Rediscover New York City this week on a behind-the-scenes tour with Untapped Cities! Uncover secrets of some of the city’s most iconic locations on our expert led tours and gain access to special events from the city’s leading cultural institutions. This week, tour the off-limits lobby of the historic Woolworth Building, go behind the design at the studio of a renowned architecture firm, discover the history of the New York City subway system and more!
Monday, February 11th
“Black-Owned Businesses: A History of Enterprise and Community in Brooklyn,” A Conversation at the Brooklyn Historical Society
Explore the rich history and social impact of businesses owned by and serving black communities in Brooklyn at the Brooklyn Historical Society. Join historian Jason Bartlett is joined by Cynthia Gordy Giwa and Glenn Alan of the online publication Black-Owned Brooklyn and Jyll Hubbard-Salk, founder of Crown Heights yoga studio Urban Asanas, as they discuss the challenges and triumphs of the network of black business owners then and now, and how growing economic empowerment has tied directly to the struggle for equality. Moderated by Digital Editor at Black Enterprise and host of What’s Eating Harlem?, Selena Hill. This event is presented in connection with the Brooklyn Historical Society’s exhibition, “The Business of Brooklyn.” If you are an Untapped Cities Insider, you can attend this event for free! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today to gain access to free behind-the-scenes tours and special New York City events all year long!
Tuesday, February 12th
Photograph by Jochen Enderlin
- Special Access inside the Woolworth Building, which is normally off-limits to the public
- Learn about the history of the building, how it was created and has been restored over the years
- Visit the spectacular “cathedral-esque” lobby and mezzanine of the building, nicknamed the “Cathedral of Commerce”
- Explore the cellar level where you will see an abandoned bank vault and entrances that once had direct access to the NYC subway
- Contemplate many Art Deco details including the gorgeous mailboxes and elevators
The Woolworth Building is one of New York City’s most famous off-limits landmarks. Though its cathedral-like interior of glass and marble is landmarked, security concerns after 9/11 rendered it closed to the public unless you lived or worked in the skyscraper, once the tallest in the world. In addition to our VIP tour of the building with the building architect Cass Gilbert’s great grand daughter, we offer this one hour tour of the normally off-limits Woolworth Building which will feature not only a visit through the stunning lobby but also the mezzanine and the cellar level where the bank vault still stands. On this insider tour of the Woolworth Building, you’ll get a complete picture of the engineering feat and aesthetic masterpiece that the skyscraper is.
Take a trip back to the vibrant Jazz Age, complete with fascinating details of 1920’s social life and the birth of the cult of media celebrity in America. As part of the LW!’s annual “Dark Love” Valentine’s Day series, author Constance Rosenblum will introduce guests to one of America’s most talked-about personalities, Peggy Hopkins Joyce. Although little remembered today, Peggy was the quintessential gold digger: think Anna Nicole Smith meets Kim Kardashian in the 1920’s. A Ziegfeld Girl and occasional stage and film actress, Peggy had no discernible talent besides glamorous looks and a flair for self-promotion. She did manage to find “love” with several millionaires (at least she claimed they were millionaires) and even a count, but it was her scandalous divorce from husband No. 3 (of six) that made her an international tabloid sensation. Thanks to the attention, she became the original modern celebrity — famous for being famous. If you are an Untapped Cities Insider, you can attend this event for free! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today to gain access to free behind-the-scenes tours and special New York City events all year long!
Wednesday, February 13th
Photograph Courtesy of FXCollaborative
The renowned architecture firm of FXCollaborative is opening its doors for drinks, conversation, and an exclusive look at recent and upcoming projects. On this special tour presented with our partners at 6sqft, join FXCollaborative Partner Nicholas Garrison, along with Gustavo Rodriguez, Principal, and Angie Lee, Principal—Design Director, Interiors, as they share some of their current projects, such as 1 Willoughby Square (Brooklyn), Public Square (New York City), and the new Statue of Liberty Museum, among others. You can attend this free event if you are an Untapped Cities Insider! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today to gain access to free behind-the-scenes tours and special New York City events all year long!
Saturday, February 16th
- Explore City Hall Park as the birthplace of the NYC subway system, including elements of the famed, decommissioned City Hall Station you can see right in the park
- Learn about the comically short route of the mythical “Subway before the Subway,” Alfred Ely Beach’s Pneumatic Transit System
- See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten, and partially abandoned, Chambers Street station then nicknamed the “Grand Central of Downtown”
- Discover the remnants of Union Station as you learn about a hidden art installation thousands of riders walk by everyday
- Learn about the secrets of one of NYC’s most iconic buildings
- See Grand Central’s hidden tennis courts
- Peek into the entrance of the glass walkways
- Learn about the design flaw as large as Grand Central Terminal’s main atrium
- Discover a multi-million dollars jewel hidden in plain sight and more!