Gilded Age Mansions Tour: Explore New York's Majestic Architecture
4.9
135 Ratings
New York
Step inside the remaining Gilded Age mansions of Fifth Avenue and uncover the scandals, murder, and romance behind New York's majestic architecture. Explore the fascinating stories of power, greed, love, and generosity during America's rise to wealth and power.
Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 1 E 78th St - Our first mansion, we go into the mansion learn about the owner, architects and get an introduction to the Gilded Age and New York Society
What's Included
  • Access to historical mansions
What's Not Included
  • Snacks
Additional Information

Drama! Homicide! Romantic Design! Welcome aboard a journey through some of the last standing mansion masterpieces from Fifth Avenue’s Gilded Age and discover the characters who both crafted and inhabited these spectacular landmarks.

If the HBO series The Gilded Age captivates you, this exploration will definitely delight you. During the Gilded Age, New York City transformed into the epicenter of colossal wealth accumulation unmatched in history.

Watching America’s fresh crop of millionaires in a competitive race at showcasing the most opulent mansion along the newly forged Central Park was a spectacle, They poured copious resources into commissioning architects influenced by European chateaux to conceive unprecedented marvels in American architecture.

Our narrative highlights these personalities — as captivating and multifaceted as the homes they occupied. You’ll listen to tales of audacious power, unchecked ambition, love-lorn sagas, and philanthropic magnanimity emanating from a time when America was rapidly ascending to become one of the world’s richest and most influential nations.

Location
1 E 78th St
East 78th Street
We will meet you on the steps at the building at 1 East 78th street. Right on 78th street, just off 5th avenue.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(135 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Kieran_s
May 19, 2024
Mansions ‘hidden in plain sight’! - We LOVED this tour which was something ‘out of the ordinary’! Matthew our guide was SO enthusiastic and it was infectious! Many on the tour were clearly great fans of ‘The Gilded Age’ series and it was lovely to share stories etc. Definitely recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Ildikoi
May 19, 2024
Gilded age at its best - Matthew is a very humble person and extremely knowledgable guide. Beside doing us a great tour he has been recommending other mansion tours across the state or Long Island and so on which he has himself also visited. He was connecting real life stories to the story line of the show and had some Anecdotes on famous NYC people too who has some kind of a connection to the gilded age. Furthermore he has equipped us with very interesting life examples and statements which carry huge weight and worth to consider along our path of life (Carnegie’s quotes and so on). The tour is not exhausting what walking concerns and highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the gilded age of America.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Hiliary_b
May 19, 2024
Excellent walking tour of NYC's Upper East Side. - Matthew is an excellent storyteller and full of detailed historical facts ranging over hundreds of years. His presentation was very detailed - obviously prepared with detailed research of the Rockefellers, Astors, Carnegies, Vanderbilts, and more. The people he talked about really came to life. Only downside is that I was hoping to see the interiors of more gilded era homes, but unfortunately not many remain or have been restored to their former glory.
Review provided by Viator
Demile_g
May 18, 2024
Gilded Age Mansion Tour Lives up to the Hype! - Matthew was great. This tour was informative and interesting from start to finish. Matthew was witty and engaging. I would highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Happiness59842791572
May 17, 2024
Excellent Gilded Age Tour with Matthew - Matthew was a fantastic tour guide. He was seriously knowledgeable about the subject matter and was personable as well as enthusiastic . We learned a lot about the “Gilded Age “ and the people and places in Manhattan during this era . The tour is highly recommended. Thanks again Matthew.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Angelaswanepoel
May 17, 2024
NY historical homes craftsmanship - Matt is an excellent wealth of knowledge and really passionate about the history behind these stunning homes. Loved the fact that we were able to enter a few and see the masterpiece craftsmanship on the inside. Worth every moment!
Review provided by Viator
Nick_d
May 12, 2024
Entertaining historical tour - Matthew delivered a fun, informative and entertaining tour. We visited a lot of mansions and he knew the associated architectural and historical knowledge. He tells the stories in an engaging manner, with the skills of a thespian. Well worth the money and more.
Review provided by Viator
Explore45577123815
May 12, 2024
Outstanding - The tour guide, Matthew was well-informed and had done a lot of research. The pace was more than manageable and I'm not all that young. The weather was pleasant but part of the tour is indoors so one isn't completely exposed to the elements
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer
May 12, 2024
Gilded Age wonders - Matthew was a wonderful guide. Passionate about New York City and its history, focusing on the Gilded Age, but expanding to explore larger issues of the time. Really enjoyed all of the stops and happy to get inside the foyer of a few buildings.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Deborah_a
May 10, 2024
So interesting! - Excellent tour with Matthew. He brought the gilded age to life with his stories and visuals. Highly recommend. Would only suggest ear pieces
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 10 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today