New York Adventure Club

Tickets: $45.25 ( incl. $5.25 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1979232088456

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

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to register for this event:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978299918310

From getting looted by British soldiers during the American Revolution to George Washington forgetting to return two books (c'mon, George!), one New York City membership library dating back to 1754 has been through it all. But how has a book collection managed to keep its doors open for over 250 years? It's time to uncover the secrets of New York City's oldest library like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive trip through the members-only New York Society Library (NYSL), the oldest cultural institution in New York City, which contains over 300,000 volumes.

Led by one of the New York Society Library librarians, our behind-the-scenes experience at the historic 1917 John S. Rogers Italianate townhouse will include:

-A brief introduction to the library’s rich history and history, and overview of its most famous members including George Washington, John Jay, Herman Melville, and Willa Cather

-A private walkthrough of the major public and members-only spaces, including the archives, book bindery, and wood-paneled writers’ rooms

-An exclusive peek at the staff-only conservation studio to see the library's older and decorated books

-A detailed look at the current literary-themed exhibition

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to NYSL!

See you there!

*This experience is limited to 6 guests

**Due to the venue's COVID-19 protocols, guests must be fully vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (proof of vaccination required at door) and be wearing a mask to enter the building's premises

Disclaimer

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

Categories: In-Person, Mansions & Private Clubs

Tickets: $44.20 ( incl. $5.20 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to officially register for this experience:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978298564260

With Lower Manhattan's population bursting at the seams by the 1860s, the parish of Saint Thomas Church decided to move north and build a new church in the Gothic style on Fifth Avenue and 53rd Street — at that time, a quiet and rural tract. Fast forward to today and the congregation's fourth church — built at that same location in 1913 — still stands. It's time to explore the historic halls, rooms, and tower of one of New York's most notable churches in a way few others have ever before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive tour and bell tower climb at Saint Thomas Church, a century-old church on Fifth Avenue built in the French High Gothic style and designed by the architectural firm of Cram, Goodhue, and Ferguson.

Led by a Saint Thomas Church tour guide, our special experience throughout the historic church will include:

• The history and story of Saint Thomas Church, from why the first church was built so far uptown in the 1820s to how their famed Choir of Men and Boys got its start
• A discussion around the most historic elements in the church including the magnificent 80-foot high reredos, one of the largest in the world
• Special access through various historic spaces and chambers in the church that are usually not accessible to the public
• An exclusive trip up the church’s historic bell tower for unique vantage points of the main sanctuary, church bells room, and attic above the nave — a total of nearly 95 feet

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to Saint Thomas Church!

See you there!

*If you plan on participating in the bell tower climb in the second half of the tour, please bring water and wear a comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair climbing

**Please note that the spiral stairwells up the bell tower are quite narrow, and can be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia — if you choose to not ascend the church stairs, you may wait on the ground floor for the group to return

Disclaimer

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

Categories: In-Person, Houses of Worship

Tickets: $39.98 ( incl. $4.98 fees ) (advance registration required)

Click the link below to register for this event:

https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1978299919313

From getting looted by British soldiers during the American Revolution to George Washington forgetting to return two books (c'mon, George!), one New York City membership library dating back to 1754 has been through it all. But how has a book collection managed to keep its doors open for over 250 years? It's time to uncover the secrets of New York City's oldest library like never before.

Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive trip through the members-only New York Society Library (NYSL), the oldest cultural institution in New York City, which contains over 300,000 volumes.

Led by one of the New York Society Library librarians, our behind-the-scenes experience at the historic 1917 John S. Rogers Italianate townhouse will include:

-A brief introduction to the library’s rich history and history, and overview of its most famous members including George Washington, John Jay, Herman Melville, and Willa Cather

-A private walkthrough of the major public and members-only spaces, including the archives, book bindery, and wood-paneled writers’ rooms

-An exclusive peek at the staff-only conservation studio to see the library's older and decorated books

-A detailed look at the current literary-themed exhibition

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits to NYSL!

See you there!

*This experience is limited to 6 guests

**Due to the venue's COVID-19 protocols, guests must be fully vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (proof of vaccination required at door) and be wearing a mask to enter the building's premises

Disclaimer

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

Categories: In-Person, Mansions & Private Clubs