Visiting America's largest city on the Atlantic coast is the dream of most people on Earth. Many of the sights of New York are known to everyone, but they will not become part of life without visiting the multi-million dollar agglomeration. The city of the Big Apple is known for the intertwining of cultures and the high level of technology embodied in the realization of the American dream. It is a city of unlimited possibilities and excellent prospects for every individual.

freedom tower

Among the many skyscrapers, the Freedom Tower is the city record holder. Its height, taking into account the spire, is 541 meters. Such an ambitious project, designed to show the whole world the power and greatness of America, was not conceived by chance. After all, the skyscraper was not installed anywhere, but on the site of the twin towers destroyed by terrorists in September 2001. Today, the Freedom Tower is a huge shopping and office center, in which there was a place for tourists.

Tours are held daily, except September 11th. This day is considered mourning. An exciting adventure begins with an elevator ride to the 102nd floor. During the trip, a short video with the best New York panoramas is shown. Guests can watch its continuation upon arrival at the See Forever Theatre.

After the end of the film, the screen effectively lowers and an impressive, bewitching view appears before the guests. True, through the glass. There are no open viewing platforms on the Freedom Tower. The 101st and 100th floors are also at the disposal of tourists. On one of them there are souvenir shops, on the other – cafes and restaurants. True, the prices here are somewhat overpriced, but the opportunity to drink a cocktail, having risen above New York, is worth it.

The security service conducts an inspection of each visitor. Finding the Tower is easy. It is enough to get to the World Trade Center metro station on line E and it is simply impossible to get lost further. An unusual futuristic skyscraper made of glass and concrete is visible from afar.

Woolworth Building

The Woolworth Building is one of the oldest and most amazing skyscrapers in the world. Usually they are associated with glass and concrete, and here is a Gothic structure, the top of which rushes into the clouds. It is because of its unusual architecture that the skyscraper received a second, unofficial name – the Cathedral of Commerce. The skyscraper was built in 1913 by American entrepreneur Frank Woolworth. It's hard to believe, but he started his dizzying financial rise from the position of an ordinary salesman.

Moreover, being naturally shy and shy, he always shied away, naming the price, and eventually decided to write it on a piece of paper. And he put all sorts of little things in a box and sold them for 5 cents. In fact, it was he who became the founder of Fix Prace stores and made an almost fantastic fortune on them. After all, building the tallest skyscraper at that time was not just anywhere, but on Broadway – it's not just like that!

Not surprisingly, being a wealthy citizen, Woolworth was able to take care not only of the exterior, but also of the interior of the building. Until 2001, when the terrorist attack happened, guests could visit almost any room and appreciate their charm. Today it is impossible to do this, access is closed for security reasons. The Woolworth Building is located near City Hall and Park Place tube stations. You can enjoy its architecture at any time of the day or night. But look at the few rooms available for inspection inside – according to the schedule of the shopping center.

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Metropolitan Museum of Art

Here is the largest art collection not only in the United States, but throughout the world. It is interesting that for the most part these are not public, but private collections, and the museum itself “lives” mainly on sponsors, and not on the treasury of the United States.

All exhibits are divided into several sections. Traditionally, the most popular is dedicated to American art, but others also deserve attention. Art lovers will certainly be surprised by the collection of paintings by Renoir, as well as other world-famous impressionists. Special pride – the work of the portrait painter Jan Vermeer. Of the 40 surviving paintings, 5 are in the halls of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Those who are more attracted to contemporary art will certainly be interested in the halls dedicated to photography. Most of the works exhibited here are made by famous American photographers. You can get to the museum by metro or taxi. The first method is cheaper, the second is more convenient. As for entrance tickets, this moment will surely be a pleasant surprise for tourists.

Not only are they interesting badges that you can take away as a keepsake, but also the cost is not regulated – everyone can pay as much as they think is necessary and possible, even one cent. True, the queues at the box office are always impressive – there are enough people who want to get acquainted with American and not only art.

Metropolitan Opera

One of the most famous opera venues in the world. Over the years, Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and many other famous personalities performed on its stage. It is interesting that the building in which the theater is located today and which is associated with tourists was built not so long ago, in 1966. And the troupe itself from 1880 until that time “lived” on Broadway.

Tourists who are lucky enough to get inside will surely be amazed by the luxury of decoration. The frescoes on the walls are painted by Marc Chagall himself, and the curtain of the main stage is decorated with real silk embroidery. In total, the opera hall can accommodate 3900 spectators. Despite its huge size, it boasts excellent acoustics, which have been repeatedly appreciated by world opera stars.

Those wishing not only to look at the opera building inside or outside, but also to attend the performance, will have to take care of tickets in advance. Although they take place almost daily, from September to April, they almost always attract a full house. The cost of a ticket can vary from several tens of dollars to several thousand, depending on the chosen place and the “prescription” of the production.

