At a Glance
Time Needed: 60 min.
Ages: All
Allows Food/Drink: No
Luggage Storage: No
39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280 Get Directions
The Skyscraper Museum Videos
Architectural historians and authors Andrew S. Dolkart and Anne Walker joined forces in this program on the architectural firms Warren & Wetmore and Schultze & Weaver. To an astonishing degree, the designers of these two firms, closely related in practice and projects, dominated the commissions in the Grand Central district's – often called Terminal City – first phase of development from c.1906 to 1931. They designed the better part of all the buildings erected above the railyard from 42nd to 50th Street, largely hotels and swank apartments. Stately on the exterior and opulent within, the collective effect of their architecture was to create a high-rise lifestyle for High Society.
The famous publicity photograph "Lunch on a Beam," also known as "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper," pictures eleven ironworkers – mid-air on an I-beam bench – during the construction of Rockefeller Center’s RCA Building in 1932. Despite the image’s renown, little factual information or serious history has been available about it. Now, in a new book, Lunch on a Beam (April 2026), Christine Roussel – long-time archivist at Rockefeller Center and author of the definitive books The Art of Rockefeller Center and The Guide to the Art of Rockefeller Center – unpacks the story behind one of America’s most iconic photographs. Though often seen as a spontaneous snapshot of daring laborers, the image was staged as a publicity tool during the Great Depression. Roussel blends art, architectural, and social history to illuminate the photographers, publicists, financiers, and immigrant and Indigenous workers behind the picture—revealing how the photograph not only honored working men but also helped promote John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s ambitious vision and shape the mythology of New York City. At this event, Christine will be in conversation with William Bartlett, former head of executive communications at NBC Universal and the author of NBC and 30 Rock: A View from Inside.
In the century-plus since Grand Central Terminal opened in 1913, after more than a decade of massive construction, the blocks from 42nd to 53rd Street were transformed from a noxious, impassable railyard into one of Manhattan’s most desirable and prestigious addresses: Park Avenue. In conjunction with the Museum's current exhibition The Invention of Park Avenue, we will present a series of lectures and programs that examine the catalytic connection of rail and real estate that drove the street's three major eras of development. In its first phase, Park Avenue was a zone of posh hotels, clubs, and apartments. The "highest and best use" began to shift toward tall office buildings in the mid-1920s. In the postwar years, a boom in speculative office towers answered growing demand for modern, air-conditioned space. Soon, the iconic Lever House, Seagram, and Union Carbide buildings recast Park Avenue as an elite corporate corridor. In the 21st century, incentivized by the City’s rezoning of East Midtown, shiny new skyscrapers of even greater height and density have continued to redefine its trophy architecture. A range of historians, authors, architects, planners, and policy-makers will examine and discuss the evolving history and identity of the avenue that was created out of thin air and has become the engine and anchor of modern Midtown.
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The Skyscraper Museum News
Violin duo Miolina will perform Sounds of Park Avenue at The Skyscraper Museum in NYC, pairing classical and contemporary works with the museum's current exhibition, The Invention of Park Avenue. A Kids' Edition is also scheduled.
Violin duo Miolina will premiere a new work by Wendy Griffiths and perform Henryk Górecki's rarely heard 1957 duo at Greenwich House Music School on November 14, 2024.
Violin duo Miolina will present six new and recent works for violin duo by composers Michael Coleman, Dorothee Eberhardt, G. Blake Harrison-Lane, Takuma Itoh, Jesse Jones, & Jessie Montgomery.
Miolina presents Mosaic Composers Collective in a collaborative performance featuring new works and insights into the creative process. Don't miss this unique event at Tenri Cultural Institute in Greenwich Village on February 11, 2024.
Miolina returns to The Skyscraper Museum with their program 'Castles & Cathedrals' featuring works inspired by these architectural marvels. Join them on October 27 for a free concert. Find out how to get tickets here!
Join in on September 6th to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of Jack L. Goldstein, former Executive Director of TDF and Save The Theaters. Don't miss this opportunity to remember his invaluable contributions to the preservation of Broadway theaters.
A memorial service for Jack L. Goldstein, who organized a successful campaign in the 1980s to landmark over two dozen Broadway theatres, will be held on Wednesday, September 6th, 2023 (5 PM) at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in-the-Highlands, in Cold Spring, NY.
The Downtown Culturals Group presents the fourth annual Night at the Museums, bringing visitors and locals of Lower Manhattan unique experiences at 15 of the area's most diverse and culturally significant institutions. The event is presented as a part of River To River Festival 2017, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's annual summer arts festival. Night at the Museums takes place on Tuesday, June 20, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Admission is free and many of the sites offer special programming and tours.
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) presents the 16th annual River To River Festival, Downtown New York City's completely free summer arts festival, June 14-25. The 2017 edition presents an array of performances and events exploring and celebrating diversity in all its forms-often blurring the lines between genres including dance, music, theater and the visual arts-over the course of 100+ performances and events spanning 17 projects at 31 unique sites across Lower Manhattan and Governors Island. The Festival also offers opportunities for audiences to interact with artists, socialize and experience multiple facets of artists' work and the creative process.
Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) presents the 16th annual River To River Festival, Downtown New York City's completely free summer arts festival, June 14-25. The 2017 edition presents an array of performances and events exploring and celebrating diversity in all its forms-often blurring the lines between genres including dance, music, theater and the visual arts-over the course of 100+ performances and events spanning 17 projects at 31 unique sites across Lower Manhattan and Governors Island. The Festival also offers opportunities for audiences to interact with artists, socialize and experience multiple facets of artists' work and the creative process.
