Walking Tour of NYC and the Skyscraper Museum
The Woolworth Building is located at 233 Broadway in Manhattan. Built by master architect Cass Gilbert and opened in 1913, this amazing structure was once the tallest building in New York City. Designed in the Neo-Gothic style, the Woolworth Building stands at 792 feet and consists of 60 stories. While the four lower levels of this structure are limestone, most of the building’s façade is glazed terra cotta. Gothic ornamentation and structural details reminiscent of elaborate European churches serve to reinforce the building’s nickname, the “Cathedral of Commerce.” Open to the public, the Woolworth Building is a must see for its stunning exterior design and its place in the history of NYC’s historical landscape.
The World Trade Center Memorial is an 8-acre park built where the Twin Towers once stood. Consisting of two, large reflective pools surrounded by waterfalls, the site is a symbol of remembrance, as the names of all those who perished in the February 1993 and September 11th terrorist attacks are honored around the perimeters of these pools. More than 400 white oak trees surround the plaza and contribute to its reflective and contemplative nature. Beneath this memorial plaza, is an underground museum with exhibits that tell the story of 9/11 and its effects on NYC and its citizens. While the Memorial is free to visit and is open to the public from 7:30 am to 9:00pm, admission to its museum varies depending on one’s age and veteran or NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD job affiliation.
The World Trade Center Transportation Hub is located in Lower Manhattan. This structure was built to replace the PATH train station that was destroyed during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Opened in 2016, the hub looks nothing like a traditional NYC train station. Its centerpiece is the Oculus, a glass and steel structure designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Massive, bright, and visually stunning, both the exterior and interior of this contemporary station resemble the wings of a bird- fitting considering the history of the site.
The World Trade Center Palm Garden, also known as the Winter Garden Atrium, is a 10-story glass vaulted pavilion on Vesey Street in New York City. Part of the Brookfield Place office complex, the Atrium was badly damaged during the 9/11 terrorist attacks as a result of the collapse of the Twin Towers. Reconstruction of this site was completed in 2002, making it the first structure to be rebuilt after the attacks. Since its completion, the Atrium has hosted concerts, symphonies, ballets, and even a performance by the Big Apple Circus. With its 16 palm trees and several high-priced retail shops, and given its proximity to the World Trade Center Memorial and Museum, the Atrium is a must see for all.
The Skyscraper Museum is located in Battery Park City in Manhattan. Founded in 1996, this museum celebrates the architectural history of New York City and the transformation the city underwent in the design and construction of its current skyline. The museum exhibits an insightful collection of photographs, artifacts, scaled models, and information. It covers the technology, zoning law changes, and financial incentives that worked to make NYC’s landscape what it is today. For a standard admission of $5.00 and a student admission fee of $2.50, this small yet information packed museum is worth a visit for anyone interested in architectural design and development.
City Hall Park is located in Downtown Manhattan. Continuing is century-long role in civic life, the park was the site of the infamous Climate Protest on Friday, September 20, 2019. Surrounded by governmental and city municipal buildings, this usually tranquil spot was occupied by a large number of NYC’s citizens as they voiced their concerns for the future of the environment. Parading and chanting, these individuals made themselves heard by those working in the park’s surrounding area in the hopes of eliciting a response from their representatives on this important matter during the country’s upcoming UN meetings.
A walking tour of New York City is important for understanding the complex nature of its history and development, as well as its people. Oftentimes, the beauty of the city is overshadowed by the sheer size of its skyscrapers without a true appreciation for the enormous amount of time, effort, and skill that went into their planning and construction. Likewise, the resilience of New Yorkers and their love for the city can only be seen by walking among them, seeing what they have created, and hearing their voices for the future. New York City has a lot to offer, both historically and currently, and a walking tour is a must for those wanting a true NYC experience.













