Old and New Money: Fifth Avenue and Central Park West Tour

Social status in New York today is primarily determined by wealth rather than pedigree, but that was not always the case. At the turn of the century, the Old Money of New York began to settle along the eastern side of Central Park – Fifth Avenue – to build classic mansions of distinction. By contrast, the New Money – unwelcome on Fifth Avenue – formed its own community on the other side of the park – Central Park West. They decided to reject the traditions of the Old Money, building instead the first luxury apartment buildings and embracing a less classic style. Join us on walking tour of the two grand boulevards of wealth, with sites that show the differences between these well-to-do Victorian communities in terms of architecture, social graces, and the professions of those that lived there. Stops include The Dakota, The Prasada, and the Payne Whitney, Harry Sinclair, James Duke and Henry Clay Frick mansions.

Meet on the steps of the Ukrainian Society on the northeast corner of 79th Street and Fifth Ave. Subway: 6 train to 77th Street