The Downtown Culturals Group presents the third annual Night at the Museums, bringing visitors and locals of Lower Manhattan unique experiences at 15 of the area's most diverse and culturally significant institutions. The event is presented as a part of River To River Festival 2016, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's annual summer arts festival. Night at the Museums takes place on Tuesday, June 21, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Admission is free and many of the sites include special programming and tours.
Join the National Park Service at African Burial Ground National Monument tonight, June 23, for evening tours of the outdoor memorial as part of Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's 'Night at the Museums.'
Join the National Park Service at African Burial Ground National Monument this Tuesday, June 23, for evening tours of the outdoor memorial as part of Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's "Night at the Museums."
Metropolitan Playhouse was honored Wednesday night, June 11th, by the Victorian Society New York with an Award for Outstanding Performance Arts Group, in recognition of the company's work 'contributing to the understanding, appreciation and preservation of nineteenth-century heritage in the New York City area.'
Each year, the New York Landmarks Conservancy recognizes distinguished New Yorkers who have made extraordinary contributions to the City and honors them as Living Landmarks at a gala in the fall. This year The New York Landmarks Conservancy will honor Ann L. Buttenwieser, Joel Grey, Robert I. Grossman, MD, William vanden Heuvel (Lew Rudin Award), Mary Wells Lawrence, and Brooke Shields on November 14, at the Plaza. The special celebration will be hosted by Living Landmark Liz Smith.
The Skyscraper Museum Frequently Asked Questions
The closest subway stops to The Skyscraper Museum at 39 Battery Pl in New York City are:
1. Bowling Green (4, 5 trains): Located just a short walk away from the museum, this subway stop is convenient for visitors coming from various parts of the city. You can check the latest subway updates and schedules at the official MTA website: http://www.mta.info.
2. Whitehall St-South Ferry (1, R, W trains): Another nearby subway stop, Whitehall St-South Ferry provides easy access to The Skyscraper Museum. Be sure to check for any subway service changes or delays before your visit.
While you're in the area, I recommend checking out some other attractions and dining options nearby:
1. Battery Park: Enjoy a stroll through Battery Park, located right by The Skyscraper Museum. This beautiful waterfront park offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and is a great spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere.
2. Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: If you have the time, consider taking a ferry ride to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. These iconic landmarks are a must-see for any visitor to New York City. You can find more information and purchase tickets at the official website: https://www.nps.gov/stli/index.htm.
3. Stone Street: For a unique dining experience, head over to Stone Street, a historic cobblestone street lined with restaurants and outdoor seating. It's a great place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
I hope you have a fantastic time exploring The Skyscraper Museum and the surrounding area!
The closest bus stops to The Skyscraper Museum at 39 Battery Pl in New York City are:
1. South End Avenue/West Thames Street - served by the M20 bus. You can check for updates on the M20 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400293).
2. South End Avenue/Albany Street - served by the M9 bus. You can check for updates on the M9 bus schedule [here](http://bustime.mta.info/m/index?q=400291).
These bus stops are conveniently located near The Skyscraper Museum, making it easy to reach the museum by public transportation. Enjoy your visit!
The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to The Skyscraper Museum in New York City is approximately 1 to 2 hours. This should give you enough time to explore the museum's exhibits, learn about the history and development of skyscrapers, and appreciate the architectural wonders on display. However, if you are particularly interested in the subject matter or enjoy reading detailed information, you may want to allocate a bit more time to fully immerse yourself in the museum's offerings. Remember, it's always better to have a little extra time than to feel rushed during your visit. Enjoy your time at The Skyscraper Museum!
The Skyscraper Museum in New York City does not have a food or drink policy. However, please note that food and drinks are not allowed in the exhibition galleries. If you're looking for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area where you can enjoy a meal before or after your visit.
The Skyscraper Museum in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility. However, there are several options available nearby where you can securely store your luggage while you visit the museum.
One option is to use a luggage storage service. There are several companies in the city that provide this service, allowing you to drop off your bags at a designated location and pick them up later at your convenience. Some popular luggage storage services in New York City include LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Schwartz Luggage Storage.
Another option is to check if your hotel offers luggage storage for guests. Many hotels in the city provide this service, allowing you to store your bags before check-in or after check-out. It's always a good idea to contact your hotel in advance to inquire about their luggage storage policy.
Lastly, if you are visiting other attractions or museums before or after your visit to The Skyscraper Museum, you can check if they offer luggage storage facilities. Some larger museums and tourist attractions in New York City provide lockers or coat check services where you can store your belongings.
Remember to plan ahead and consider your options to ensure a hassle-free visit to The Skyscraper Museum and other attractions in the city.
Yes, The Skyscraper Museum in New York City is definitely worth a visit for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. While the museum primarily provides information in English, they do offer free audio guides in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Japanese. These audio guides provide detailed explanations about the exhibits and the history of skyscrapers, ensuring that visitors can fully appreciate the museum regardless of their language proficiency.
Additionally, the museum's exhibits are visually engaging and showcase the fascinating evolution of New York City's skyline. From scale models and architectural drawings to interactive displays, there is plenty to see and learn about the iconic skyscrapers that define the city's skyline. Even without understanding the accompanying texts, visitors can still appreciate the impressive visuals and gain a deeper understanding of the architectural marvels that make New York City unique.
Overall, The Skyscraper Museum offers an enriching experience for visitors of all backgrounds, making it a great attraction to explore during your time in New York City.
The Skyscraper Museum in New York City is a fascinating destination for visitors of all ages. While there is no specific recommended age range, the museum's exhibits and displays are designed to engage and educate visitors of all backgrounds and interests. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about the iconic skyscrapers that define New York City's skyline, you will find something of interest at this museum. Families with children can also enjoy the interactive exhibits and learn about the evolution of skyscrapers through fun and educational activities. So, no matter your age, don't miss the opportunity to explore the world of skyscrapers at The Skyscraper Museum!
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