New York Adventure Club

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1984626265585

This is a re-aired recording of this program’s most recent live webinar. Once the viewing period ends, this recording will not be offered again for at least one year.

From the bronze felines that dominate Trafalgar Square to the real ones that run around the British Prime Minister's office at 10 Downing Street, cats have played a surprisingly prominent role in London's history for the past several centuries. Which cats were the most notable though, and how have they been memorialized and immortalized throughout the city and country? It's time to explore the stories of England's most influential cats from the ancient world to modern day.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the storied history of London's most famous cats and their impact on the city of today, from statues and museum pieces at famed cultural institutions to the real-life cute ones that many Londoners know by name.

Led by award winning London Blue Badge Tour Guide Russell Nash, our virtual experience surrounding London's most famous felines will include:

• A discussion surrounding Hodge, the cat who lived with famed literary figure Dr. Johnson in the mid 1700s, who was famously described as 'a very fine cat indeed'
• The legacy of Trim the cutie cat, whose journey half way around the world led to the honor of him being immortalized in bronze outside a notable railway station
• A look inside the British Museum to see the ancient Egyptian cat mummies, which were sacred to the people of this great early civilization
• The moving story of Dr. & Mrs. Salter, whose daughter’s cat gave them comfort in their darkest days
• A virtual visit with Binks the cat, who's preserved inside a glass case at the finest British hat shop

See you there, virtually!

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar
**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser
***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week
****If the event has already passed, but it's been less than a week, you can still register for it on our website's active replay section!

About Russell
A Londoner born and bred, Russell worked extensively as an actor, writer, puppeteer and theatre maker before becoming a London Blue Badge Tour guide. He also ran his own jewelry business for several years. Nowadays he regularly guides visitors around London, its galleries and museums, churches and historic buildings, as well as writing and producing virtual tours.

Testimonials
"Lovely quirky tour around London, many of the stories about the cats were new to me, the mix of museum and outdoor artefacts was great. Another interesting presentation from Russell, will definitely be on the lookout for cat sculptures when I next walk around London's streets." -Linde
"Delightful topic and a charming presentation of notable felines . As a cat lover I thoroughly enjoyed it! During these troubling times it is nice to take a break and focus on something "warm and fuzzy." Cats fit the bill and Mr. Nash demonstrated his respect and love of these marvelous creatures with his presentation of the notable cats of London." -Rosalie
"Presenter obviously had great fun preparing and doing the research for this offering. It was great fun!" -Sarah
"Wonderful speaker, great images and presentation with street shots and museum photos" -Gabriella
"Interesting material and knowledgeable presenter" -Cathy
"Interesting variety of subject matter." -Denise
"I love cats, so.... also, that he included lions and tigers. :-)" -Michele
"I enjoyed hearing the stories behind the various cats and the modern pictures of recent cats. It was very funny at times (the Savoy cat at the table with a napkin around his neck). Also, the mysteries of some cats (the one in the church wall) and the addition of a cat to a painting." -Melissa

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Photo Credit: Main Photo - Gov.UK
Categories: Virtual, Moments in History

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1984576544869

Step inside one of New York's most prestigious private clubs, which was once the private residence of New York's 25th Governor.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the historic National Arts Club, a private club founded in 1898 dedicated to stimulating, fostering, and promoting public interest in the arts and to educate the American people in the fine arts.

Led by the National Arts Club historian, our unique house tour will include:

-An overview of the house’s rich history and story, from its development for New York Governor Samuel Tilden in 1844 to the home of the National Arts Club in 1906
-A walkthrough of the historic rooms inside the landmarked Samuel Tilden Mansion at Gramercy Park South, such as the former library, dining room, and parlors
-A look at John La Farge stained glass panels, Ellin and Kitson sculptures, and the famous Donald MacDonald stained glass-domed library, now the clubhouse bar

Click here to see pictures from one of our previous visits to the National Arts Club!

*The National Arts Club does not have an elevator

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Mansions & Private Clubs

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1985145304043

While the parking garage on West 97th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue is nothing extraordinary, the hidden 7,000 square foot rooftop garden on top of it definitely is. How did this urban oasis come to be, and what role does it serve in the community? It's time to unlock the gate and explore one of the Upper West Side's best kept secrets.

Join New York Adventure Club for a private tour of the Lotus Garden — located on the roof of a parking garage on the Upper West Side, this 7,000-square-foot rooftop garden dating back to 1983 is maintained by 28 gardeners and other volunteers.

