new york public library treasures tour

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The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures

• Things to do
• New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Midtown West
• Until Dec 31, 2025

Time Out says

Hundreds of items have been pulled from the New York Public Library's expansive and centuries-spanning archive to be put on display—many of them for the first time—in a permanent exhibition called "The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures."

Inside the NYPL's Stephen A. Schwarzman Building and its beautiful Gottesman Hall, are more than 250 unique and rare items culled from its research centers: the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

The exhibit, which opens to the public on Friday, September 24, spans 4,000 years of history and includes a wide range of history-making pieces, including the only surviving letter from Christoper Columbus announcing his "discovery" of the Americas to King Ferdinand’s court and the first Gutenberg Bible brought over to the Americas.

We visited the stunning collection this week to find the top 10 must-see items at the NYPL Treasures exhibit so when you go, you can make sure to see them for yourself:

1. Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence

Only six manuscript versions of the Declaration of Independence are known to survive in the hand of Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson made this copy for a friend shortly after the July 4th, 1776, ratification of the Declaration, which announced to the world the American colonies’ political separation from Great Britain. He underlined words that he ended up taking out of the final document. Among the rejected passages, present here: a passionate condemnation of African chattel slavery and the slave trade, the perpetuation of which Jefferson blames on King George III. Jefferson’s antislavery sentiments were not insincere, but how he could hold them, as an enslaver himself, remains a conundrum.

2. Manuscript draft fragment of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

Mary Wollstonecraft, the mother of feminism, demanded women’s equality based on what they have in common with men. There is an early edition and a draft fragment in her handwriting, which is the only one known to survive, she takes to task both the women who indulge in extravagant fashions and the men who mock them.

3. The stuffed animals that belonged to the real-life Christopher Robin and inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories

The original stuffed animals that inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories are right here in NYC. They belonged to Christopher Robin Milne, who received a teddy bear purchased from Harrods department store in London in 1921. Pooh is surrounded by his pals Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga, and Tigger (Roo was eventually lost in an apple orchard.) They were brought to the U.S. in 1947 and kept by Milne’s American publisher, E.P. Dutton, until 1987, when they were donated to the Library.

4. Maquette of "Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Harp)" by Augusta Savage

This incredible plaster sculpture was designed for the 1939 World's Fair by Augusta Savage, a key figure of the Harlem Renaissance. Through the work, she honored composer, activist, lawyer and fellow Floridian James Weldon Johnson: “I have taken for my theme the national Negro anthem,” wrote Savage. “It is a poem written by the late James Weldon Johnson, and set to the music by his brother, John Rosamond Johnson." The sculpture was one of the most popular at the fair, but it was destroyed because she could not afford to cast it in bronze. This reproduction and others were made and sold as souvenirs.

5. The set model of In The Heights

The beloved musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegría Hudes is represented by Anna Louizos’s set model for the original Off-Broadway production, which shows a dynamic urban streetscape with details informed by her visits with Miranda to his neighborhood, including the George Washington Bridge.

5.  The Triumph of Maximilian (Triumphal Arch) by Albrecht Dürer

Albrecht Dürer’s Triumphal Arch , commissioned by Emperor Maximilian, is one of the largest prints ever produced. It's made of  200 individual prints and demanded the combined labors of Dürer and a workshop of assistants for more than two years.  The library owns two copies, including a rare, but incomplete, first edition. The one shown here is complete and belongs to the third and last edition.

6. Charles Dickens’s desk

You can see the actual desk, chair and light that Dickens used when writing Hard Times (1854) and  Great Expectations (1860–1861). He also wrote some of his more than 15,000 letters on this writing slope. The chair was used in Dickens’s office at Household Words , the weekly magazine he edited in the 1850s, but was later moved to his home. This ensemble, including the small desk calendar, all came from Gad’s Hill Place, Dickens’s primary residence for the last decade of his life.

7. Costume made and worn by Loie Fuller (1862–1928)

This beautiful hand-dyed silk, from 1925, was likely worn in a dance set to Claude DeBussy's "La Mer" by dancer and entrepreneur Loie Fuller, who transformed it under colored lighting. Fuller’s interpretation involved a staircase and yards of silk, making the entire stage move like ocean waves. She was known to manipulate fabric in swirling, undulating patterns, helping to define the modernist aesthetic that inspired artists from sculptor Auguste Rodin to poet W.B. Yeats to the mother of modern dance, Isadora Duncan. 

8. A Page from a draft of The Novel  James Baldwin

From around 1960, this speech by James Baldwin outlines some of his thoughts on the characteristics of the novel as a form and the challenges for the American novelist, but particularly Black writers. The final page suggests Baldwin’s view of the promise the novel holds for African American literature when Black writers—such as Richard Wright, Chester Himes, and Ralph Ellison—write how they see themselves: “a new sense of our identity.”

9. Umbrella belonging to P.L. Travers

Take a close look at this umbrella. Remind you of anyone? It belonged to the author of Mary Poppins —Pamela Lyndon (P.L.) Travers. The American editor presented the umbrella to The New York Public Library in May 1972, at the same time that Travers herself donated a small collection of artifacts associated with her well-loved storybook series.  

