Win A Behind-The-Scenes Tour Of The Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building, inside and out (Wikipedia)

Open House New York weekend may have come and gone, but that doesn't mean your only shot at seeing some of the city's secret spaces is lost and gone for another year entirely. OHNY is currently running a raffle for the chance to win a private behind-the-scenes tour of the Woolworth Building in the Financial District, one of the oldest and most gorgeously designed skyscrapers in the city.

Here's a look at OHNY's previous tours of the neo-Gothic space, which include stops at Frank Woolworth's original office the 43rd floor observation deck and the indoor swimming pool. Fun fact: the building was at one point the tallest in the world, clocking in at 792 feet and 60 stories, "depending on how you count them (Woolworth liked the round number and fudged the numbers a bit by leaving out a few floors)."

The raffle is open now through Monday, October 31, and the winner will get to tour the space with a guest. Winners will be announced on Friday, November 4, for a date TBD this winter.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jamie Feldmar in Arts & Entertainment on October 26, 2011 11:44 AM

Comments [rss]

chee1rs

fantastic

t3chdzyn

I work on the 21st floor of the Woolworth building, it's a beautiful place to work. It's a shame that they don't do tours more often. Even working here everyday I often get stopped by security asking what my business is in the building. I work here and it's hard to get into!!!

RobertMosesSupposesErroneously

I was lucky enough to be granted access to the Woolworth Building for a research project a few years back - had to jump through all sorts of administrative hoops and permits. The lobby mosaics alone are worth the trip!

Frank Woolworth saw the building as a "Cathedral to Commerce", so it's designed like a Gothic/Byzantine hybrid church, but instead of saints there are chapel-style mosaics dedicated to "marketing" and "finance", etc. Fascinating to study - the 20th Century in a building.

michelalano

This is my favorite building in New York. I've been lucky enough to have a meeting there with my job.

It's a little off-putting that they have a terse sign at the door that basically says "buzz off, tourists" but I guess that's how they keep it so nice inside.

Guest

Unfortunately the Chrysler building has the same policy. However, once again OHNY at least gets you in to see it once a year. It's at least as spectacular as the Woolworth lobby.

Luke Mathews

Yeah, but what if you have an appreciation for architecture and can't afford to throw down $20 for a 'chance' to win. Can't you just get 10 people and chip in $20/person and pay for the tour?

Detex

this sounds really cool, plus the donation goes to a good cause and is tax deductible!

Guest

I won this tour in a silent auction last year. It is AMAZING! You get unbelievable access to the building. It's incredibly interesting. Anyone who gets this will be blown away.