Tours Details
Dates: Every Tuesday
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.
Cancellation Policy
Customers will be issued a full refund or credit if canceling up to 24 hours in advance. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case of our cancellation due to weather, not enough guests, or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by email at info@buildtours.com to inquire about rescheduling or cancellation. No-shows will be charged the full price.
Grand Central Terminal
Your Architect Guides
Ivan R. Shumkov, PhD
CEO and Founder
Ivan 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 Tours, Build World and Build Academy, organizations dedicated to providing professional solutions and education for the built environment. He is currnetly a professor of architecture and urban design at Columbia Univeristy GSAPP, and has previously taught at Harvard, NYU, Pratt, Parsons, UIC and UPC Barcelona.
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 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 is a licensed NYC tour guide. Being fluent in multiple languages, he can conduct tours in English, Spanish, Catalan, Bulgarian, French and Italian.
Joseph Lengeling, AIA
Joseph moved to New York following graduate school at Cornell University and planned a two-year stint to pursue his architectural career before returning to his roots in the Midwest. His plan didn’t work out so well as he quickly fell in love with the city and has lived here now for over 40 years practicing for award winning firms including Mitchell/Giurgola, Cooper Robertson, and FXFowle.
Today, while still a practicing architect he now is “practicing retirement” so more of his time is spent developing virtual tours and walking tours, capitalizing on the many streets and sites he has traversed during his life in New York. Special areas of interest include the development of NYC parks, skyscrapers, Midtown modernism, the High Line and the development of the waterfront.
Teaching was always integral to Joseph’s career and his tours weave lively stories of history, biography, design, and current events with a passion that reveals his love of architecture. He is a registered architect and licensed NYC Sightseeing Guide.
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.