10. Malcolm X’s briefcase

You can see the actual leather and brass briefcase of Malcolm X, who had a famously busy schedule, meeting with activists, religious and community leaders, students, scholars, and everyday people around the world and on the sidewalks and in the shops of Harlem. Much of the Malcolm X Collection documents the substance of those many meetings, conferences, and public presentations, and provides a glimpse of the charisma that drew so many people to him. Yet the collection includes only a handful of Malcolm X’s personal effects. This briefcase is one such rare artifact and a testament to Malcolm X’s tireless work. It was admittedly difficult to put together a list of just 10 amazing items from this exhibit as there are literally hundreds of items that are so old and so important. Before you go, grab timed tickets in advance at nypl.org/treasures .

The exhibition is expected to be a dynamic experience—new items will be removed and added in over time. Not surprising, when one considers how many gems the New York Public Library has likely acquired over the course of its 126-year history. The new exhibition was made possible through a $12.5 million donation from philanthropist Dr. Leonard Polonsky CBE and curated by a team of research library staff led by Declan Kiely, the Library’s Director of Special Collections and Exhibition.

"To move forward and make real and essential progress as a society, we need to understand what came before us," says Anthony W. Marx, president of The New York Public Library. "We need to learn the stories that have contributed to our collective story, the awe-inspiring, the heartbreaking, the infuriating, the spectacular.

Dates and times

Sat, May 4, 2024 10:00 AM New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Free

Sun, May 5, 2024 10:00 AM New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Free

Mon, May 6, 2024 10:00 AM New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building Free

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The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures

A permanent exhibition highlighting The New York Public Library’s world-renowned research collections

Project details

For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library has collected, preserved, and made accessible the world’s knowledge. The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures showcases for the first time some of its most extraordinary items in a permanent exhibition open to the public free of charge.

Curated from the Library’s extensive collections of manuscripts, artworks, letters, still and moving images, recordings, and much more, the Polonsky Exhibition tells the stories of people, places, and moments spanning 4,000 years—from the emergence of the written word through to the present day.

While some iconic objects will remain on long-term display, the Exhibition will evolve over time, with section themes and individual items within those sections rotating. Its initial iteration (which opened in September 2021) includes:

• Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence;
• The Gutenberg Bible (printed in 1455);
• Charles Dickens’s writing desk and his personal copy of A Christmas Carol (with his handwritten notes for public readings); and
• The stuffed animals that belonged to the real-life Christopher Robin and inspired the Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

The Polonsky Exhibition invites visitors to discover, learn, and to be inspired by the voices of the past and creates a space for a greater understanding of our world to shape a better future. An online version of the Polonsky Exhibition and audio guide are freely available to audiences worldwide.

Links/downloads:

• More information and to reserve free tickets
• Press release
• Interview with Dr. Leonard S. Polonsky CBE
• WNYC, “Artifacts on Display”
• Time Out New York, “Top 10 Must-See Items”

Subject areas

Cultural heritage and digitisation.

We support major libraries and museums in digitising and displaying the riches of their collections, to make them available to researchers and the wider public in innovative and attractive ways.

Humanities education and research

We support research in the humanities at significant academic institutions, educational initiatives to inspire young people about the humanities, and the broadening of educational opportunity.

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We support artistic heritage, the development of new creative work and the nurturing of young performers.

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Treasures Audio Guide

Discover the audio guide in English , español (Spanish) , 普通话 (Mandarin) , and with verbal descriptions on Bloomberg Connects , the free arts and culture app.

LISTEN ON BLOOMBERG CONNECTS  

Or listen online:

ACCESSIBLE TOUR  

Learn more about The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures.

Privacy Notice

Bloomberg Connects is a third-party mobile application (app) developed by Bloomberg Philanthropies. The app is not owned or operated by NYPL and therefore we encourage you to review the Bloomberg Connects privacy policy . For more information about NYPL’s third-party partners and vendors in general, please see Section 3 of NYPL's Privacy Policy describing "Third-Party Library Services Providers".

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A Cabinet of Wonders Opens Wide

A Coco Chanel ballet slipper, Beethoven’s hair, Andy Warhol’s painted ticket. “Treasures,” at the New York Public Library, showcases delights from its collections.

By Jennifer Schuessler

The most exquisite holiday windows on Fifth Avenue might be inside the New York Public Library’s flagship building at the corner of 42nd Street. Walk up the stairs past the stone lions, through the marble entrance court and into the ornate Gottesman Hall, and you can peer into dramatically lit cases holding medieval illuminated manuscripts, a ballet slipper designed by Coco Chanel, the stuffed toys that inspired “Winnie-the-Pooh” and Virginia Woolf’s walking stick, among other prized items.

None of the objects are for sale. But in a way, they already belong to us. Or that’s the message behind “Treasures,” the library’s first ever permanent installation of highlights from its research collections.

