Tours Details
Dates: Every Sunday
Start time: 10am EST
Duration: 2 hour
Meeting Point: Apple Store 5th Avenue
End Point: Harvard Club of NY
Participants limit: 10
New York Midtown North Architecture, Art and City Tour
Step into the heart of New York City with Build Tours as we explore the architecture of NY’s Midtown North, the bustling epicenter of Manhattan. This tour unveils the rich architectural and cultural tapestry of Midtown, where iconic skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and cutting-edge designs converge. From the early 20th century to today’s towering masterpieces, this journey showcases the evolution of Midtown’s urban landscape, reflecting New York’s rise as a global capital of architecture, art, and commerce.
Important Projects Featured on this Tour
- Apple Store 5 Avenue – Contemporary store by Foster + Partners (2019).
- General Motors Building –Modern Tower by Edward Durell Stone & Associates (1967).
- Bloomberg Tower – A contemporary commercial landmark by César Pelli (2004).
- 432 Park Avenue – A striking residential skyscraper by Rafael Viñoly (2015).
- One 57 St – glass residential tower by Christian de Portzamparc, 2014
- Steinway Tower – The world’s slenderest supertall building, by SHoP Architects (2022).
- Central Park Tower – The tallest residential building on Earth (2023).
- Louis Vuitton Tower – Christian de Portzamparc, 2003
- University Club – Historic social club showcasing McKim, Mead & White’s craftsmanship (1899).
- Sony Building – post-modern landmark tower by Philip Johnson, 1983
- 425 Park Avenue – contemporary office tower by Norman Foster (2016-22).
- Racquet & Tennis Club, Neo-Renaissance masterpiece by McKim Mead & White, 1918
- Lever House – A pioneering glass-and-steel corporate tower by SOM (1953).
- Seagram Building – Modern architectureal masterpiece by Mies van der Rohe (1958).
- IBM Building – office tower by E. Larrabee Barnes (1982)
- Citicorp Center – late modern tower by Hugh Stubbins (1978).
- GE Building, Raymond Hood, (1933)
- Villard Houses, McKim Mead & White (1886).
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral – A neo-Gothic masterpiece and cultural icon by James Renwick, Jr. (1879).
- Chrysler Building – Art Deco elegance reaching for the skies (1930).
- MoMA – A world-class museum for art, architecture and design, with buildings by Goodwin/Stone (1939), Phillip Johnson (1964), Cesar Pelli (1984) Yoshio Taniguchi (2004) and Diller Scofidio + Renfro (2019)
- 53 West 53 – contemporary tower by Jean Nouvell, 2007-19
- CBS Tower – last architectural project by Aero Saarinen & Associates, 1965
- Rockefeller Center – A beacon of Art Deco brilliance and urban planning by Henry Hofmeister, H.W. Corbett, Raymond Hood (1930–39).
- Austrian Cultural Forum – A slim, modernist structure by Raimund Abraham (2002).
- JP Morgan Chase – Office tower under construction by Norman Foster (2025).
- NY Yacht Club – ship-inspired design by Warren & Wetmore (1899).
- Harvard Club of NYC – Historic social clubs showcasing McKim, Mead & White’s design (1894, 1905, 1915).
Tour Experience
This walking tour provides a comprehensive overview of Midtown North’s architectural evolution. Learn how visionary architects like Norman Foster, Philip Johnson, Christian de Portzamparc, and Jean Nouvel transformed the skyline. Explore public spaces and cultural institutions that embody New York’s vibrant energy, from Apple Store Fifth Avenue to Rockefeller Center’s bustling plazas.
Historical Context: Gain insight into the area’s development, from its origins in the late 19th century to its pivotal role in the city’s modern growth.
Languages
- Public Tours: Conducted in English.
- Private Tours: Available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Bulgarian, and Catalan.
Why Choose This Tour?
Perfect for architecture enthusiasts, urban historians, and visitors seeking a deeper understanding of NYC’s architectural heritage, this tour captures the essence of Midtown North. From historic landmarks to contemporary icons, experience the stories, styles, and innovations that make this district a microcosm of New York City’s past, present, and future.
Apple Store 5th Avenue
Your PhD Architect Guide
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.
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 8 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.
