Tours Details
Dates: Every Thursday
Start time: 5:30pm EST
Duration: 2 hour (40min walking)
Meeting Point: NY Public Library
End Point: Madison Square Park
Participants limit: 10
New York Midtown South Architecture, Art and City Tour
Explore Midtown South’s architecture and planning, the vibrant beating heart of New York City, where history, culture, and cutting-edge design collide. This tour offers an immersive journey through one of Manhattan’s most dynamic districts, home to iconic skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and architectural gems that tell the story of NYC’s evolution. Whether you’re marveling at the timeless elegance of the Empire State Building or discovering the innovative design of the Bank of America Tower, this tour reveals how Midtown South became a global hub for architecture, business, and culture. Perfect for architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers, this experience blends storytelling with unforgettable visuals, offering a new perspective on the city that never sleeps.
Tour Highlights: Architectural Landmarks and Urban Spaces
Discover Midtown South’s iconic structures, reflecting a timeline of architectural innovation and urban design:
- Bryant Park – A beloved green oasis redesigned from its 19th-century origins (1847–1933).
- NY Times Building – A modernist tower of transparency and light by Renzo Piano (2007).
- Bank of America Tower – A LEED-certified green skyscraper by CookFox and Adamson Associates (2004–09).
- 1095 Sixth Avenue (Salesforce Tower) – A mid-century tower revitalized by KPF (1971–73, updated 2010).
- Bryant Park Residences – A contemporary addition to Midtown by David Chipperfield (2018).
- NYC Public Library – A Beaux-Arts masterpiece by Carrère & Hastings (1911).
- American Radiator Building – A dramatic black-and-gold Art Deco skyscraper by Hood & Fouilhoux (1924).
- Morgan Library & Museum – A blend of classical and contemporary architecture by McKim, Mead & White (1918) and Renzo Piano (2012).
- Empire State Building – A global symbol of Art Deco elegance and ambition (1930–31).
- Flatiron Building – One of NYC’s earliest skyscrapers, a marvel of triangular design (1902).
- 121 East 22nd Street – A striking residential design by OMA, emphasizing modern minimalism (2007).
- Madison Square Park – An iconic public space anchoring the district since 1856.
Tour Experience
Explore the heart of Midtown South on a curated walking tour that weaves through architectural history and modern innovation. Learn how the district has transformed from a 19th-century cultural hub into a center for cutting-edge urban development.
Historical Context: Gain insights into the architects, styles, and movements that defined Midtown South’s character, from Beaux-Arts classics to sustainable skyscrapers.
Languages
- Public Tours: Offered in English.
- Private Tours: Available in English, Spanish, Italian, French, Russian, Bulgarian, and Catalan.
Why Choose This Tour?
Perfect for architecture aficionados, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors, this tour highlights Midtown South as a living museum of New York City’s architectural and urban evolution. Experience the stories behind its celebrated landmarks, vibrant public spaces, and groundbreaking designs.
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.
New York Public Library
Your PhD Architect Guide
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.
Public 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.