The exhibition, supported by a $12 million gift from the philanthropist Leonard Polonsky, is the culmination of more than three years of shopping the library’s epic closets, which hold more than 45 million manuscripts, rare books, prints, photographs, audio and film clips and other artifacts. Covering 4,000 years of history, it mixes big-ticket items (a Gutenberg Bible, Shakespeare’s First Folio) and who-knew delights, like Andy Warhol’s painting of a Studio 54 ticket (inscribed “To Truman,” as in Capote).

Originally, the idea was to display 125 items at a time, in keeping with the library’s 125th anniversary in 2020. “But we quickly blew through that,” Declan Kiely, the library’s director of special collections and exhibitions, said on a recent morning, before a tour of the roughly 250-item display, which has drawn more than 75,000 visitors since it opened in September.

Sara Spink, the exhibition’s curatorial associate, recalled going into the library’s vaults during her first week on the job, to look at some of its cuneiform tablets. “The curator said, ‘Oh, by the way,’ and pulled out a copy of a roll call of Congress’s yea and nay votes on the 13th Amendment,” she said. “I was like, What?”

The exhibition is an expression of the library’s civic faith, underlined by the object that greets visitors as they step into the gallery: Thomas Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence, which he mailed to a fellow Virginia delegate shortly after July 4, 1776, with underlining indicating passages (including a passionate denunciation of slavery) that had been cut from the final version.

Right behind it — at the center of the gallery, and the library building itself — is an oversize handwritten copy of the Bill of Rights, one of 14 that George Washington ordered made during the debate over ratification. It lists 12 amendments, rather than the 10 that were approved.

“This shows that history isn’t set in stone,” said Anthony Marx, the library’s president, who had popped down to show off a few items. “It’s something that’s always being debated and argued, even as it’s being imagined.”

The exhibition, which is free but requires timed admission tickets, includes cases dedicated to exploration, religion, performance, childhood, visual arts, social activism and other themes, whose contents will rotate regularly. There are striking juxtapositions and surprising sightlines, and objects that tell different stories depending on the angle you look from.

Look through a display of the conductor Arturo Toscanini’s batons, suspended in space, and you catch a glimpse of a spotlighted case across the room holding “Political Prisoner,” a 1971 cedar sculpture by the African American artist Elizabeth Catlett. From the front, the figure — a woman with a Pan-African flag cut into her torso — looks exhilarated, regal. From behind, you see that her hands are chained.

The library, Kiely said, is really a “collections of collections,” whose own history is traced through the show. The core sections are heavy on treasures donated by the 19th-century philanthropist James Lenox, like an early 16th-century copper globe that includes one of the earliest cartographic representations of the Americas. (It’s also one of only two surviving Renaissance or medieval maps with the inscription “Here be dragons.”) And about that Gutenberg Bible: The Morgan Library, a few blocks away, may have three copies, Kiely said with a laugh, but the New York Public Library’s, another Lenox gift, is “special,” since it was the first to come to America, in 1847.

There are also 1852 bronze busts of a Sudanese man and woman, believed to be the first items donated by the Afro-Latino bibliophile Arturo Schomburg, whose personal collection became the foundation of the library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem.

At the core of the library’s collections is the written word, represented by items from those cuneiform tablets to modern manuscripts by Vladimir Nabokov, James Baldwin, Tom Wolfe and others. And of course there are books, both exquisite and homely.

In a section on faith, a 1791 Russian altar gospel in ornate, jewel-encrusted silver binding sits above a tiny, lantern-shaped 15th-century “girdle book,” which would have dangled from a monk’s belt. Tucked between the worn pages are tiny slips of paper marking particular prayers — medieval Post-it notes, Kiely said.

There are plenty of objects that show traces of the hand, as well as assaults from less exalted parts of the body. One solo case displays the desk where Charles Dickens likely wrote “Hard Times.” At a 1940 event, the story goes, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia decided to sit on it, destroying the original cane seat.

That broken chair underlines another unspoken theme of the exhibition: the contingency of survival. The first “test book” from Manhattan’s Emigrant Savings Bank, from 1850, is displayed open to a page showing mostly Irish names, along with detailed personal information (town of origin, children’s names, ship of arrival) that was used to verify an account holder’s identity — the analog version of today’s online security questions.

Similar records, Kiely said, were destroyed in the Irish Civil War in 1922, when the Four Courts in Dublin burned. “For Irish historians, this is the only record for people of those generations,” he said. “It’s all in here.”

In a display dedicated to childhood, an umbrella belonging to P.L. Travers, the author of “Mary Poppins,” hangs, half open, above a 1920 issue of The Brownies’ Book, a magazine edited by the African American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois. (“Designed for all children,” the title page explains, “but especially for ours.”)

For all the show’s famous names, there are plenty of mysterious strangers. In the visual arts section, Kiely pointed out a personal favorite: a sketchbook of the little-known 19th-century Japanese artist Ariyoshi Kondo, open to an exquisite tableau featuring a lobster, plus a half-finished butterfly that looks ready to fly off the page to flirt with Nabokov’s.

A final section illustrates holdings relating to New York City, from the first money printed here , from 1708, to Anna Louizos’s set model for the 2007 Off Broadway production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s musical “In the Heights.”

