Adventure Collective
Architectural Tour of Midtown NYC with Build Tours - New York

Architectural Tour of Midtown NYC with Build Tours

New Yorkmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Guests should be comfortable walking several city blocks and standing for periods.

Overview

Discover Midtown Manhattan's architectural gems with a guided tour led by expert Dr. Ivan Shumkov. Uncover the stories behind iconic buildings and gain a new perspective on NYC’s urban landscape.

New York, New York

Private Midtown North NYC Architecture Walking Tour

Private • 2, 4 or 6 Hours

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Explore the architectural marvels of Midtown Manhattan on this immersive tour led by Dr. Ivan Shumkov, a seasoned architect and urban planner. Discover iconic structures like Grand Central and the Chrysler Building while unraveling the rich history and hidden gems of New York City’s dynamic urban landscape. Experience the city through an architect's eyes.

Duration

2 or 4 Hours

Pricing

Base price includes 2 people. Additional cost per additional person

About

Situated at the heart of New York City, Midtown and its surrounding neighborhoods are the dynamic epicenter of the metropolis. This locality’s frenetic energy finds physical translation in the dazzling lights of Time Square and the ascendant skyscrapers of the business district. During this Midtown Manhattan Architecture Tour, we will chart the history of Midtown through its architecture, starting with examples from the early twentieth century and culminating with the latest additions to this area’s urban landscape. Among the buildings we will visit and discuss are Grand Central, the Chrysler and Empire State buildings, the Sony Building, Austrian Culture Center, MoMA, Rockefeller Center and many others.

Famous buildings featured on this tour: Grand Central Terminal, Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore, 1913 One Vanderbilt, KPF, 2016-20 MetLife Building, Architects Collaborative, 1962 Helmsley Building, Warren and Wetmore, 1929 Chrysler Building, William van Alen, 1930 Ford Foundation, Roche Dinkeloo, 1967 Tudor City, Fred French & Co.,1928 United Nations complex, Oscar Niemeyer, Le Corbusier, 1948 Lever House, SOM, 1953 Racquet & Tennis Club, McKim Mead & White, 1918 Seagram Building, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe & Philip Johnson, 1958 Citicorp Center, Hugh Stubbins, 1978 GE Building, Raymond Hood, 1933 Sony Building, Philip Johnson, 1983 Rafael Vinoli, 432 Park Avenue Condominiums, 2015 IBM Building, E. Larrabee Barnes, 1982 ShoP Architects, 111 W 57St Condominiums, 2022 University Club, McKim, Mead & White, 1899 MoMA, Yoshio Taniguchi, 2004, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, 2019 53 West 53, Jean Nouvell, 2007-19 Austrian Cultural Center, Raimund Abraham, 2002 Villard Houses, McKim Mead & White, 1886 St. Patrick’s Cathedral, James Renwick, Jr., 1879 Rockefeller Center, Henry Hofmeister, H.W. Corbett, Raymond Hood, 1930-39 JP Morgan Chase, Norman Foster, 2025 NY Yacht Club, Warren & Wetmore, 1899 Harvard Club, McKim Mead & White, 1894

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.

Adventure Tips

Dress comfortably for walking

The tour covers several landmarks and requires comfortable footwear for a full-day experience.

Bring a camera or smartphone

Capture the stunning details of iconic structures and scenic city views during the tour.

Check the weather forecast

Since much of the tour is outdoors, dressing appropriately for weather conditions is advised.

Arrive early

Arriving a few minutes before the start helps ensure you don’t miss any of the introductory insights.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Pigeons and city urban birds
  • Squirrels around pocket parks

History

Many buildings featured on the tour played pivotal roles during the city’s famous Art Deco period, shaping NYC’s skyline.

Conservation

The tour promotes awareness of sustainable design and the importance of preserving New York’s architectural heritage amid ongoing developments.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in New York

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for exploring Midtown’s streets comfortably over the course of the tour.

Camera or smartphone with extra battery

Essential

Capture the intricate architectural details and memorable city views during the walk.

Weather-appropriate clothing

Essential

Dress in layers and bring rain gear or sun protection based on the forecast.

all specific

Water bottle

Stay hydrated during the walk, especially in warmer weather.