You can get there by subway, it is located near Lincoln Street Station. Coming out of the subway and not seeing the famous building, you should not be upset, it is located somewhat “in depth” and you can only notice it when you come closer.

Mom

Today, there are museums of contemporary art in many cities, but MoMA is the first and, perhaps, one of the most interesting in the world. It owes its creation to the wife of the famous millionaire Rockefeller, which also explains the location next to the business center of the same name.

It's hard to believe, but the modern futuristic building, which in itself can be considered the main architectural exhibit of the museum, appeared only in 2004 thanks to the Japanese architect Yoshi Taniguchi. The exposition itself for a long time was located in completely different halls, although nowadays it seems to be absolutely inseparable from its “home”.

Each of the floors is dedicated to a certain period of contemporary art. In order not to break the chronological chain, it is best to start your acquaintance from the sixth floor, where temporary exhibitions of famous and not so famous artists, sculptors, architects are held. Below, on the fifth, is the period covering the years 1880-1940 in art. Here you can enjoy the creations of Picasso, Van Gogh, Malevich and many other brilliant artists.

The fourth floor is dedicated to painting of a later period – 1940-70s are represented by such masters as Rothko, Andy Warhol and their other associates. On the third floor are architectural masterpieces, including the creations of the famous Spaniard Antonio Gaudi.

And, finally, the works of our contemporaries are presented on the second floor. The first floor deserves special attention. The beautiful open-air sculpture garden can rightfully be considered the most visited exposition. Also included in the price of the entrance ticket is a visit to the cinema, located underground. On its screen, as a rule, historical and popular science films are shown.

The museum is located near the Fifth Avenue subway station. You can visit any day from 10-30 to 17-30, on Fridays until 20-00.

Fifth Avenue

Main street and city symbol. Tourists, having arrived in the city, go here in the first place, just like in Paris to the Champs Elysees, and in Moscow – to the Arbat. Fifth Avenue is located in the central part of Manhattan and is famous for its boutiques and shopping centers. Signboards with brands known all over the world are full here at every turn. The street becomes especially busy during the sales period.

However, to say that only shoppers go to Fifth Avenue would be completely unfair. It also attracts connoisseurs of art – there are more than ten world-famous museums, including the Metropolitan and the city of New York.

Fifth Avenue is also interesting for its architectural masterpieces. First of all, the attention of tourists is attracted by the building of the Guggenheim Museum – futuristic, bright and unusual. It is impossible to pass by one of the symbols – the Empire State Building, included in the list of modern seven wonders of the world.

Surprising as it may seem, but among the buildings of glass and concrete rushing to the sky there is a place for Gothic cathedrals and churches. One of the most popular is St. Patrick's Cathedral. Getting to Fifth Avenue is very simple – just get off at the subway station of the same name. The main street welcomes guests at any time of the day or night.

Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty is considered the main symbol of the United States of America. Many factors contribute to strengthening such fame, including cinema – in many films, fragments about the country begin with it. Today it is hard to believe, but the author of the statue is not an American, but a Frenchman. And the monument itself is a gift from a European country, symbolizing the independence and independence of America. It is even more difficult to believe that the sculpture could be installed between the Red and Mediterranean Seas, on the Suez Canal. Fortunately, the last project was not destined to become a reality.

Today, the Statue of Liberty attracts thousands of tourists every day. Inside there is a small museum that tells about the history of America and the period of gaining independence by the country. However, the most popular among guests is the observation deck, which offers stunning views. True, you have to climb on foot – there are no elevators.

You can visit the Statue of Liberty itself completely free of charge, but in order to get to it you will have to buy a ferry ticket. Treasured boats depart from the city marinas – Battery Park, in the Manhattan area, or Liberty Park. By the way, it is worth looking at the statue not only during the day, but also at night.

Times Square

Times Square deservedly bears the status of the main square of the city. Indeed, the centers of financial and cultural life are concentrated here. For more than a dozen years, it is on this patch, like no other place, that the moods of residents are reflected, social movements are being formed, and demonstrations are taking place. Among all this diversity there is a place for tourists.

It's no secret that the square is named after the most popular American newspaper – The New York Times. Her office is located here today. But it's better to start your acquaintance with the heart of the city not from him, but from the Information Center, where you can find out about the schedule of events, buy tickets for concerts, exhibitions, performances or museums, and also take part in the local ritual – drink a cup of coffee while watching on the big screen behind the hosts of Good Morning America!, which is broadcast on the BBC channel.

Where to go after visiting the main information office of the country depends solely on your personal preferences. Someone spends a few hours at Madame Tussauds, someone in shopping centers, and someone goes to the Theater District to become a member of some open-air performance. One thing is for sure: Times Square is attractive at any time of the day or night.

