‘The Cornelius Vanderbilt II House: Fifth Avenue’s Largest Mansion’ Webinar

While the terms “biggest” and “most expensive” are often used to describe estates built during the Gilded Age era, The Cornelius Vanderbilt II House that once stood between 57th and 58 Streets on New York City’s Fifth Avenue—then dubbed as “Two Miles of Millionaires”—was truly one of the largest of the day. Estimated to have over 100 rooms, the almost five-story mansion dominated the Grand Army Plaza with sweeping views of Central Park South. But how the mansion became the largest makes for one of the most interesting stories of all the New York City Gilded Age mansions. It’s time to uncover the full story of this lost and almost forgotten symbol of wealth, power, and privilege from beginning to end.

Join New York Adventure Club for an in-depth exploration of The Cornelius Vanderbilt II House (1883-1926)—still considered one of New York City’s largest houses ever built, this mega mansion on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue between 57th and 58th Streets boasted over 100 rooms featuring numerous gilded paneled parlors, a French-style ballroom, and a grand marble staircase inspired by a famous French Chateau.

Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual look at the Cornelius Vanderbilt II House will include:

• A brief history of the Vanderbilt family, from the creation of the fortune by Commodore Cornelius Vanderbilt to how his son and grandchildren spent it
• Early photographs and floor plans of the first Cornelius Vanderbilt II house—built in 1877 by architect George B. Post, this smaller mansion at the same address was equal in size and opulence to other mansions of the era
• A discussion of what the Vanderbilts wanted their architect to achieve for the new monumental palace, and with what was reused and retained from the old mansion
• A look at the 1883 mansion’s final design through rare floor plans and drawings, along with photos showcasing the interiors furnished with a mixture of rare antiques, art, and stained glass