4. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York Boasts Stunning Ironwork

All this talk of gold can easily distract a visitor from the architectural details inside the 22-floor, limestone and sandstone headquarters of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, which is reminiscent of architecture from the Italian Renaissance period. However, the stunning ironwork inside is not to be missed.

Following an architectural competition for the construction of the building, talented metal worker and blacksmith, Samuel Yellin, presented sketches of ornamental ironwork to winning architecture firm, York and Sawyer. His bid was accepted, but the task to cover the bank with such flourishes was monumental. Yellin doubled the manpower at his workshop to over 200 helpers so that the project could be completed on time. According to the New York Fed Twitter, Yellin crafted 200 tons of ironwork into the building, including teller window fixtures — no two of which are alike —that feature the heads of animals like giraffes, alligators and dragons. There are also whimsical details like smiley faces on door handles.