See Cole Porter’s Steinway Piano at Waldorf Astoria New York
On May 12th at 5 p.m., Untapped New York Insiders are invited to get a special look at Cole Porter’s piano and tour the Waldorf Astoria as it undergoes its renovation.
One of the most legendary hotels not just in New York City but in the world, Waldorf Astoria New York is currently undergoing a top-to-bottom renovation that will bring a whole new level of luxury to both the hotel and the residential towers. Over its long and illustrious history, Waldorf Astoria has hosted presidents, visiting royalty, movie stars, and musicians, including Cole Porter, a long-term resident.
On August 7th, 2024, Untapped New York Insiders are invited to an exclusive tour of Waldorf Astoria’s Residential Gallery to get a close look at Cole Porter’s piano. Guests will learn about the restoration, view artifacts from the historic hotel, and step inside a model residence designed. by global luxury furnishings and design group B&B Italia. This event 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! Registration for this tour opens on July 24th at 12 pm ET.
Tour Waldorf Astoria New York
Cole Porter lived in the largest suite in the Towers from 1934 until his death in 1964. The 4,300 square foot Suite #33A consisted of 5 bedrooms and 5 1/2 baths. Porter had two baby grand pianos inside along with his two cats named “Anything” and “Goes.”
Cole Porter’s piano, which was given as a gift to the artist by the hotel, was built in 1907. It was located in Suite #33A and it was on this piano that he wrote most of his music. The piano has detailed hand carvings and double Empire-style legs. Cole Porter lovingly called the Steinway piano “High Society,” and among the classics he is believed to have composed on this piano are “Anything Goes,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” In “You’re the Top,” he croons, “You’re the top, you’re a Waldorf salad.”
After Porter’s death in 1964, Frank Sinatra and his wife Barbara took over the lease for Porter’s Waldorf residence and lived there until 1988. The piano was then located in the Peacock Alley Lounge, just off the main lobby. The piano underwent restoration at the Steinway & Sons factory in Astoria and then spent some time at the New-York Historical Society, where guests enjoyed performances of Cole Porter classics by renowned pianists. It is currently back at Waldorf Astoria New York in the Residential Gallery. When renovations are complete, it will return to the hotel’s central lobby.
During our upcoming Insiders tour on August 7th, guests will also have the chance to step inside a newly unveiled, on-site turnkey model residence. Residential packages at Waldorf Astoria will be the first and only to offer B&B Italia turnkey furniture packages, available in either light or dark color palettes. Residents can also choose to add audio-visual enhancements by Bang & Olufsen along with additional interior design elements such as lighting fixtures, table treatments, artwork, and more curated by B&B Italia. Residences at Waldorf Astoria, designed by noted interior designer Jean-Louis Deniot, are expected to open by the end of 2024.
Tour Waldorf Astoria New York
Next, read the top 10 secrets of Waldorf Astoria New York!