Flattyron Building

This is one of the oldest skyscrapers. Although today in this category it can already be attributed with difficulty. Nowadays, 21 floors will not surprise anyone. But in 1902, the building was rightfully considered grandiose. But, despite the fact that Flatiron has lost the title of the very tallest, it still remains one of the architectural symbols. Outwardly, it resembles an iron, for which it got its name.

Although more romantic guests often compare it to a ship. By the way, the skyscraper acquired its modern name not so long ago. Prior to that, it was called the Fuller Building, in honor of the owner who erected the building to house his construction company. Obviously, its scale should have indicated the seriousness of the enterprise.

Not only the shape of the building is interesting, but also its architectural design. There are not many skyscrapers, albeit not too tall, in the Neo-Renaissance style. The walls are decorated with bizarre sculptures and, if you look at the complex from different angles, each time it will appear in a completely different, unexpected form.

It's all about the play of light and shadow, which is created by convex reliefs with intricate patterns. The Flatiron Building is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Broadway and Fifth Avenue. Therefore, getting to it is not difficult – there are enough metro stations in this area.

central park

One of the most favorite places for recreation of residents and guests. Many are surprised how it was possible to preserve an island of nature with relict trees, ponds and green lawns in the very center of the metropolis. In fact, today this land is worth more than one hundred million dollars, but not everything in the world is measured in money.

On the territory of the park, you can do everything or almost everything – run, ride bicycles, lie on the lawns and even have picnics – there are no catering establishments here, so guests often bring thermoses and sandwiches with them. But at the same time, management maintains cleanliness. There is a strict ban on making fires.

But even if the opportunity to admire nature and feed squirrels in the center of a modern metropolis does not appeal to you, it is still unlikely that you will be able to pass by Central Park. Children will certainly be attracted by the zoo located on the territory, which “lit up” in the Madagascar cartoon. But art lovers traditionally line up for tickets to the Metropolitan Museum, located on the territory of the complex.

In addition, open-air concerts and performances are regularly held here, and both unknown and well-known artists perform. The park is not empty even in winter. Two large skating rinks are poured here, and the territory becomes like a fairy-tale forest. The doors of the park are open daily from 6-00 to 01-00, admission is free. Naturally, this does not apply to objects located on the territory, including the zoo. You can get there by metro, the nearest station is Central Park.

The Brooklyn Bridge

Just as the UK is inextricably associated with the Tower Bridge, the United States of America is associated with Brooklyn. The crossing connecting the two largest districts, Brooklyn and Manhattan, has long become one of the symbols not only of the city, but of the whole country. The author of an unusual, and as it turned out later, innovative project was the architect John Roebling. Unfortunately, he did not live to see the end of the work, just like his son, who continued his father's work. Both of them gave their lives to the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. The family business was completed by John's wife, Emily. Today, a memorial plaque reminds of the tragedy of the Roeblings.

On this, the misfortunes associated with the Brooklyn Bridge ended. As a result, it turned out to be so strong that it is currently the oldest suspended structure in the world – all the others managed to collapse under the influence of time and external forces. Architects are still wondering how in those distant times, and even unconsciously, it was possible to develop such a strong and reliable crossing. By the way, additional cables, which seem impressive and powerful to tourists, have an exclusively aesthetic function – they do not carry a power load.

Today, anyone can make a two-kilometer journey across the bridge – on foot or by public transport. You can also look at it from the water – under the Brooklyn Bridge there are routes of almost all water walks.

Brooklyn Museum

Traditionally attracts art lovers from all over the world. No wonder, because this is one of the richest collections in the world, in the collection of which there are more than 1.5 million of various exhibits – from paintings to Egyptian statues.

The story began in the distant 1823. True, at that time it was not the museum itself that was founded, but the library of the same name. It was she who became the repository for the first exhibits. But the palace, with which the museum is inextricably associated today, appeared much later, in 1897. At this time, America was experiencing a financial boom, so it is not surprising that the project was ambitious, large-scale and expensive.

One can only guess what they planned to fill the halls of the huge complex with, because the collection at that time consisted of only 17 paintings. However, by the will of fate, it began to expand rapidly, replenished with private collections. Nowadays, the complex is divided into several thematic zones, the most interesting of which, according to employees, is dedicated to Egypt and the Middle East. Also in the halls you can get acquainted with African and European cultures. What can we say about the American, which is presented here in all its diversity.

Located in the Brooklyn area, at 200 Eastern Parkway. You can get there by metro. Doors are open from Wednesday to Sunday, on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00, on weekends from 11:00 to 18:00.

District of Manhattan

There is a legend about this island, which has become a historical district, that it was bought from the Manahata Indian tribe, who lived at the mouth of the river, for a few dollars. Hence the name of one of the smallest in area, but the richest and most prestigious district (bureau) of the city. Whoever was not amazed by the majestic respectability of Manhattan, including our poets Mayakovsky and Yesenin.

