This year has been a very exciting one for Untapped New York! In 2023, we launched a new limited-run tour series, Rediscover Your City, which brought groups of New Yorkers out to uncover the art of Grand Central Madison, the bridges of Gownaus, the untapped side of Central Park, and more! We also launched a special holiday decorations tour and a food tour of Lower Manhattan, revived our underground subway art adventure, and began offering tickets to behind-the-scenes tours of an indoor hydroponic farm where you can taste the fresh greens grown! Untapped New York Insiders got to step inside the secret piano vault at the Steinway Factory, gain access to the newly renovated former clubhouse of India House, take in views from the roof of the Belleclaire Hotel, and more. In virtual talks, Insiders heard from countless authors on interesting topics such as the Black nurses who helped cure tuberculosis on Staten Island, New York bars after-hours, and the quirky characters who run NYC’s mom-and-pop store. Finally, you read a lot! Untapped New York readers soaked up stories about New York City’s abandoned places, guides to various neighborhoods, and secrets of famous landmarks. We are excited to continue exploring with you in 2024! Here, we look back at our top stories of 2023, counting down to the most popular:
10. 10 Forgotten Theaters of Brookyln
During the golden age of cinema in the early 20th century, it wasn’t uncommon to find multiple theaters within walking distance of each other in Brooklyn. In these palaces of entertainment, Brooklynites could see motion picture shows with the accompaniment of an orchestra or a bellowing organ, as well as live vaudeville performances. As the century progressed, however, trips to the movies began to decline and these once-grand theaters struggled to survive. Here, we take a look at the architectural remnants of the forgotten theaters of Brooklyn, former houses of entertainment that now serve as grocery stores, pharmacies, gyms, and other purposes. In this list, we’re focusing on the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, and Sunset Park. READ THE FULL STORY!
