Exploring the Gilded Age Upper East Side: Off Fifth Avenue

Synonymous with wealth and social standing, the Upper East Side has been the home of New York’s most affluent since the turn of the 20th century. In addition to the many opulent, palace-like homes lining Fifth Avenue, one can find many Gilded Age Beaux-Arts beauties hiding in plain sight along its side streets. From over-the-top stone carvings and doors of dramatic entryways, to plenty of scandalous stories and family drama, it's time to uncover the Upper East Side like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club as we explore a wide range of historic homes and institutions off of Fifth Avenue between 64th Street and 75th Streets.

Led by NYC tour guide, Ginny Poleman, our curated path through New York’s Upper East Side will include:

• A then-and-now comparison of the neighborhood using maps, illustrations, and vintage photos dating back to the 19th century
• Real-life references to the hit HBO Show, The Gilded Age
• A walk by the country’s largest synagogue and how it replaced the mega-mansion of the social 400’s head doyenne – The Mrs. Astor
• Insider stories surrounding some of most notable families, from the gift presented by FDR’s mother that was his home when he launched his political career to the last dinner for one gentleman (and his new young bride) before setting off for Europe only to perish on the Titanic
• A trip past today’s Ralph Lauren menswear flagship store on Madison Avenue, housed within a mansion built for the woman who never got around to moving in
• A look at Beaux Arts architecture that defined the era and the current-day consulates and private clubs that have taken over and preserved these mansions
• Connections to the great palaces of Newport, and the “pied-à-terres” their residents built in Manhattan
• A discussion of the architects who were called-upon to design these great mansions such as Stanford White, Whitney Warren, CPH Gilbert, and 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 72nd Street and Madison Avenue

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.

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Event takes place rain or shine.

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Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

Host or Publisher New York Adventure Club