Perhaps, in no other place in the world there are as many skyscrapers as there are here. It is in them that the financial and economic policy of the United States is decided. Essentially, Manhattan is a large city within a city, given that it is made up of 5 administrative districts, divided into neighborhoods that reflect the ethnicity or occupation of the residents.

Chinese, Jews, Spaniards, Portuguese, Italians – this is not a complete list of nationalities living here, preserving their household and cultural traditions. No matter how much you are in Manhattan, it is impossible to see everything in it – this unique international district is so many-sided and diverse. Famous skyscrapers, historical and architectural monuments, parks and squares, Catholic and Buddhist churches, Orthodox churches and synagogues – it seems that the whole world has settled here!

Central station

The magnificent building of the railway station with a basement, arched windows, bas-reliefs and a sculptural composition on the roof looks solemn in a theatrical way, differing from other stations in this way. The architectural style of the Bose Art building gives it a truly beautiful, elegant look, delighting tourists.
Opened in 1871, the largest railway station in the world has undergone several upgrades since that time, captivating everyone with its irresistible appearance. The largest railway junction includes 67 railway tracks and 44 platforms on an area of 19 hectares. Further expansion of these facilities is planned in the future.

Broadway street

The main pedestrian avenue crosses Manhattan along a long (21 km) diagonal, breaking the strict symmetry of straight streets, which created a lot of inconvenience while Broadway was passable. Now it is a superbly landscaped pedestrian zone, on both sides of which there is a riot of multi-colored advertising, attributes of various leisure activities.

Here, almost around the clock, a human anthill of a wide national and social spectrum is teeming. And each of his individual feels comfortable, confident and free on Broadway as a citizen of the world.
Each block of Broadway has its own flavor and corresponding name. For example, the Theater, with many theaters of different genres, with street performances, world-famous musicals, with incredible luxury and brilliance of everything that happens in it.

On Broadway are the famous Flatiron Builsing skyscraper (Iron), Macys Shopping Center, 1st Baptist Church, Fort Tryon Park, Metropolitan Opera House, Columbia University, the grandiose Gothic Church of the Intercession and other unique attractions. Not every tourist can walk all over Broadway – it stretches 34 km through Brooklyn and the Bronx.

Brighton Beach

In “Little Odessa”, as the street is otherwise called. Brighton Beach, is inhabited mainly by the Russian-speaking population, significantly replenished due to the active emigration of citizens of the USSR after its collapse. A special friendly atmosphere reigns here, where unfamiliar people greet each other, where Russian chanson is heard from numerous shops, and many places resemble either Moscow or Odessa.

Half of Brighton Beach, occupied by various shops, markets, pharmacies, is “covered” by the metro line, there is a lot of transport on the street, so there is never silence here. Advertising signs that thickly decorate the buildings are written in Russian and English. The word “beach” in the name of the street means a beach, indicating the proximity of the latter – the Atlantic Ocean is 200 m away, which is an important factor in choosing a place of residence for visitors.

Here you can see street musicians, ladies in luxurious coats and fur coats, simple to primitive inhabitants, respectable owners of clinics, banks and pharmacies. Despite the difference in the financial security of local residents, there is no concept of social injustice. Everyone who seeks to earn a living has such an opportunity.

High Line Park

This amazing symbiosis of architectural and landscape solutions – High Line Park clearly demonstrates how brilliantly it is possible to transform an old industrial district into a wonderful quarter (1.6 km) of comfortable rest for citizens. An unusual elevated park was created (after a long public controversy) on the site of the former, outdated railway overpass with rusting rails, raised to a height of 10 m above the street.

Now the former flyover is a cozy pedestrian strip with wooden or stone flooring, with original benches and sunbeds for relaxation, with green lawns, with beautifully trimmed trees, with original railings.

In small side branches, there are platforms with tables and chairs where you can have a bite to eat, drink coffee, admiring the facades of the surrounding buildings. A kind of oasis of greenery, peace and tranquility among the stone jungle of a big city attracts many tourists and citizens.

battery park

The southern tip of Manhattan Island is a charming corner of the land of Battery Park, “fenced” by a close system of fashionable skyscrapers. Here, in a kind of “shelter of tranquility, work and inspiration”, next to the lush crowns of trees, historical buildings and monuments coexist.

400 years ago, an artillery battery was based on this place, protecting the nascent city from enemies (hence the name of the park). The former military fort Castle Clinton (1808), which served as a checkpoint for visiting emigrants, after the loss of its purpose, became a historical monument. Now the ticket offices organized here sell tickets for the ferry that takes tourists to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

Tourists are also interested in the branch of the National Museum of the American Indian, located in the former building of the Customs Service. Bowling Green mini-park has a sculpture of a bronze bull Chargling Bull. From here originates the longest street of Broadway. Many interesting sculptures, cozy playgrounds, and a magnificent pedestrian zone attract cyclists, rollerbladers, hikers, dog owners, and artists.