The library, many would say, is itself one of the city’s treasures. And exiting the gallery, it might be easy to miss a set of small brass keys that once opened the gate of the old Croton Reservoir, the huge aboveground water storage tank that was torn down in 1900 to make way for its building.

Spink recalled the curator who had casually pulled them out of a box. “She said, ‘Oh, you might be interested in this too,’” Spink said. “Yes!”

Jennifer Schuessler is a culture reporter covering intellectual life and the world of ideas. She is based in New York. More about Jennifer Schuessler

New York Public Library In-App Audio Tour: Exploring Treasures & Hidden Details

About this activity, tour preview.

• You'll receive a self-guided audio tour right after booking
• • Explore the New York's fundamental landmark with your own in-app audio tour
• • Get carried away by opulent Beaux Arts architecture and interiors where millions of books reside
• • Meet the two lions "guarding" the Library, and see where Ghostbusters and Spider-Man were filmed
• • Feel the authentic atmospehere of classical and modern reading rooms
• • Visit the Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library's Treasures with its unique artifacts

What's included

• Self-guided audio tour for your smartphone on the WeGoTrip app
• Step-by-step navigation through the library halls
• Tips on how to get to the Rose Main Reading Room
• Earphones not included — bring your own
• Free Library Card to get to some areas closed for tourists (apply on site)
• Earphones and smartphone are not included – bring your own
• In-person tour guide

Places you will visit

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Treasures of The New York Public Library

Price: $ 30.00 Member Price: $ 27.00

This product is currently sold out.

A lavishly illustrated book to accompany The New York Public Library's exhibition of the priceless treasures in its archives

Inside the walls of its three research library buildings, The New York Public Library is a palace of wonders containing diverse collections of over 46 million objects including rare books, maps, paintings, prints, sculpture, photographs, films, recorded sound, furniture, ephemera, rare and important historical documents, and more.

In honor of the NYPL’s 125th anniversary, the library is opening its first ever permanent exhibition in the exquisite Gottesman Hall on the first floor of its iconic 42nd Street Building: The Polonsky Exhibition of The New York Public Library’s Treasures .

Treasures is the official book to accompany the exhibition: a sumptuous four-color volume that showcases the depth and breadth of the library’s holdings. Filled with the creations of history-makers and influencers who changed the world, Treasures includes such diverse items from NYPL’s collections as the Declaration of Independence written in Thomas Jefferson’s hand; the original Bill of Rights; Charles Dickens’s desk; George Washington’s handwritten farewell address; manuscript material from authors such as Maya Angelou, Charles Dickens, T. S. Eliot, Jack Kerouac, Vladimir Nabokov, Mary Shelley, Virginia Woolf, and many others; a Gutenberg Bible; Malcolm X’s briefcase; the original Winnie-The-Pooh dolls; the only existing letter from Christopher Columbus to King Ferdinand regarding his discovery, and a Sumerian cuneiform tablet ca. 2300 BC.

Treasures is The New York Public Library’s gift to the world.

Author:  The New York Public Library

Jacket Design:  Michael Storrings

Type: Hardcover

Dim:  9.8" x 10.8" x 1.4"

Item Number: 9781250623775

The Top New York City Landmarks and Attractions (+ Tour on Foot)

W ait...what? Is it possible to see all the top New York Attractions and Landmarks on Foot? Absolutely, Is it possible to see all the top New York City landmarks on Foot? Absolutely, and these guides show you how!

When sightseeing in New York City for the top landmarks, there is a lot to see, and we've grouped the best attractions that are easiest to see on a tour by foot.

From shows to nightlife to new and exciting restaurants, New York has something for everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or with friends.

One of the advantages of being on foot is exploring the diverse array of New York City landmarks, from the bohemian streets of Greenwich Village to the glamorous lights of Broadway.

Here are the best attractions in the USA for families visiting New York City.

The Top New York Attractions in Midtown Manhattan

Radio city hall.

At night, you can't miss the flashy Radio City lighted signs. It is equally impressive by the day. Radio City Hall is huge and one of the most iconic theaters in the theater district.

The concert hall is large and holds upwards of 6,000 people. The seats are very closely packed. If you're planning an evening out, you'll love the Radio City venue. It's unique and special.

The Rockettes Christmas show after all these years is still a city favorite. It is a "wonderful feel good" Christmas moment for your family with Traditional Christmas songs, wonderful dancing by the Rockettes, and the now wonderfully diverse troop of quality Broadway dancers.

Rockefeller Center

The Prometheus Statue is one of the most famous sculptures in the world. The bronze sculpture is hand-gilded in 24k gold leaf and bears the sculptor's signature (P. Manship). The plaza is surrounded by flags from around the globe and is a gathering place for tourists and locals.

You know you are truly in NYC when you are here. The vibe, the noise, the skating rink, NBC Studios. It's all here along with a lot of people. During summer the plaza is open for roller skating. When visiting in December, the plaza turns into an ice rink.

Rockefeller Center is an iconic spot right in the center of Manhattan. You could spend hours here, just people watching or shopping or eating.

