New York Midtown East Architecture, Art and City Tour

This tour is organized by Build Tours

—

Explore the architectural gems of East Manhattan with Build Tours, where New York’s history and innovation come alive through iconic buildings and compelling stories. This tour takes you through some of the most legendary sites in the city, from the grandeur of Grand Central Terminal and the classic Art Deco elegance of the Waldorf Astoria to the cutting-edge design of One Vanderbilt. Discover the soaring Art Deco style of the Chrysler Building, the pioneering green architecture of the Ford Foundation, and the international modernist vision of the United Nations. As you walk through each landmark, you’ll uncover the architectural styles, influential architects, and historical events that have shaped East Manhattan into a world-renowned urban landscape. Join us to experience the fusion of art, history, and architecture that defines New York City’s eastern heart.

Highlights:
Grand Central Terminal, Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore (1913).
Chrysler Building, William van Alen (1930).
Daily News Building, Raymond Hood, 1930
Chanin Building, Irwin S. Chanin and Sloan & Robertson, 1927-29
Hyatt Grand Central (Commodore Hotel), 1980s
One Vanderbilt, Kohn Pedersen Fox (2016-2020).
MetLife Building, Architects Collaborative (1962).
JP Morgan Chase, Foster and Partners (2025)
Helmsley Building, Warren and Wetmore (1929).
St. Bartholomew’s Church, Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue (1919).
Waldorf Astoria, Schultze and Weaver (1931).
Ford Foundation, Roche Dinkeloo (1967).
Tudor City, Fred French & Co. (1928).
United Nations, Oscar Niemeyer and Le Corbusier (1948).

Your Architect Guide:
Dr. Ivan Shumkov is a New York based architect, urban planner, entrepreneur, professor, and a licensed NYC guide. He combines his experience in architecture with his passion for discovering and sharing the history and secrets of NY. His tours provoke curiosity, show hidden urban gems, and provide opportunities for experiencing and understanding art and architecture in a unique way.