Empire State Building

Among the skyscrapers there are celebrities, for example, the Empire State Building, whose height is 381 m (with an antenna – 443 m). Today it is the tallest building in the city (102 floors), housing offices of 670 companies and more than 50,000 employees. The giant high-rise is based on a 2-story foundation, which makes it super stable. The 2nd floor is occupied by an attraction that simulates an air travel over the city. From the observation deck on the 86th floor, a grandiose panorama of the huge city, the Atlantic and the Hudson opens up.

Many times the skyscraper became the subject of Hollywood films, including the famous “King Kong”. It is on the stairs of the Empire State Building that annual marathons are held to quickly overcome 1576 steps up. The skyscraper has experienced many upheavals over the 87 years of its existence, but it survived and continues to amaze and delight tourists with its majestic appearance.

Chrysler Building

The most beautiful skyscraper in Manhattan was sold to the owner of the Chrysler company of the same name while still in the project and was being built as the company's headquarters at a rapid pace. The 319-meter skyscraper is crowned with a steel spire 38 meters long, which has become an ornament and a hallmark of a grandiose skyscraper.

The exterior facades of the building (art deco style) are decorated with company symbols: figures of eagles, ornaments with a design similar to the design of car wheels, gargoyles. Now all floors of the Chrysler Building are occupied by service offices, where tourists are not allowed to enter, except for the 1st floor. But even an external examination is enough to appreciate the beauty, scope and power of the structure.

rockefeller center

The architectural complex Rockefeller Center, consisting of 19 high-rise buildings in the center of Manhattan, is an example of patriotism and love for one's homeland by one of the richest clans in the United States – the Rockefellers. It was founded on the initiative of John Rockefeller (the founder of the dynasty) in 1930, and in 1987 all the architectural splendor officially became a historical National Monument. It houses a huge number of offices, shops, boutiques, restaurants, television studios and other entertainment facilities. The Radio City Musical Hall is the venue for premieres of Broadway films and musicals.

In Rockefeller Center there are massive New Year and Christmas celebrations with the main New Year tree of the city, a huge skating rink is arranged. Tourists go up to the Top of the Rocks observation deck to admire the fantastically beautiful panoramic view of the city, see the most famous buildings of the center, visit the NBC Studio.

Bronze Bull on Wall Street

An expressive statue of a bronze bull, installed next to Wall Street, where the stock exchange is located, is a symbol of the financial stability of the United States in the crisis of 1987. Di Modica, an Italian-born sculptor, put so much furious, aggressive expression into a 3200-kilogram bull that even in front of inanimate bronze you feel thrill of ecstatic horror. “Burning” eyes, swollen nostrils, a gigantic body on powerful legs, an attacking posture – everything in the bull expresses an unbending desire to stand and win.

When on March 7, 2017, a sculpture of a fragile girl standing in a fearless pose in front of the “attacking bull” was installed in front of the “attacking bull”, the author of the bull protested. But feminist organizations defended the location of the “girl” as a sign of gender equality. The statue is very popular with tourists who crowd around almost around the clock and actively take pictures from different angles relative to the bull.

Memorial 9/11

The explosions of the twin towers in September 2001, which shocked the whole world with absurd cruelty, claimed the lives of 3 thousand people. Now, on the site of the famous 9/11 Memorial skyscrapers, there are 2 huge pools in which water symbolizes tears of sorrow, and bronze names of the dead are engraved on the steel sides. The memorial is also dedicated to the victims of the 1993 explosion at the World Trade Center.

The Museum is also open here, located at a depth of 20 m in dark galleries. Its expositions tell about the events of the tragic catastrophe on September 11th. One of the museum objects is a wall 1 m thick, preserved during the explosion of the towers, protecting the galleries from the waters of the river. Hudson. Many portraits of the dead “look” at the visitors in the gloomy sad lighting. On the territory of the Memorial, there is only one building of the entrance pavilion from above, from where the tour begins.

Opening hours: every day, 07.30-21.00.

Solomon Guggenheim Museum

It is hard not to notice the elliptical avant-garde building of the Solomon Guggenheim Museum of Modern Art – it stands out among other buildings with its unusual futuristic architecture. The famous industrialist Guggenheim, having retired, became a passionate collector of works of art of the 19th – early 20th centuries, which became the basis of the museum, which opened in 1937. Thanks to the advice of a professional art critic, Guggenheim collected true masterpieces of painting, sculpture, and icon painting by masters from all over the world (6 thousand copies). copies).

The current building, completed after the death of the collector, is also a masterpiece (the work of the architect Wright). Everything here is unusual, non-standard and interesting. Visitors to the museum first take the elevator to the top floor, then, having examined its exhibits, go down the spiral ramp, getting acquainted with other expositions along the way.

