When New York City's wealthiest residents moved uptown to escape the crowded downtown neighborhoods beginning in the late 19th century, they didn't just build big homes, but rather colossal palaces. From architectural details that included turrets, gargoyles, moats, and wrought iron inspired by Italian Renaissance tombs — to prominent American families that included names like Carnegie, Pulitzer, Vanderbilt, and Frick — it's time to travel up Fifth Avenue and uncover the incredible sights and stories behind the Gilded Age mansions that still line the avenue.

Join New York Adventure Club as we hit the pavement and explore the great Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue between 70th Street and 84th Street.

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 look at two world-class museums including the Frick Collection and the unfinished façade of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Insider stories surrounding some of Fifth Avenue’s most notable families, including why Joseph Pulitzer had architect Stanford White soundproof his bedroom; how banker, Henry D. Cook, anticipated the uptown migration up New York’s wealthiest, and why Henry Clay Frick wanted his home to become a world class private museum after he passed away A trip past the Upper East Side’s smallest historical district and why it's today’s best example of early 20th century architecture 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 Richard Morris Hunt, Stanford White, CPH Gilbert, and the team of Carrère & Hastings

See you there!

5th Avenue between 70th and 71st Street Map