From Pushcarts to Power - Jewish Stories of the Gilded Age

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2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Step back into New York’s Gilded Age and discover how prominent Jewish families helped shape the architectural and cultural fabric of the Upper East Side. This walking tour explores a stretch of Fifth Avenue once known as “Millionaire’s Row,” where opulent mansions told stories of ambition, philanthropy, and social transformation.

Along the way, you’ll learn how Jewish immigrant families—many of them only a generation removed from humble beginnings—rose to extraordinary wealth and influence. These homes reveal not only dazzling displays of Beaux-Arts and Renaissance Revival architecture, but also the struggles and triumphs of Jewish families as they sought acceptance within New York’s elite society.
By the end of the tour, you’ll see how the Upper East Side is not only a showcase of Gilded Age splendor, but also a lasting testament to Jewish achievement, resilience, and cultural influence in New York City.

What's Included

Guided Walking Tour
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide, Richard, in front ot Temple Emanu-El at 1 E 65th Street. He will be holding an Eyes on Manhattan sign.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Temple Emanu-El

    One of the largest Reform synagogues in the world (dedicated 1929).

    40 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

    Built for mining magnate Benjamin Guggenheim. Later, his family established the iconic Guggenheim Museum nearby, blending family wealth with cultural influence.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    A lasting monument to Jewish cultural heritage, philanthropy, and the Gilded Age legacy Uptown.

    40 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Richard Soden

Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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