A visit to the Guggenheim Museum is an incredibly interesting dive into the world of magnificent examples of art of the past and present.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

The Cathedral, belonging to the American Episcopal Church, is one of the largest Christian churches. Its leadership broke away from the Church of England during the struggle of the colonies for independence from the British crown. It was built at the suggestion of the bishop in 1887. The Protestant monastery was supposed to surpass the most famous Catholic church – St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue.

Donations for the construction of the largest New York Cathedral were organized by Franklin Roosevelt, then a successful lawyer. The cornerstone was laid in 1892. Thanks to donations from patrons, the construction of the temple in the Byzantine-Romanesque style with Gothic elements did not stop even during the Great Depression. The project has been updated many times.

The cathedral on Amsterdam Avenue occupies the area of 2 football fields, the service can accommodate up to 5 thousand people. Bronze chasing on the entrance doors reflects Biblical stories. The temple is known for the largest stained glass window in America and two large menorahs, which is not typical for Protestants. The altar and the “Fountain of Peace” with an allegory of the struggle between good and evil are impressive.

Public library

One of the most luxurious premises for the largest used book collection in the United States is located in Manhattan. A monument of New York architecture, whose foundation was laid in 1895, is located on Fifth Avenue – between 40th and 42nd streets. This is a $9 million competitive project, where the architectural firm Carrere & Hastings won (it still works).

The splendor of the large hall with a 15-meter high ceiling, lion sculptures and the design of a public “reading room” is impressive. This is a repository of over 15 million printed and handwritten primary sources, plus more than 30 million media (photos, manuscripts, papyri, videos). All this is available for free. The most dilapidated copies have been retaken for access in electronic format.

One of the most impressive buildings of the 20th century. located on the site of an abandoned reservoir. Today it is a whole library association, which includes the Lenox Libraries, the Tilden Trust and the Astor Reference Library. The facade of the main building is remembered for its luxurious main entrance under arches with double Corinthian columns, 6 statues and fountains. The halls are decorated with allegorical images and huge lighting fixtures.

American Museum of Natural History

Everyone who has watched the phantasmagoric film “Night at the Museum” knows this place. The American Museum of Natural History is known as the largest collection of natural history, an educational place where families take to go. It was founded back in 1869, and since then not a single museum in the world has surpassed it in content. There is also a thematic library on anthropology, paleontology, mineralogy, oceanography and other branches of science. We also visit its official website.

Here you can find a schedule of thematic exhibitions, which change frequently. The most popular historical materials dedicated to different periods of life on the planet are in open access. You can learn a lot in one day of walking around the Museum – from the lifestyle of rare insects to the results of the latest research on the movement of the earth's crust.

Initially, most of the rare exhibits were housed in the Arsenal (Central Park). The modern building of the museum, where all the exhibits moved in 1877, is stuffed with the latest equipment. All equipment is aimed at a detailed study of the most interesting exhibits. The “pearls” of the collection are the skeletons of dinosaurs and relic animals, Paleolithic fossils and the remains of ancient people.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Opposite Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue, you can easily find a neo-Gothic temple with bronze gates weighing 18 tons. St. Patrick's Cathedral is recognized as the largest and most beautiful religious building in the New World. Its uniqueness enhances the backdrop of modern skyscrapers and fashionable city malls. Once this land was outside the city, the building was considered unpromising, but today it is literally the very center.

The Cathedral was built at the request of Catholic immigrants. But instead of accommodating those who wish during the days of Easter and Christmas, it became a Christian “long-term construction”. First stone of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral was founded in 1858. Today it impresses with the beauty and grace of the altar with a sculpture of Our Lady in bronze.

During the construction of the temple, there was a real war between Catholics and Protestants, who were in the majority. Soon these lands were filled with immigrants from Europe, mostly Irish, they were zealous fighters for religious freedom. The cathedral became a refuge for those who took refuge from the pogroms. So there was a need to build a stone fence, massive gates and 3 chapels.

Vessel Lookout

A unique structure of stairs is the Vessel observation deck. One of the newest attractions that is unlike anything previously proposed by city architects. It practically does not fit into the general concept of the “stone jungle”, but this is its attractiveness.

This strange building in the green area of the High Line is also known as New York's Staircase. An oval without a roof, at the same time resembling a basket, an egg and a wild bee hive, is difficult to confuse with other structures. The genius of architectural thought is impressive – a real work of modern art. This is the brainchild of the British design bureau Heatherwick Studio, consisting of 154 flights of stairs with 2500 steps and 80 viewing platforms.

You can enter the stair maze for free, but there are so many people who want to visit that you have to book a visit time. This building is located in one of the actively developing areas of the metropolis – Hudson Yards, west of Manhattan. Hudson Yards is currently under active development of commercial real estate, popular places among tourists.

Madame Tussauds museum

It is difficult to find a person who has not heard about wax museums, where the exhibits look very believable. One of the largest celebrity gatherings is in New York. All the details of famous personalities on their wax copies are recreated with amazing accuracy. Tourists go to the museum building in Times Square, mostly for selfies with rock stars, favorite actors and politicians.

