1. Guatemalan UN Mission

Guatemalan UN Mission

The Guatemalan UN Mission is located at 57 Park Avenue between East 37th and 38th Street in the Murray Hill neighborhood. Formerly known as the Adelaide L. Townsend Douglas House, it was built for Adelaide Townsend Douglas, wife of capitalist William Proctor Douglas, and allegedly the mistress of J.P. Morgan, the famous American financier and banker.

Designated a New York City Landmark in 1979, the elegant townhouse was designed by Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer, in the French Classic Louis XVI style. Guests entered into a marble-lined reception hall where they were entertained in the dining room on the first floor as well as in two salons decorated in the French 18th century style.

Interestingly enough, the only “guest” who did not enter through the double entrance doors on Park Avenue was J. P. Morgan, who financed the construction of the building. According to family members, the millionaire had a private entrance at the rear of the house. In 1978, the townhouse was sold to the Government of Guatemala for $5 million as its Mission to the United Nations.

Next, check out The Top 10 Secrets of the United Nations in NYC