Tenement Museum in New York: Immigration History

What to Know About the Tenement Museum in New York

• The Tenement Museum tells the story of immigration in New York’s Lower East Side from the late 19th century through the early 20th century. The museum occupies two historic buildings on the Lower East Side: 97 and 103 Orchard Street. These tenements housed nearly 15,000 people from 20 different countries between 1863 and 1935 in the first building, and from 1888 through the 1980s in the second.
• The museum was founded in 1988 by historian Ruth J. Abram and activist Anita Jacobson. At first, it occupied only the building at 97 Orchard Street. The building was designated a historic landmark in 1994. The museum expanded in 2015 when it acquired 103 Orchard Street.
• The Tenement Museum is unlike traditional museums. Here, you walk through actual historic apartments. Step into history! As the museum explains: “The Tenement Museum opens the doors of homes of immigrants, migrants and refugees to forge connections between past and present and to promote an inclusive and open American society.”
• The museum has even appeared on screen. It features in the romantic comedy Crossing Delancey, released in 1988, and shows up in a scene from the Netflix series Dash & Lily in 2020.

What to See at the Tenement Museum in New York

• The Lower East Side Tenement Museum operates very differently from typical museums. You must join a guided tour in English.
• The museum offers a full program of tours throughout the year. Apartment Tours invite you into meticulously recreated homes, complete with period furnishings and objects. The Apartment 1A tour shows you the lives of the Gumpertz family and Madame Wong, a Chinese immigrant. Apartment 2A tells the story of Joseph and Bridget Moore, Irish immigrants who fled the Great Famine. Apartment 3A reveals the daily life of John and Caroline Schneider, German immigrants who arrived in New York in 1864, and their grocery store. Other tours are available as well.
• Another option: Walking Tours. These guided walks take you through the streets of the Lower East Side, focusing on architecture and historical stories. Several different routes are offered in the neighborhood.
• Finally, Food Tours explore the Lower East Side’s culinary heritage. You’ll taste Jewish specialties, including the iconic pickles.
• Note: all guided tours are in English. The museum does offer a mobile app with explanations available in French. For a French-language food tour of the neighborhood, check out our Lower East Side Food Tour.

How to Visit the Tenement Museum in New York

• The Tenement Museum can only be visited as part of a guided tour organized by the museum. You cannot explore the two buildings on your own.
• Book your tour well in advance, as time slots fill up quickly, especially during school holidays. Visit the museum’s official website.
• Browse the site and choose the tour that interests you. Keep in mind that not all tours are available every day, so you’ll need to work around the schedule.
• Payment is in US dollars only. Check with your bank about any fees for using your card for purchases in dollars.

Practical Information

• Address: 97 and 103 Orchard Street, New York. Tours depart from the corner of Orchard Street and Delancey Street.
• Subway: The nearest subway station is Delancey St–Essex St (F, M, J and Z lines).
• Hours: The Tenement Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
• Admission: $30 for apartment and neighborhood guided tours, $55 for the Food Tour. Children under 5 are free. Online and phone reservations include a $3 booking fee.

Photos of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum

Museum Location Map