The Top of the Rock

Go to the Top of the Rock for the views! There are plenty of photo spots and depending on your ticket, you can marvel from high during the day. And the sights are incredibly beautiful with the city lights in the evening.

There are three floors to view, which is nice for seeing New York City landmarks like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. The decor inside of the building is also gorgeous. The earlier you can go the better if you want to avoid the crowd.

The partial glass floor has cut-away views 100 stories below. Compared to all the other observation decks, the Top of the Rock offers the best view of the Empire State Building. Make sure to visit when the skies are clear!

St. Patrick's Cathedral

It is the official seat of the Archbishop of New York! Even Pope Francis visited this church. Inside, it boasts a seating capacity of 2,400, numerous altars and beautiful stained-glass windows, and a giant organ with 7,855 pipes.

The cathedral is clad in marble and is a beautiful example of architecture. Not only is it one of the most beautiful New York City landmarks, the entrance is free and open to the public. It is located right across from the Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue.

Times Square

As you wander through the streets of Manhattan, you'll encounter a myriad of New York City landmarks, each with its own unique charm and significance.

Times Square is one of those world-renowned icons that a trip to NYC would seem incomplete without it! In Times Square, you find bright lights, street entertainment, fictional characters, street vendors, and more!

The Big Apple never sleeps. You can see all the fanfare along 7th Ave, where the lights and actions are. However, if you don't like being in crowds or congested traffic, you should skip this spot.

Times Square was bustling with activity as costumed cartoon characters mingled with tourists and locals alike. Mickey Mouse waved enthusiastically to passing children while Elmo danced playfully on the sidewalk.

SpongeBob SquarePants posed for pictures with delighted fans, giving out high fives and hugs. Just beyond, Pikachu was breakdancing, much to the amusement of the growing crowd around him. Winnie the Pooh ambled along, offering passerbys friendly hugs.

The colorful cast of characters brought an air of whimsy and delight to the busy Manhattan crossroads. Times Square was truly a playground for both kids and adults on this day, thanks to the presence of these beloved cartoon icons.

While the costumed cartoon characters may seem friendly as they offer to pose for photos, keep in mind that they expect to be paid for their time. Be prepared for them to request tips after taking pictures together.

👣 Ready to explore Radio City Hall, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Times Square on foot? Follow along here on Google maps .

New York Public Library

The library is stunning and the interior is impressive. With over 3 million books under the building, this building has a rich history. The books stored underground were categorized by height to maximize space.

It is the second largest library, after the Library of Congress, in the United States. The lions standing on either side of the entrance are named Patience and Fortitude.

The interior is classically beautiful. You’ll find statues, artwork, and marble architecture throughout which makes for a beautiful backdrop in photos.

Scheduled tours are free. It's a great way to see an incredible archive of knowledge.

Bryant Park

Located next to the New York Public Library is the sprawling park with over 9 acres of green spaces. It is a nice spot to relax in the middle of a bustling city.

The park hosts summer movie nights and there is a charming carousel, Le Carrousel Magique that the kids will enjoy (tickets are $4 each). Locate the fountain for a beautiful backdrop in your vacation photos!

Bryant Park also hosts the annual New York Fashion Week. The allure of New York City landmarks is not limited to their visual appeal; they also serve as gathering places for celebrations, protests, and community events.

Grand Central Terminal

Also known as Grand Central Station, this terminal is the main hub for New York commuters. One of its most notable features is the imposing arched windows and the four-sided clock in the center concourse.

If you visit at the end of the year, don't miss the annual Christmas market! You'll find baked goods, produce, and delis in the food concourse.

Kids will enjoy the whispering gallery which is located where the main concourse leads to the dining concourse. Stand in one corner and speak softly, the person in the opposite diagonal corner can hear you.

Empire State Building

When you see New York City landmarks like the Empire State Building, you might immediately think of "An Affair to Remember" or "King Kong".

Not only has the structure made an impression in cinema it has become a wonder of the world because of the massive effort needed to successfully construct it.

Today, it is the number one tourist attraction in the United States.

Observatory decks are on the 80th, 86th, and 102nd floors. The general admission gives access to the 80th and 86th floors. Access to the 102nd floor is higher in cost but the views are spectacular!

From the observatory you can see New York City landmarks, such as the Chrysler Building, which have become synonymous with the city's skyline.

Our recommendation is to get a ticket that allows entrance twice in one day so that you can see views during the day and at night.

Hailed as the flagship store of the retail chain, Macy's is the most famous department store in America.

People travel from near and far to attend the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade which showcases performances, artistic floats, and helium-filled balloon characters.

It is a spectacular show, and the event also makes finding a hotel in New York difficult during the holiday season.

Many of the New York City landmarks, such as Central Park and Times Square, have become world-famous symbols, synonymous with the city itself. 👣 Ready to explore New York Public Library, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building and Macy's on foot? Follow along here on Google maps .

The Top New York Attractions in Lower Manhattan

Statue of liberty.

The Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic New York City landmarks, represents the city's history as a gateway for immigrants and a beacon of hope.

