New York Online - Top Historic Buildings of New York City

1.St. Paul's Chapel

Location: Civic Center and South Street Seaport, Broadway, between Fulton & Vesey Streets

St. Paul's Chapel, dating back to 1766, is the oldest church in Manhattan which used to serve as the Midtown chapel of the Trinity Church. In 1776 after the Trinity Church got burnt in a fire, St. Paul's Chapel received a status of a separate church. What makes the church famous all over the world is the fact that it is a copy of London's St. Martin-in-the-Fields. However, its biggest claim to fame is the fact that George Washington prayed here after being inaugurated the first American President. Of note is the splendid Classic Revival interior with cut-glass chandeliers. It is a good idea to come here on Monday at 1 p.m. as the popular Trinity Concerts, featuring classical music, are held here (for free!).

2.City Hall

Location: Civic Center and South Street Seaport, Broadway & Park Row

The City Hall, dating from the early 19th century, has been the seat of the city authorities since 1812 It is regarded as one of the most beautiful buildings constructed at that time. The Classic Revival styled building, with French Renaissance influence, was designed by Mangin and McComb. Its monumental facade is topped with an iconic statue of Justice. The City Hall is known for its grand interior, including the soaring rotunda with Corinthian columns, the adjacent spiral marbe staircasr and the Governor's Room, which can be seen on one of the weekday free-of-charge guided tours.
The placid City Hall Park is a good escape from the busy streets of the Civic Center. The newly refurbished park, with its fountains, benches, chess tables and gas lamps is a perfect relaxation spot. On summer weekends City Hall Park hosts Summerfest, a series of live jazz and R&B concerts.

3.Carnegie Hall

Location: Midtown, West 57th Street by/at 7th Avenue

The Carnegie Hall is one of the most famous concert venues in the United States and one of the most prestigious ones in the world. Erected in 1890, the building was named after Andrew Carnegie, the sponsor of its construction. The Carnegie Hall is a fine example of Italian Renaissance Revival. The concert hall is renowned for its impeccable acoustics, architectural beauty and magnificent artistic programme. Apart from the famed Main Hall, with over 2,800 seats, the Recital Hall, the Chamber Music Hall and two smaller halls, the Carnegie Hall houses the Carnegie Hall Archives and the Rose Museum documenting the history of the Carnegie Hall and displaying portraits and memorabilia of its greatest performers.

4.Grand Central Terminal

Location: Midtown, 42nd Street, between Park and Lexington Avenues

Grand Central Terminal, one of the largest railway stations in the world, is renowned as one of the most splendid examples of the Beaux Arts architecture. The recently renovated building, which is no longer a station, should be seen due to its impressive interior with the constellations of the zodiac streaming across the vaulted ceiling and balconies overlooking the main concourse. Nowadays the Grand Central Terminal,built in 1913, is filled with as many as 15 restaurants, over 40 stores, the New York City Transit Museum and a market.

5.St. Patrick's Cathedral

Location: 5th Avenue, between 50th & 51st Streets

St. Patrick's Cathedral, a fine example of Gothic Revival, is the largest Catholic cathedral in the USA with over 5,000 faithful attending the Sunday Masses. The church, designed by James Renwick Jr., dates from 1879. Its characteristic features include the 100-metre-tall twin spires, which rise 330 ft from street level, an imposing stained-glass Rose Window and the bronze baldachin above the main altar. St. Patrick's Cathedral has been the US National Historic Landmark since 1976.

6.NY Stock Exchange

Location: 20 Broad Street at Wall Street, Lower Manhattan

The New York Stock Exchange, with an imposing early 20th century Romanesque facade, houses the world's best known stock exchange. It used to be the Financial District's top tourist attraction, which was visited by approximately 700,000 people each year. The 17-story edifice is famous for its 1903 Beaux Arts exterior which bears resemblance to a Greek temple. However, following September 11th 2001, its interior is no longer accessible to the public.

7.Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Location: 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street,

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, started in 1892 and unfinished till the present day, is one of the largest Christian churches in the world (180 m long and 146 metre wide). The church is regarded as a fine example of Gothic Revival. The most impressive is the western facade with a Rose Window. The side altars in the naves are also worth seeing. The cathedral frequently hosts modern music concerts and theatrical performances.

8.Trinity Church

Location: Broadway at Wall Street, Lower Manhattan

Trinity Church is a fine example of Gothic Revival Architecture. The present-day church is the third structure erected on the site. At the time of its construction, between 1839 and 1846, Trinity Church with its 280 ft bell tower was the tallest of all the buildings of New York City. The church is famous for its Concerts at One, the midday music series, and a rendition of Handel's Messiah held here each December.

9.U.S. Custom House

The historic U.S. Custom House, frequently referred to as the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, is a fine example of Beaux Arts architecture. The building, designed by the Woolworth Building architect, Cass Gilbert was built between 1902 and 1907. The 8-story edifice is famous for its two-story entry portico, a rich selection of sculptures and decorations of the facade and the splendid Rotunda. Nowadays the U.S. Custom House is home to the excellent National Museum of the American Indian. It was entered into the U.S. National Historic Landmark Register in 1976.

10.New York Public Library

Location: 5th Avenue at 42nd Street, Midtown

New York Public Library, located in the grand Beaux Arts building, is ranked among the top free attractions in the New York City. The building boasts a wide selection of architectural features. The major ones include carved porticos, decorative ceiling murals, grand chandeliers, gold leaf ornaments, the marble lions at the front and many others. The New York Public Library is a place both art and book lovers will enjoy. The airy Reading Room, the Exhibition Hall with precious manuscripts, like a Gutenberg Bible, and the Map Division are worth seeing. The edifice has been a National History Landmark since 1965.