go near the elevator banks, but you can at least get inside up to the security desk which is set pretty far back. I've had some nice security guards who let me look as long as I didn't try to get pushy about it.

Joe

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 13:40:09 -0500

jc - you're thinking of Open House New York

MT

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 13:39:13 -0500

The information about the Customs House is fascinating. I've always loved the sculpture of that building. Those 360 degree views revealed stuff I never knew was there.

neelofer

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:55:48 -0500

Ah, the Woolworth building. It's my favourite in the city and I haven't even been inside the lobby yet. Like the first poster said, it's a crime to never be allowed in there. I was hoping that during the Open NY weekend in the late summer/early fall when they allow visitors/tours of buildings that are generally closed would have one for the WB. Doesn't help that I go to school right across the street. Will get into that building one day even if it means taking a class at NYU or something.

jc

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:46:31 -0500

I'm not sure who was sponsoring it, but sometime last year a bunch of architecturally significant buildings all over the city opened their doors to the public. You were given little tours (sometimes guided) on buildings you normally wouldn't notice. Can anyone give more information on this?

Michael Williams

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:24:32 -0500

I've always wanted to get into the red room at the Irving Trust Company building.

mrf

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:20:28 -0500

You used to be able to get a modest view of the Cunard lobby when it was a post office. The PO closed about a year ago -- does anyone know if there are any plans for the space? It would be spectacular if they cleaned it up a bit, especially considering the history of the building.

vermilion

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:02:40 -0500

The NY Life building has a rush-hours-only subway entrance on the corner of Park and 27th Street (the station is downtown only on the 6 line at 28th Street). You can catch a glimpse of the building's beautiful Beaux Arts lobby from there, although you won't be able to get past the security check to get a closer look (but the subway entrance itself is beautiful too).

Tim N.

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:01:17 -0500

Both of my visits were after 9/11. No excuse.

kowgurl

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:57:45 -0500

After 9-11, they decided that people couldn't just come in off the street and look around the Woolworth lobby. It was a security thing, I worked there at the time. I think they have tours though, but you have to sign up.

Tim N.

Fri, 20 Jan 2006 11:42:16 -0500

I remember walking around downtown one day and strolling through the Woolworth Building lobby. Absolutely amazing. Few months later I tried going in with my daughter, and we were stopped at the door. This is a crime. There is no reason for this. We're going to protect the art by not getting anyone to look at it. Friggin' fools. If real estate people want to know why everyone thinks they suck, look here. Get on your phones and call the owners of the Woolworth Building and get this to change. People who want to appreciate your building don't need to have to deal with bullying, rude guards.