Exploring the Gilded Age Mansions of Carnegie Hill

When American steel tycoon Andrew Carnegie purchased a swath of property on Fifth Avenue at 90th Street at the turn of the 20th century, he raised many eyebrows across High Society — after all, that part of Manhattan was considered the boonies, too far uptown from the acceptable social center. But Carnegie's foresight eventually won out as other influential Americans soon followed with homes of their own. From the Carnegies, Whitneys, and Vanderbilts to the Posts, Huntingtons, and Rockefellers, it's time to uncover some of Fifth Avenue's turn-of-the-century mansions belonging to some of America's most powerful families of the early 20th century.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the streets and explore the Manhattan neighborhood of Carnegie Hill, best known for its wide range of historic homes and cultural institutions along Fifth Avenue between 86th and 98th Streets.

Led by NYC tour guide, Ginny Poleman, our curated path through New York’s most exclusive neighborhood dating back over a century will include:

• A then-and-now comparison of the neighborhood using maps, illustrations, and vintage photos dating back to the 19th century
• A walk past world-class museums, including the Neue Galerie and the Jewish Museum, which were once private mansions
• Insider stories surrounding some of Fifth Avenue’s most notable families, including why Andrew Carnegie purchased up property around him; why Grace Vanderbilt moved uptown to the “gardener’s cottage”; and how banker Felix Warburg’s father-in-law wasn’t too happy with his gothic chateau-esque mansion
• A look at Beaux Arts architecture that defined the era that tied into the aesthetic of New York during the City Beautiful Movement
• A discussion of the architects who built the great mansions and museums along Fifth Avenue and beyond, such as Stanford White, CPH Gilbert, the team of Carrère & Hastings

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**This tour concludes at Fifth Avenue and 94th Street

About Ginny

Ginny Poleman is a graduate of Cornell University, a licensed NYC tour guide, docent for the Municipal Art Society, as well as an educational and costume collection guide for New York’s largest art museum. Additionally, she offers private tours for her own company, NYC Encounters, covering New York City Art, Architecture, and History. You can follow her on Instagram and Facebook at @Art_Encounters and @NYC.Encounters.

Testimonials

"[I liked] The guides knowledge of history of the area, photos of it looked like in different decades and the fact that it was a small group" -deborah

"Ginny, our guide, was hands down the BEST walking tour guide I have ever had. She was extremely knowledgeable AND entertaining. She was funny and genuine and made the history come alive. This was my first experience with your company. I can not recommend your guide enough. The tour was excellent and I will definitely be trying another tour in the future. I will recommend to all my friends. Thank you!" -Sam

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club