Led by a garden staff member, our unique experience will include:

• Rare access to the Lotus Garden on a day reserved for key-holding members only
• The history and story of the Lotus Garden, from its beginnings in the empty lot of two demolished historic theatres to how it ended up on top of a parking garage
• A tour through the urban oasis, which features fish ponds, fruit trees, and flowering shrubs
• A discussion around how 28 gardeners and other volunteers contribute to the garden’s overall beauty and wonder
• The opportunity to become a Lotus Garden key holder for a nominal membership fee

See you there!

*Lotus Garden can only be accessed by climbing a set of stairs
* *A portion of each ticket will go toward supporting and maintaining Lotus Garden

Disclaimer

This event will take place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1985643026745

In the early 20th century, the Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan not only dominated the NYC skyline, but also held the title of "tallest building in the world" for over 17 years. What secrets lie behind its towering limestone and terracotta façade? Now’s your chance to step inside one of New York’s most breathtaking interiors — a hidden architectural marvel that's been off-limits to the public since 2020 (until now).

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Woolworth Building — commissioned by retail magnate Frank Woolworth in 1910 to house his company’s corporate headquarters, this neo-Gothic style skyscraper designed by architect Cass Gilbert laid claim to the world’s tallest building from its opening in 1913 until 1930.

Led by licensed NYC tour guides and Woolworth Building experts Bob Gelber or Ed Welter, this official experience — and the only way inside this private building — will include:

• The story behind the “Cathedral of Commerce,” from its creation by retail magnate F.W. Woolworth to its groundbreaking design by Cass Gilbert
• A look at the exterior’s intricate terracotta façade, rich with neo-Gothic ornamentation and symbolic details
• A private tour of the soaring lobby, with its marble-clad walls, vaulted ceilings, and hidden symbols embedded in the architecture
• A visit to the subterranean vault, where the building’s original safe deposit boxes are tucked beneath its towering frame
• A special trip to the mezzanine balcony, offering a close-up view of the vaulted mosaic ceiling, richly inspired by the opulence and patterns of the Byzantine Empire

See you there!

*There are no public restrooms on the tour, so please plan accordingly
**This tour is limited to the lobby and first sub-level
***Please refrain from wandering around the lobby before, during, or after the tour

About Bob
After retiring from the New York State Court System, Bob Gelber became a licensed New York City tour guide to share his deep knowledge and passion for his hometown. Over the past twelve years, he has led visitors through neighborhoods many tourists overlook, while also serving as a docent at the Woolworth Building and volunteering at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Open House New York. A longtime member of the Guides Association of New York City, Bob has served on its Board of Directors and several key committees. From Central Park to the Lower East Side — and even chocolate-themed walks through SoHo — Bob brings history to life with every step.

About Ed
With over four decades of experience in construction and nearly 15 years in the tourism world, Ed Welter brings a unique perspective to New York City's built environment. After starting his guiding career at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 2010, Ed went on to become a senior docent and trainer at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where he has been sharing the site’s powerful story since its earliest days. A licensed NYC tour guide since 2012, Ed also led Woolworth Building tours from 2014 until their pause in 2020 — and is excited to return as the tour program resumes with New York Adventure Club. His deep knowledge and passion have guided countless tours across Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Park, including topics like the Five Points, the African Burial Grounds, and the history of terrorism in New York.

Testimonials
"The tour of the lobby was full of secrets and mysteries and astonishing design. The lobby tour guide was kind, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable." -Simon
"Very informational. Knowledgeable lobby tour guide." -Jacqueline
"The guide was very knowledgeable and history interesting. My first with adventure club, not the last. I enjoyed it very much." -Judy
"...The guide was great… provided just enough information and stories, answered questions… and best of all really enjoyed seeing this iconic building up close! Wonderful event. Just the right amount of time." -Aimee
"A fascinating combination of history, architecture and biography in a magnificent building. The guide was exceptional." -Beth
"Informative on architecture, history, and history of Woolworth himself. Also notable comments on the strains between Woolworth and his architect, Cass Gilbert. Excellent speaker, humorous, personal, and interested in all facets of the building." -Margaret
"The history and love that went into building this magnificent building" -Jojo
"The information about Woolworth himself and the history of the 5 and 10 business was particularly good. Makes me want to learn more. Of course, just getting access was a treat. It's kind of a hidden treasure." -Leandro
"It was highly informative and the guide was engaging." -E
"Didn’t realize that this beautiful building was not open to the public so it was very special. Also the building was awesome. Guide was terrific." -Murray
"The guide was so knowledgeable, explained everything in an interesting way, was patient with questions and managed the group well. It was outstanding!!" -Betsy
"Tour guide's knowledge of the subject." -Lucien

Disclaimer
By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.
Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours