This week, you can explore the oldest stations of the New York City subway system, see what happens inside a historic art fabrication workshop, explore an abandoned hospital on Ellis Island and so much more! Untapped New York events this week will reveal a side of New York City you probably haven’t seen before. Check out what’s happening:
Wednesday, May 3rd – Underground Subway Tour
Use the NYC subway as your own personal time machine as you ride through abandoned stations, uncover some of the oldest and most hidden examples of subway art, and hear stories of the system’s early days. These NYC walking tours are offered every Monday through Saturday!
Thursday, May 4th – Inside the UAP Foundry and Fabrication Workshop
Go inside the former Polich Tallix Fine Art Foundry in New York’s Hudson Valley, now home to Urban Art Projects. On this virtual tour, you’ll walk through multiple buildings of the compound where famous works of art have come to life. Artworks by Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons have all been crafted here. The Oscars are made here every year too! This exclusive virtual tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders
Thursday, May 4th – Tour and Tasting at Arthur Avenue Retail Market
Take in the sights, smells, and tastes of one of the most beloved attractions of Bronx’s Little Italy, the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. Built in 1940, the market is a covered Italian bazaar that brings together delicious Italian food, gourmet goods, and shopping under one roof. Participants will get to try the best that Arthur Avenue has to offer with samples from local vendors. This exclusive tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders. Not an Insider? Become a member today and get your first month free with code JOINUS.
Friday, May 5th – Secrets of Rockefeller Center Tour
Walk through a lobby covered in gold, find a sterling silver model airplane crafted by the Cartier, and peer into a secret portal that ceremoniously marks the completion of Rockefeller Center’s construction (and is signed by John D. Rockefeller himself) on this tour of the lesser-known side of one of the most famous sites in NYC. These NYC walking tours are offered every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
May 6th – Hidden Gems of Governors Island Tour
From the time of the Native Americans and Dutch settlers, Governors Island has played an important role in New York City life. Discover how this island off the coast of Manhattan has been used for fishing, military fortifications, recreation, and climate research on this tour led by a former National Parks Service ranger!
Saturday, May 6th – Remnants of New Amsterdam Tour
See the colonial remnants of New York City’s first European colony, Dutch New Amsterdam, on this walking tour of Lower Manhattan. As you walk the original street grid laid out by the Dutch, which has been landmarked, you’ll spot the foundations of buildings that date to the 1600s, trace the former shoreline of Manhattan, and physically touch some of the oldest structures in the city!
Sunday, May 7th – Gilded Age Mansions of Fifth Avenue Tour
Stroll along Fifth Avenue as it was during the Gilded Age when grand mansions of millionaires lined the illustrious street. This tour will resurrect mansions that no longer stand with stunning historical images and scintillating stories of the affairs that took place inside. See the footprint of the largest single residence ever built in Manhattan, learn secrets of the famous Frick Collection, discover a charming bookshop tucked into a Fifth Avenue mansion and more! These NYC walking tours are offered every Friday and Sunday.
Monday, May 8th – Secrets of Grand Central Terminal Tour
Did you know there are hidden tennis courts at Grand Central Terminal, and glass walkways hidden in the windows? What about the dark spot on the ceiling, do you know what it’s from? Uncover the story behind all of these questions and more as you journey through one of the most famous and beautiful train stations in the world. This tour is offered everyday of the week!
Wednesday, May 10th – Explore the Museum at Eldridge Street
This synagogue built in 1887 was the first great house of worship by Eastern European Jews in the United States. For decades, the synagogue thrived, but in the 1920s Jewish families began to move away from the Lower East Side, and it was eventually abandoned. After a 20-year renovation, the synagogue was restored to its former glory. Join an exclusive tour led by museum docent and Insider Richard Soden! This tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders.
Wednesday, May 10th – A Vanishing New York: NYC
Explore the abandoned sites of New York City through the lens of photographer John Lazzaro, author of A Vanishing New York: Ruins Across the Empire State. In this live, virtual talk, you’ll see images and outtakes from the book that show the decaying ruins of sites like Staten Island’s Seaview Hospital and more. This virtual talk is free for Untapped New York Insiders.
Next, check out all of the Untapped New York events happening this month!