It's better than a film festival red carpet, an Oscar, or an emperor's coronation. Here you have the opportunity to see everyone at once, moreover, from different eras. Presidents and singers, scientists, queens and actresses, they all look like they are alive. At the same time, some people have long been buried under gravestones, others are our contemporaries and rising stars of the screen.

Lady Gaga and Salvador Dali, Elvis Presley and George Washington “willingly pose” with visitors for a photo. Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is one of the most visited places to visit with the whole family. Entrance is paid, but the ticket price includes a 4D movie about popular superheroes.

bryant park

There are not many green areas in the largest metropolitan area of the Western Hemisphere. The most famous is Central Park, and Bryant Park is more like a huge lawn between the skyscrapers of Manhattan. It is named after Willem Cullem Bryant, a man of letters and major publisher. He was also a public figure, a supporter of the creation of Central Park and a ban on the development of this land (once he was taken to a cemetery for the poor). This area is now ennobled and is not subject to development.

Bryant's name was also immortalized by a monument at the wall of the library in the eastern part of the park. In the evenings, in warm weather, films and matches are shown on the wall of one skyscraper. The Christmas market has been open since November. Sculptures and fountains create a cultural atmosphere.

During the winter holidays, the Bryant Park site is turned into a large ice rink, weather permitting. In summer, it is also a huge open-air library where you can borrow books and read on the lawn. Bryant Park is never empty, even in rainy weather guests and townspeople walk here. At Christmas, the park turns into a winter fairy tale.

UN Headquarters

The city of the Green Apple does not have many symbols or idiosyncratic business cards, among them is the UN Headquarters. This is a complex of buildings, but the main building is located in the east of Midtown (Manhattan), this is the shore of the East River. Surprisingly, the land with 4 buildings, known to the whole world as a UN office, does not belong to either the United States or New York. It has the status of an international organization, like the territory of an embassy.

The largest rear is the 39-story building of the secretariat, the administrative building of the international organization. The construction of an impressive skyscraper began in 1949. Several European countries opposed the construction of a representative building in this place. It was proposed to build it on Navi Island near Niagara Falls, but in the end they bought this land from John Rockefeller.

UN Secretariat, Conference Room of the General Assembly, art gallery, library. D. Hammersheld and the visitor center – an incomplete list of places where daily excursions are organized. Notable are also the sculpture of a pistol with a muzzle tied in a knot “Non-violence” in the square at the entrance and “Let's beat swords into plowshares”. The beginning of the next session is announced by the Japanese gong, called the “Bells of Peace”.

Radio City Music Hall

The most famous American cinema and concert hall is Radio City Music Hall. The building was built according to the plan of J. Rockefeller, before he acquired his status as the “center of the economy and business.” Large theaters and entertainment venues are a common thing for the central regions of any metropolis.

In the business world, everything is decided by business, and projects are abandoned during the next crisis from the collapse of the securities market. The project was shelved during the Great Depression, but the name remains. When the idea was realized, its stage was improved, the functionality was expanded. Traditionally, the Grammy ceremony and many other public events take place here. Visitors to the concert hall admire the noble interiors in the classical tradition.

Many have heard of Broadway musicals, spectacular shows and popular movies – this is a whole era of American mass art. Some of the productions were realized in this place, where up to 6,000 spectators can attend at the same time. Bulky scenery, a large German organ for 5 manuals, a choir, an orchestra and a mass dance group are placed on the stage.

Castle Clinton

Fort or Castle Clinton is a unique building in Battery Park that bears the imprint of the era. It is declared a historical monument, although it was built not so long ago, in 1810, according to the project of architects Jonathan Williams and John McComb. Once upon a time, fortifications were built in the form of a fortress house. After the army left these walls, from 1820 the castle became a public place, often changing its purpose.

At various times there was an entertainment establishment with a beer bar, an exhibition hall and a public aquarium. The art gallery later became a concert venue, and the city's immigration center was reorganized with a reduced quota. Among the settlers who passed through this center were Harry Houdini, Joseph Pulitzer, Nikola Tesla, William Morris, and others.

They wanted to demolish the castle for high-rise buildings, but the public insisted on leaving it in its original form. Fort Clinton (sometimes called the Southwest Battery) attracts numerous tourists who willingly take pictures against the backdrop of stone walls. As befits such structures, in 1966 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

federal hall

The Federal Hall building is a kind of architectural masterpiece, a former long-term construction project that has been under construction for more than 8 years. Some mix of antique and romanesque styles with massive columns, like the Pantheon in Athens. The domed roof gives it a similarity with the Roman Pantheon, but this is a typical American style of the 1st half of the 19th century, reminiscent of the days of the struggle for independence.

