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Offered languages
- English
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. During the Gilded Age New York City became home to the greatest concentration of wealth in human history.
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.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will meet you on the steps at the building at 1 East 78th street. Right on 78th street, just off 5th avenue.
Itinerary
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1
Our first mansion, we go into the mansion learn about the owner, architects and get an introduction to the Gilded Age and New York Society
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
We go inside the mansion and hear a scandalous story about the architect.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
We learn about how the ex-wife of a former owner was a pioneer for women in America.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6The Metropolitan Museum of Art
We go inside and learn about the Met Gala and how the Met has an fun connection to Gilded Age glamor.
10 minutes • Admission ticket included -
7
We learn how a famous former resident helped save one of the most famous and beautiful Gilded Age buildings from being destroyed.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
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.
5 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
9
We discover how the owner of this mansion was a pioneer in philanthropy in America and contributed to science education, the arts and peace.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
We learn how the owner of this building has a surprising connection to Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga and The Jonas brothers.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
We hear how the owner of this building was warned not to build it, but defied New York society and built it anyway.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
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Additional info
- 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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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