Tours Details
Dates: Every Wednesday
Start time: 5:30pm EST
Duration: 2 hours (~30min walking)
Meeting Point: Grand Central Terminal
End Point: United Nations
Participants limit: 10
New York Midtown East Architecture, Art and City Tour
Explore the architectural gems of East Manhattan with Build Tours, where New York’s history and innovation come alive through iconic buildings and compelling stories. This tour takes you through some of the most legendary sites in the city, from the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and the classic Art Deco elegance of the Waldorf Astoria to the cutting-edge design of One Vanderbilt. Discover the soaring Art Deco style of the Chrysler Building, the pioneering green architecture of the Ford Foundation, and the international modernist vision of the United Nations complex. As you walk through each landmark, you’ll uncover the architectural styles, influential architects, and historical events that have shaped East Manhattan into a world-renowned urban landscape. Join us to experience the fusion of art, history, and architecture that defines New York City’s eastern heart.
Landmarks featured on this tour include:
- Grand Central Terminal – A Beaux-Arts masterpiece by Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore (1913).
- One Vanderbilt – A striking modern skyscraper by Kohn Pedersen Fox (2016-2020).
- Chrysler Building – William van Alen’s Art Deco jewel (1930).
- MetLife Building – A symbol of mid-century modernism by The Architects Collaborative (1962).
- Helmsley Building – A standout of 1920s New York by Warren and Wetmore (1929).
- Waldorf Astoria – A luxurious Art Deco icon by Schultze and Weaver (1931).
- Ford Foundation – A groundbreaking example of sustainable architecture by Roche Dinkeloo (1967).
- St. Bartholomew’s Church – A historic church blending Romanesque and Byzantine styles, designed by Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue (1919).
- Tudor City – One of the world’s first residential skyscraper complexes by Fred French & Co. (1928).
- United Nations Complex – A hallmark of international modernism by Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier (1948).
Tour Experience
Join us for an in-depth walking tour of Midtown East, where you’ll uncover the rich history and architectural styles that have defined this vibrant neighborhood. From historic landmarks to modern marvels, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for East Manhattan’s influence on New York City’s identity.
Languages
- Public Tours: Conducted in English.
- Private Tours: Available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Bulgarian, and Catalan.
Why Choose This Tour?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone captivated by New York City’s unique skyline. Walk away with insights into the artistic, historical, and architectural significance of East Manhattan’s most iconic landmarks.
Grand Central Terminal
Your Architect Guides
Ivan R. Shumkov, PhD
CEO and Founder
Dr. Ivan Shumkov is a New York based architect, urban planner, entrepreneur, and professor with more than 20 years of experience across the private, public, and academic sectors. He is the founder of Build World and Build Academy, organizations dedicated to providing professional solutions and education for the built environment.
Ivan earned his PhD in Architecture in 2009 at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Columbia University GSAPP, as fellow of the Fondation Le Corbusier. He graduated with four masters degrees from ETSA Barcelona, University of Florence, and Harvard University GSD, as a Fulbright scholar.
Ivan combines his experience of practicing and teaching architecture with his passion for discovering and sharing the history and secrets of New York. His tours provoke curiosity, show hidden urban gems, and provide opportunities for experiencing and understanding art and architecture in a unique way. He helps his guests to see and connect the city through the eyes of an architect. They are activated and transformed by these immersive experiences and view the city in a new way.
Ivan is a licensed NYC tour guide. Being fluent in multiple languages, he can conduct tours in English, Spanish, Catalan, Bulgarian, French and Italian.
Dr. Afshan Bokhari grew up in Queens, NY and is a New York based art and architectural historian with more than 15 years of experience across the private, public, and academic sectors. She is a member of Build World and Build Academy, organizations dedicated to providing professional solutions and education for the built environment.
Afshan combines her experience of teaching art and architectural history with her passion for discovering and sharing the history and secrets of her hometown. Her fun and enlightening tours not only consider the architecture but also any sculptural details on the building. She reveals the hidden urban gems along the way and creates a unique and not boilerplate understanding of New York City’s history and its built environment. Afshan encourages questions and thoughtfully answers queries. She makes sure to cultivate a compelling and creative “lens” for the guests to use after the tour to gain a deeper understanding of the greatest city in the world.
Afshan is a licensed NYC tour guide and fluent in Urdu, Hindi and functional Japanese.
Semi-Private Walking Tour
You’ll expperience NY with a small group of up to 10 other Art and Architecture professinals, enthusiasts and lovers.
Exclusive Private Tour
You’ll experience NY by yourself or with a group of your family, freinds and colleagues. Call or email us to customize your tour experience.
Experience New York with our PhD Architect-led Tours
Our public tours are 2 hours of transformational experiences that connect people with the city on a deeper level. We focus on 9 areas according to the location, neighborhood and their distinct character - weaving culture, history, architecture, art and design in an engaging, story-telling manner to uncover some of the city’s hidden gems and best-kept secrets.