Initially, one of the first architectural and construction companies, Town & Davis, won the right to build the facility. Once it was a customs and treasury, now a museum. National Federal Hall is a real historical relic of Wall Street, contrasting with modern skyscrapers.

Federal Hall National Memorial is the history of the United States embodied in architecture, where the inauguration of the 1st US President George Washington was held. In this place, a historic document was approved – the American Bill of Rights. For some time the Congress of the Confederations met in the hall, but it was moved to Washington. The old building was demolished, the new one serves as a building for the Museum of American History, where you can buy memorable souvenirs.

Belvedere Castle

This place offers a beautiful view of the lake, so the Belvedere Castle in Central Park serves as an observation deck. Belvedere means “beautiful view” in Italian. At different times this place was called differently, for example, the Great Lawn. In the 70s of the XX century, the park was in some desolation, the Belvedere castle was in disrepair. The reconstruction was undertaken in 1983, after which it is again open to visitors.

The three-story building is a typical example of Victorian architecture (features of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque and Neo-Moorish style). Today, Belvedere Castle hosts various entertainment and educational programs. Since 1919, the exposition of the National Weather Service (NWS) has been based here. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with instruments for the study of weather and climate phenomena.

The natural history observatory in the Belvedere Castle is open for tourists on weekdays. Stuffed and wooden models of birds inhabiting Central Park are exhibited here. The observation deck offers a magnificent view of the Turtle Pond. On Halloween, the premises host costumed shows called The Phantom of the Belvedere.

riverside park

Picturesque Manhattan Park is located on the Upper West Side along the Hudson River. This is a green area of about 6.5 km, stretching from 72nd to 125th avenues, the continuation is the gap from 135th to 158th avenues. In total, it covers 131 hectares, this is the third largest city park. Once it adjoined the railroad track, and in 1865 the city authorities bought this land between the road and the coastal cliffs pad park.

Landscape design in the English style was carried out by the best specialists – Samuel Parsons and Calvert Vaux. Riverside Park has ennobled this part of the metropolis. Later, it was noticeably expanded and the Henry Hudson Main Line was laid. Soon, several memorials, a pier and a rotunda were completed, and mansions were allowed to be built right next to it. Basketball courts and a football field have also been prepared for lovers of a healthy lifestyle.

bronx zoo

The Bronx Zoo is the largest collection of fauna in the United States, founded in 1898. Initially, it was a collection of animals from all over the world, consisting of more than 800 individuals of different species – mainly birds, bears and artiodactyls. A picturesque botanical garden adjoins the zoo of 102 hectares. For the convenience of young visitors, a train rides around the territory of the zoo, delivering to remote objects. Along the way, you can see models of dinosaurs equipped with mechanical devices.

Today, over 6,000 representatives of wildlife are kept in exemplary order. You can even see endangered species that have survived only thanks to captivity. About 40 species represented in this zoo are on the verge of extinction. They are quite comfortable here, the indicator is that many species breed, the Zoo-Bronx imitates the conditions of the wild as much as possible.

It is noteworthy that it was at the initiative of veterinarians that for the first time in the United States, animals were transferred from cages to keeping in an open area. They have an entrance to a closed enclosure where the animals can rest from the obsessive attention of millions of visitors. Many of them are not afraid of people, especially those behind glass. At the entrance there is a mute reminder carved on a stone to a “reasonable person” about caring for all living things.

Whitney Museum of American Art

Dedicated to American art of the 20th century. This is a landmark building at the intersection of 75th Street and Madison Avenue, not far from Central Park. The 1699 building looks like an inverted step pyramid, an ingenious design by Marcel Breuer. A collection of masterpieces in 1930 began to collect Gertrude W. Whitney (1875-1942), a famous American sculptor. This is the most complete collection of the best examples of contemporary art. This building hosts thematic exhibitions, including the Biennale.

The administration helps not only those who have already taken their niche in art, but also young talents in active search. The employees of the Museum of American Art are engaged in collecting, systematizing and exhibiting only the works of artists from the United States. The collection is recognized as the best in the world. Everything innovative, unique and non-standard is valued. There is a library, a restaurant and cafe, a training center and a conference hall.

lincoln center

The real epicenter of cultural life is Lincoln Center. It includes several facilities equipped for concert activities of different styles. These are the famous Metropolitan Opera, the Hall of Chamber Music and the Juilliard High School of Music, which popularizes classical music.

Lincoln Center publishes Film Comment and Opera News. The site has a schedule of cultural events, theater and opera productions, but tickets for performances by the world's best performers are rare. The famous School of American Ballet operates here, where the best shots for the New York stage are trained. The Public Library has any sheet music in digital format for printing.

This place hosts jazz festivals and concerts of the best bands from all over the world. The Metropolitan Opera is the most prestigious stage for virtuosos and owners of a magnificent operatic voice. The entire territory of the musical complex has an impressive scale, so you can have a great time here before the event.