New York Midtown South Art and Architecture 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.

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.

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.

Your guide:
Dr. Ivan Shumkov is a New York based licensed 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 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 give 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.

Learn more about our tours at www.buildtours.com.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, 476 5th Avenue, New York, United States