Can you visit the Woolworth Building in New York?
A new tour lets you step inside the Woolworth Building, a landmark usually closed to the public.
What You Should Know About the Woolworth Building
- If you’re interested in architecture and New York’s iconic buildings, make time for the Woolworth Building, just steps from the World Trade Center. American architect Cass Gilbert designed this landmark. The Woolworth Building was New York’s tallest building from its opening in 1913 until 1930, when the Chrysler Building was completed.
- The Woolworth Building stands 241 m (791 ft) tall and features an elegant neo-Gothic style. When it opened, the imposing structure served as headquarters for the F.W. Woolworth Company, a chain of discount stores, earning it the nickname “cathedral of commerce.”
- The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966.
Can You Visit the Woolworth Building?
- If you’re lucky, you might be able to step inside and see the Woolworth Building’s entrance hall. You’ll discover stained glass windows, mosaics, and murals. Look for unusual sculptures, including ravens that bear a striking resemblance to the building’s owner and its architect.
- Most of the time, the entrance hall is closed to the public. Still, it’s worth trying if you pass by the building.
