Gilded Age Mansions Tour in New York
Description
This is the only Gilded Age Mansions tour in New York City recommended by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and listed by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 most unique experiences in New York City. Scandals! Murder! Romance Architecture! Step inside some of the few remaining Gilded Age mansions of Fifth Avenue and learn about the people who lived in and designed these masterpieces. Great for fans of the HBO show, The Gilded Age. As America's new millionaires competed to see who could have the most ornate mansion alongside the newly created Central Park they spent vast sums of money to hire architects inspired by European palaces to build structures the likes of which had never been seen in America. You will hear stories of power, greed, love and generosity from a time when America was quickly becoming one of the richest and most powerful countries in the world. Does not include tickets to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Our first mansion we view from the outside, learn about the owner, architects and get an introduction to the Gilded Age and New York Society
We go inside the mansion and hear a scandalous story about the architect.
We learn about how the ex-wife of a former owner was a pioneer for women in America.
We learn why one of the former owners went to prison for one of the biggest scandals in American history, how two reclusive owners had a link to one of the most famous men in early New York history, and how this beautiful building was saved from destruction.
We discover a surprise about the size of this mansion and how a former owner left a gift that helps many students get a full scholarship to one of the best universities in America.
We go inside and learn about the Met Gala and how the Met has an fun connection to Gilded Age glamor.
We learn how a famous former resident helped save one of the most famous and beautiful Gilded Age buildings from being destroyed.
We learn the Vanderbilt connection to this building and discover how the Vanderbilts became the richest family in America and one of the most influential.
We discover how the owner of this mansion was a pioneer in philanthropy in America and contributed to science education, the arts and peace.
We learn how the owner of this building has a surprising connection to Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and The Jonas brothers.
We hear how the owner of this building was warned not to build it, but defied New York society and built it anyway.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(1,328)
Our guide Luke was wonderful! He was very animated in his presentation, and his passion on the subject was apparent. He entertained questions and encouraged sharing among the participants. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 has to do with the excursion itself - I felt a bit misled by the description. It was my impression that we would actually get to see inside (at least a peek) of some of the locations we visited (only entered two and one was the MOMA to use their restrooms and refill water). Our guide Luke did have a tablet though, with many images he shared with us to enhance our overall experience.
As other reviews have mentioned, the tour usually goes inside a few mansions. In very rare occasions the buildings may be closed. Also, just for clarification, it is the Metropolitan Museum of Art where the tour goes in for a bathroom break, not MoMA. I’m glad you still enjoyed the tour. Thanks for your review!
Really fun! The guide was smart and had great visuals and stories. Breaks were well planned. Really enjoyed.
We had a lovely morning tour strolling down Fifth Avenue. Our tour guide was informative and friendly.
Zachary was enthusiastic and witty! He has a passion and education for the time period and we thoroughly enjoyed learning from him. An amazing way to spend an afternoon in NYC. Our experience was golden!
Zach is a wonderful tour guide, entertaining and knowledgeable. I had hoped to have access to more interiors of these buildings, but nonetheless, I enjoyed the tour.
It was a shame to learn that so many of the guilded age homes had been torn down pr gutted but glad enough are still around to show us what that amazing time period was like. Our guide Zach was an excellent guide-- great story teller and disseminator of info. -- dry or not in a very engaging manner.
The tour was educating snd well explaind. But the in the future the guide should avoid statements that sound more like personal opinion. Overall I recommend the tour.
A really fun overview of the families and the drama associated with old money, new money and the mansions of New York.
I absolutely loved this tour! Zach was an amazing guide who provided us with the history of these gorgeous mansions using wit and humor. He was a delight to walk around with and listen to!
Very enjoyable tour. Mr. Care was VERY informative and professional, with a warm persona. I recommend this tour as a nice way to spend a couple of hours in NYC and learn some interesting information.
