
Woolworth Building Lobby Tour
30 min
Instant confirmation
About this activity
The Woolworth Building, designed by architect Cass Gilbert, was the tallest in the world from 1913 to 1930. President Woodrow Wilson flipped a switch in the White House to turn on the building’s lights on its opening night 101 years ago. Hailed by architectural critics as an engineering marvel, it became instantly famous world-wide and helped to promote Frank Woolworth’s chain of 5 and 10 cent stores. Its extraordinary lobby is like no other space in North America, showcasing its grand proportions with splendid stained glass, spectacular mosaics, gorgeous murals and amusing sculptural details.
In 1916, the Reverend S. Parkes Cadman called the Woolworth Building the “Cathedral of Commerce” as part of an effort to promote it as an ethical white-collar workplace. During the vibrant economy of the 1920s, the skyscraper’s Gothic design was viewed at home and abroad as a symbol of American material success. To this day, it evokes the expansive mood of the early 20th century, when New York served as the nation’s most prosperous port and gateway for the commerce of the world.
Choose a 30-minute, 1-hour or 1.5-hour tour depending on how extensively you want to experience this famous historic landmark. See the Woolworth Building’s magnificent lobby, the more important elements of the building including the unique terracotta exterior, and the interior details such as the corbels with likenesses of the building’s owner, Frank W. Woolworth and Cass Gilbert, the architect, among others. This tour includes all areas of the main lobby, and provides a brief discussion of some of the more important elements of the building. There will be time for you to ask questions and photographs are allowed but no flash or videos are permitted.
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In 1916, the Reverend S. Parkes Cadman called the Woolworth Building the “Cathedral of Commerce” as part of an effort to promote it as an ethical white-collar workplace. During the vibrant economy of the 1920s, the skyscraper’s Gothic design was viewed at home and abroad as a symbol of American material success. To this day, it evokes the expansive mood of the early 20th century, when New York served as the nation’s most prosperous port and gateway for the commerce of the world.
Choose a 30-minute, 1-hour or 1.5-hour tour depending on how extensively you want to experience this famous historic landmark. See the Woolworth Building’s magnificent lobby, the more important elements of the building including the unique terracotta exterior, and the interior details such as the corbels with likenesses of the building’s owner, Frank W. Woolworth and Cass Gilbert, the architect, among others. This tour includes all areas of the main lobby, and provides a brief discussion of some of the more important elements of the building. There will be time for you to ask questions and photographs are allowed but no flash or videos are permitted.
Included
- Professional guide
- Entry/Admission - Woolworth Building
Not included
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- The Woolworth Building is privately owned and operated, and is not open to the general public
- There are no public restroom facilities
- Tours will include stairs and time standing. No seating is available
- The lobby is wheelchair accessible, with elevator access to all areas of the tours
- Photographs are allowed but flashes and videos are not permitted
- No children under 10 may attend the tour
- Note: Tours are held regardless of weather as long as the subways are running
Features
Tourism
85%
Cultural
75%
Original
20%
Reviews
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This tour was great! If you are interested in the history of the Woolworth legacy, it is amazing. The lobby is absolutely gorgeous--I can see why they call it the cathedral of commerce. A great thing to do on a cold day in New York City.
Interesting building. limited tour
Our guide was very knowledgable. He gave a very good tour.
It was fablous.....our guide was totally awesome... Take this tour as soon as u can