There are a few different ways to see the Statue of Liberty. You can enjoy an aerial view through magnification atop a tall structure like the Empire State Building, see it from a shorter distance for free by ferry, or see it up close by paid ferry.

To see it for free , you want to stop at the Staten Island Ferry terminal in Battery Park. The Ferry runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. On weekdays, the service runs every 15 to 20 minutes, and on weekends it runs about every 30 minutes.

To see the Statue of Liberty, stand on the left side of the boat when leaving the station. The trip takes about 25 minutes, and you must deboard and enter the terminal to reboard again. On the return trip, stand on the other side of the boat to see the statue or just enjoy the ride across the Hudson River.

Statue City Cruises is the only ferry service that takes visitors to the island where the Statue of Liberty stands and to Ellis Island.

Circleline Sightseeing Cruise is another water service where you’ll get a great view of many famous NYC landmarks from a unique vantage point on the river.

Charging Bull

The story of this 7,100-pound bronze sculpture is incredible! It's hard to believe that not all New York City landmarks were meant to be. The statue was not commissioned by city officials, yet it has since become an icon of New York's Wall Street.

In 1987, artist Arturo Di Modica created the Charging Bull as a way to give hope to the stock market crash victims. Without the city's permission, he and forty or so friends snuck into the night with a crane and placed it outside of the New York Stock Exchange Building.

Needless to say, the city was not pleased and had the sculpture removed. People protested, and their cries were heard loudly, so the Charging Bull was returned to its current location as a temporary display. People line up behind the bull to take photos. The front of the bull looks more polished from all the human-hand contact.

Wall Street

Of all the New York City landmarks, none are as distinct as the location of New York's financial district. It is home to the world's largest stock exchange and New York's Federal Reserve Bank. The area is most fascinating to visitors that appreciate the architecture of the gilded age.

This area marks the location of New York's financial district and is home to the world's largest stock exchange and New York's Federal Reserve Bank. The area is most fascinating to visitors that appreciate the architecture of the gilded age.

Trinity Church

The architecture and sets of bronze doors are quite impressive at Trinity Church. Its main building is a National Historic Landmark as well as a New York City designated landmark.

The church is a contributing property to the Wall Street Historic District and was once the tallest building in the United States until 1869.

The tower of Trinity Church currently contains 23 bells, the heaviest of which weighs 2,700 pounds. Trinity Church and the churchyard are open to the public daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and can be visited for free.

The historic parish hosts weekly recitals and contemporary classical music concerts from September to May. This is a nice option when looking for a cultural experience.

9/11 Memorial and Museum

The beauty of New York City landmarks lies not only in their architectural splendor but also in the stories and memories they hold.

The site has been beautifully reconstructed in memory of those who lost their lives. The cast of lights in the evening is a beautiful tribute. The memorial is free to visit and open from 9 AM to 8 PM every day.

You can purchase tickets to walk through the museum and see remnants of the structures that once stood and hear accounts of those who survived. It is an emotional and moving exhibit that also tells the story of the heroism and unity of the city and its first responders.

Visiting the site brought tears to my eyes. I was overwhelmed with emotions. Although I didn't personally know anyone who suffered loss, I grieved the the tremendous loss of innocent life and the horrific tragedy that befell our nation that day. Seeing the memorial made the events painfully real, and I couldn't help but feel deep sadness for the victims and their loved ones as I reflected on the magnitude of what happened on 9/11. The memorial is a powerful tribute that honors the lives lost and ensures we never forget.

One World Observatory

Get tickets for one world observatory here ..

Better known as the tallest building in the USA, the One World Trade Center was constructed after the September 11 attacks and its name changed from Freedom Tower to One World Trade Center.

There is a three-story observation deck on floors 100-102 of the tower, and it provides a great vantage point for viewing the city and river from above.

New York City landmarks, such as the One World Observatory and Oculus, attest to the ingenuity of engineering. This modern and artistic building is a beautiful juxtaposition of the surrounding architecture.

It reminded me of a butterfly spreading its wings, however the architect envisioned it as a dove leaving a child's hand.

The Oculus also serves as the entry point to twelve subway lines, retail stores, and commercial offices. In the lower level, you can find public seating spaces (with convenient AC/DC and USB outlets for recharging devices).

Final Thoughts on Top New York City Landmarks on Foot

Harlem (upper Manhattan), Brooklyn, Queens, and SoHo are also great places to explore. The High Line is chill, and you won't want to miss Central Park! From the towering Empire State Building to the majestic Statue of Liberty, New York City landmarks offer breathtaking views and endless photo opportunities.

The preservation and restoration of New York City landmarks play a vital role in honoring the city's past and ensuring its cultural legacy for future generations.

And if you are looking for the best way to book New York City attractions by tour? Let someone else do the driving and see all the top New York landmarks with Big Bus Tours !

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Outdoor, Walking Tours: Libraries & Riots: An East Village Walking Tour

Explore our city with a curated librarian-led walking tour.

Join branch staff from Ottendorfery Library   for an in person walking tour! Learn more about the history and landmarks of this neighborhood and connect with community. 

