Join us this week as we explore the diverse languages of NYC, go inside innovative art fabrication workshops, and more. Don’t forget, Untapped New York Insiders now get $10 off any Untapped New York public walking tour!
Greenwich Village Coffee Tasting Tour
Wednesday, May 8th – A Vanishing New York: Abandoned Sites of the Central & Thousand Island-Seawway Region
Joing photographer John Lazzaro for a virtual exploration of abandoned sites like the Mohasco Power House Fownes Factory, Newton Falls Fine Paper Co., the New York State Inebriate Asylum, and more locations featured in A Vanishing New York: Ruins Across the Empire State. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories of how the shot were captured and see images that didn’t make it into the book.
This live virtual talk is free for Untapped New York Insiders! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today with promo code JOINUS and get your first month free!
Friday, May 10th – Behind-the-Scenes Racing Experience at Yonkers Raceway
Celebrate the 125th anniversary of Yonkers Raceway by taking part in a VIP racing experience! On this visit to the track, you’ll go inside the paddock where horses wait for the races, meet a world-class racing driver and racing expert, and watch the races from the Driver’s Building and Winner’s Circle.
This tour is free for Untapped New York Insiders!
Saturday, May 11th – Uncover Secrets of the Subway
Use subway as your own personal time machine as you travel through abandoned stations and trace the evolution of the transit system from its earliest days to the present. Along the way, uncover hidden art installations, forgotten passageways, and quirky historical anecdotes. You’ll also stop at the partially abandoned Chambers Street station, soon to be renovated by the MTA.
Saturday, May 11th – Burning Gotham: Life in 1830s Manhattan Tour
Retrace the path of destruction left behind by the Great Fire of 1835 and discover how Manhattan rebuilt during one of the most tumultuous decades in NYC history. You’ll hear sensational stories ripped from the headlines, meet fascinating characters of New York society, and learn about the fire investigation which remains unsolved as you walk by landmarks such as Fraunces Tavern, Bowling Green, and South Street Seaport.
Saturday, May 11th – Hard Hat Tour of Ellis Island’s Abandoned Hospital
Explore the abandoned Ellis Island Hospital complex which has served as a medical facility, a US Coast Guard base, and an FBI detention center, then was left to decay for nearly 60 years. Now, Untapped New York has partnered with Save Ellis Island to create an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where you will explore the laundry building, contagious disease wards, autopsy rooms, and more off-limits spaces.
This tour runs on Saturdays and select Sundays!
Saturday, May 11th – Blackwell House: Special Access Tour of Roosevelt Island
On this tour of Roosevelt Island led by Roosevelt Island Historical Society Director Judith Berdy and Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer Justin Rivers, Untapped New York Insiders will get special access inside the historic Blackwell House! The oldest structure on the island, it was saved from near collapse in the 1970s. Along the way, you’ll also discover a hidden Guastavino ceiling, a recently unveiled statue of FDR, a newly planted tiny forest, and The Strecker Laboratory – the first lab in the country devoted exclusively to pathological and bacteriological research.
This tour is open to Untapped New York Insiders at a discount rate of $12!
Sunday, May 12th – Greenwich Village Coffee Tour
Sip your way through the coffee history of Manhattan by sampling drinks from the city’s oldest cafes! Grab an espresso from the spot where NYC’s very first espresso machine was installed, nimble on chocolate-covered coffee beans, and browse endless rows of tea leaves whil getting your caffiene fix.
Sunday, May 12th – Uncover the Secrets of Grand Central Terminal
Peer into hidden tennis courts, find out what’s hiding beneath the iconic clock at the center of the main concourse, visit an office-turned-speakeasy, and uncover more secrets of this historic train terminal! Though one of the most iconic landmarks of NYC today, Grand Central was once threatened by demolition much like Penn Station. Learn about the rise, fall, and redemption of this grand building!
This tour runs every day of the week!
Sunday, May 12th – Met Opera Backstage Tour
Peek behind the curtain of this famous New York City institution and explore backstage areas that are typically not accessible to the public! Learn the history of the Metropolitan Opera in the iconic 4,000 seat auditorium, visit back of house areas like the scenic and carpentry shops, wig shop, costume shop, and armory, and see where opera singers get ready in rehearsal and dressing rooms.
This tour just $10 for Untapped New York Insiders, a $35 value! *Please note that as The Met Opera is a working opera house, not all areas may be available on every tour.
Tuesday, May 14th – Lit Salon: Shainghailanders Book Launch Party
Celebrate the launch of author Juli Min’s new novel, Shanghailanders at an intimate literary salon set to candlelight inside Maison Brooklyn, the townhouse of author and journalist Michelle Young, the founder of Untapped New York! Young and Min will be joined in conversation by Vanessa Chan, the Malaysian author ofThe Storm We Made. Guest will also enjoy a live performance by The Brownstone Trio and sip on a Junglebird cocktail.
Untapped New York Insiders can book the live stream for free here!
Thursday, May 16th – Death of Artists Book Talk
Join author Jim Moske for a virtual journey deep into the archives of the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Hidden in the archives, Moske, a former archivist at The Met, found two mysterious scrapbooks filled with the obituaries of famous and obscure artists. Learn about Moske’s quest to uncover who collected the obituaries and for what purpose, and discover the tragic, grisly, and mundane ways legendary artists and those less famous met their demise.
This live virtual talk moderated by Untapped New York Founder Michelle Young is free for Untapped New York Insiders! Not an Insider yet? Become a member today with promo code JOINUS and get your first month free!
Next, check out Exclusive Insider-Only May Events!