In this one-hour walking tour where we will explore the rich history of the East Village and the place of libraries during a time of immense social change. Lower Manhattan evolved from neighborhoods of toney townhouses to tenements and factories and social conflict ensued. This tour will begin at the Ottendorfer Library and end at the New York Marble Cemetery.

Please register above with your email address.  

Learn more about other librarian-led tours from The New York Public Library: nypl.org/walkingtours

About Jane's Walk 2023 at Municipal Art Society

This neighborhood walking tour is part of  Jane's Walk at Municipal Art Society . Jane's Walks are free, locally organized walking tours, in which people get together to explore, talk about, and celebrate their neighborhoods. In 2023, Jane’s Walk NYC will feature a variety of virtual and socially distanced formats, including in-person guided group walks, self-guided in-person walks, virtual talks, social media activations, and more. 

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New York State Library Announces May Public Programs

The New York State Library announces its upcoming programming for May 2024, including webinars and events related to genealogical services, small business development assistance, and other interesting topics. The following upcoming free programming requires registration and is available either in person or online, as indicated in each listing.

Basic Salvage Techniques for Paper Collections

Monday, May 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (In person at the Corning Museum of Glass) Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (In person at the Corning Museum of Glass) Thursday, May 30, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (In person at the Genesee Country Village Museum) Friday, May 31, 2024 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (In person at the Genesee Country Village Museum)

This program, for individuals who work or volunteer in cultural institutions, will cover the role of wet salvage of paper-based collections as part of a larger incident response. After an overview of emergency preparation and response protocols, participants will take on incident response roles and run through a mock-flood scenario. In this hands-on program, participants will work in groups to salvage and triage a variety of collection items from a pool, including papers, photographs, and bound materials. A post-scenario debrief gives participants the opportunity to review their actions with workshop instructors. Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) Education and Outreach Specialist Liyah Desher and DHPSNY Preservation Specialist Kate Jacus will present.

Register for the May 6, 2024, Basic Salvage Techniques for Paper Collections Register for the May 7, 2024, Basic Salvage Techniques for Paper Collections Register for the May 30, 2024, Basic Salvage Techniques for Paper Collections Register for the May 31, 2024, Basic Salvage Techniques for Paper Collections

A Revolution in Type: Gender and the Making of the American Yiddish Press (Webinar)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Between the 1880s and 1920s, Yiddish-language newspapers rose from obscurity to become successful institutions integral to American Jewish life. During this period, Yiddish-speaking immigrants came to view newspapers as indispensable parts of their daily lives. For many Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, acclimating to America became inextricably intertwined with becoming a devoted reader of the Yiddish periodical press, as the newspapers and their staffs became a fusion of friends, religious and political authorities, tour guides, matchmakers, and social welfare agencies. In A Revolution in Type, Ayelet Brinn argues that questions related to women and gender were central to the emergence of the Yiddish press as a powerful, influential force in American Jewish culture.

Ayelet Brinn  is an Assistant Professor of Judaic Studies and History at the University of Hartford, where she holds the Philip D. Feltman Professorship in Modern Jewish History. After receiving her Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania, she held a Rabin-Shvidler Joint Postdoctoral Fellowship in Jewish Studies at Columbia University and Fordham University, the Ivan and Nina Ross Family Fellow, Katz Center for Advanced Judaic Studies, and was a Scholar in Residence at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute.

Register for A Revolution in Type: Gender and the Making of the American Yiddish Press

Onsite Walking Tour of the Local History and Genealogy Resources at the New York State Library

Friday, May 10, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Friday, May 24, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

The New York State Library provides a nearly endless supply of resources for those tracing their family histories. Join us for an onsite tour highlighting published genealogies, local histories, church records, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) records, United States and New York State Census records, newspapers on microfilm, city directories, and more. Senior Librarian Jane Bentley-Turo will lead the tour.

Register for May 10,2024, Onsite Walking Tour of the Local History and Genealogy Resources at the New York State Library Register for May 24, 2024, Onsite Walking Tour of the Local History and Genealogy Resources at the New York State Library

Patent Basics (Webinar)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

This module will cover the basic facts about patents. We will explore the different types of patents, including utility, design, and plant. We will define the difference and use of both provisional patent applications and non-provisional patent applications. Further, we will discuss the process of patent prosecution, the role of the U.S. patent examiner, and what to expect when working with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Information regarding a number of patent prosecution programs and initiatives available to applicants will also be provided.

Gautam Ubale  is a Primary Patent Examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Specializing in Business Methods, he has a sharp focus on areas including Incentive Programs, Coupons, Electronic Shopping, Business Cryptography, Point of Sale, Inventory, and Accounting/Business Processing. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Mumbai University and Marquette University, along with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from George Mason University.

Register for Patent Basics

Discovering the Frank Brothers - Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence (Webinar)

Wednesday, May 22, 2024 |12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Shirley Green will speak about her recent book, Revolutionary Blacks: Discovering the Frank Brothers, Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence (Westholme Publishing; 2023). The narrative follows the lives of William and Benjamin Frank, two brothers who enlisted in the Second Rhode Island Regiment during the American Revolutionary War in the spring of 1777. Their military experiences quickly diverged, and Dr. Green explores their stories to provide context and substance to the Black experience during the war years, as well as underscore the significant distinction between free Blacks in military service and those who had been enslaved, and how they responded in different ways to the harsh realities of racism.

Shirley Green  received her Ph.D. in history from Bowling Green State University after a twenty-six-year career in law enforcement. She is an adjunct professor of history at the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University. She is currently the Director of the Toledo Police Museum in Toledo, Ohio.

Register for Discovering the Frank Brothers - Freeborn Men of Color, Soldiers of Independence

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps (Webinar)

Thursday, May 30, 2024 |1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, 1867-1999 , is a collection that includes maps of over twelve thousand American cities and towns. Sanborn Maps were originally created to evaluate the degree of risk associated with commercial, industrial, and residential structures. Today, Sanborn Maps are often consulted by researchers interested in the characteristics of buildings and how neighborhoods changed over time.

The New York State Library’s subscription database, Digital Sanborn Maps, includes maps specifically for New York State cities and villages for the dates 1867-1970. Stephanie Barrett and Jane Bentley Turo will demonstrate how to navigate this database, as well as share additional resources attendees can use for historical and genealogical research.

Register for Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps

Visit the  State Library's website  for a complete list of upcoming programs, including webinars, events, and onsite genealogy walking tours. Additional programs will be added to the website as they are confirmed. If any reasonable accommodation is needed (complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act), contact the Office of Cultural Education at least three business days before the program date by emailing  [email protected]  or by calling (518) 474-2274. 

The New York State Library is part of the  Office of Cultural Education  within the  New York State Education Department  and celebrated its bicentennial in 2018. The Library serves the following three major constituencies. The  Regent Joseph E. Bowman Jr. Research Library , established by law in 1818, collects, preserves, and makes available materials that support State government work. The Library's collections, now numbering over 20 million items, may also be used by other researchers onsite, online, and via interlibrary loan. The  Talking Book and Braille Library  (TBBL) lends braille, audiobooks, magazines, and special playback equipment to residents of the 55 upstate counties of New York State who cannot read printed materials because of a visual or physical disability. The  Division of Library Development  works in partnership with 72 library systems to bring library services to millions of people who use New York's academic, public, school, and special libraries. Library Development also administers State and Federal grant programs that provide aid for library services.

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Outdoor, Walking Tours: Hell's Kitchen : From Infamous to Iconic

Explore our city with a curated librarian-led walking tour.

Join branch staff from Columbus Library   for an in person walking tour! Learn more about the history and landmarks of this neighborhood and connect with community. 

We'll take a walk through the Hell's Kitchen area, tracing the history of local buildings and landmarks. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and will begin at our neighborhood library. 

An in-person guided walk through the heart of the iconic Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. We'll explore standing history at the Landmark Tavern, take a glimpse of American marvels by the Intrepid Museum, and stroll through renowned DeWitt Clinton Park.

Please register above with your email address.  

Learn more about other librarian-led tours from The New York Public Library: nypl.org/walkingtours

About Jane's Walk 2024 

This neighborhood walking tour is part of  Jane's Walk at Municipal Art Society . Join us this year during the weekend of  May 3-5!

Jane's Walks are free, locally organized walking tours, in which people get together to explore, talk about, and celebrate their neighborhoods. In 2024, Jane’s Walk NYC will feature a variety of virtual and socially distanced formats, including in-person guided group walks, self-guided in-person walks, virtual talks, social media activations, and more. 

During Jane’s Walk NYC weekend, the simple act of exploring the city is enhanced with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. Jane’s Walk NYC encourages people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and connect with visitors and neighbors alike. 

Outdoor, Walking Tours: Hell's Kitchen : From Infamous to Iconic

Explore our city with a curated librarian-led walking tour.

Join branch staff from Columbus Library   for an in person walking tour! Learn more about the history and landmarks of this neighborhood and connect with community. 

We'll take a walk through the Hell's Kitchen area, tracing the history of local buildings and landmarks. The tour will last approximately 1 hour and will begin at our neighborhood library. 

An in-person guided walk through the heart of the iconic Hell's Kitchen neighborhood. We'll explore standing history at the Landmark Tavern, take a glimpse of American marvels by the Intrepid Museum, and stroll through renowned DeWitt Clinton Park.

Please register above with your email address.  

Learn more about other librarian-led tours from The New York Public Library: nypl.org/walkingtours

About Jane's Walk 2024 

This neighborhood walking tour is part of  Jane's Walk at Municipal Art Society . Join us this year during the weekend of  May 3-5!

Jane's Walks are free, locally organized walking tours, in which people get together to explore, talk about, and celebrate their neighborhoods. In 2024, Jane’s Walk NYC will feature a variety of virtual and socially distanced formats, including in-person guided group walks, self-guided in-person walks, virtual talks, social media activations, and more. 

During Jane’s Walk NYC weekend, the simple act of exploring the city is enhanced with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement. Jane’s Walk NYC encourages people to share stories about their neighborhoods, discover unseen aspects of their communities, and connect with visitors and neighbors alike.