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Tenement Museum Tours

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At a Glance

Time Needed: 75 min.

Ages: 5+

Allows Food/Drink: No

Luggage Storage: No

The Tenement Museum in New York City offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience what life was like for immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A tourist would want to get a Tenement Museum tour because it provides a fascinating insight into the lives of people who came to America in search of a better life. The museum is housed in a restored tenement building on the Lower East Side, and each tour takes visitors through the meticulously recreated apartments and businesses of real families who lived and worked in the building. A knowledgeable guide provides a vivid account of the struggles and successes of these immigrants, making the experience both educational and emotional. The Tenement Museum also offers various themed tours, such as Hard Times, which explores the lives of families during the Great Depression, and Sweatshop Workers, which focuses on the experiences of garment workers in the early 20th century. Overall, a Tenement Museum tour provides a powerful and thought-provoking glimpse into the immigrant experience in America and is a must-see for any tourist interested in the history of New York City.

103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002 Get Directions





Tenement Museum Tours Videos

Peek behind-the-scenes as our collections manager, Lana Dubin showcases the latest additions to our 'Union of Hope: 1869' exhibit, bringing the story of young Louis Mundy and his family to life. Check out our tour to learn more about them - https://www.tenement.org/tour/a-union-of-hope-1869/?tour_date=2024-08-28

Where did tenement residents spend their time when they weren't at home? Join us on a walking tour through the historic public spaces and landmarks that shaped New York's diverse communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. From the Daily Forward Building to Seward Park, uncover the vibrant history of identity, advocacy, and cultural exchange. Check out the link to learn more about our walking tour "Outside the Home": https://www.tenement.org/tour/outside-the-home/?tour_date=2024-08-23

Discover the rich history of Black New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan on our "Reclaiming Black Spaces" tour. From the 1640s to the 1970s, this neighborhood walking tour takes you to key locations that tell the stories of communities and people that thrived, resisted, and left a lasting legacy in the face of adversity. Check out the link for more details - https://www.tenement.org/tour/reclaiming-black-spaces/?tour_date=2024-08-25

Explore through the memories of the Epstein and Saez Velez families about their experience as Jewish Holocaust survivors and Puerto Rican migrants, and how they adapted to the evolving Lower East Side at 103 Orchard Street. Learn more: https://www.tenement.org/tour/finding-home/?tour_date=2024-08-13

Our new permanent tour, "A Union of Hope: 1869," explores the journey of Joseph and Rachel Moore, Black New Yorkers, as they navigated 19th-century New York City tenements. Visit us to learn more about their stories in the post-Civil War era and how they built a life and community for themselves. Link: https://www.tenement.org/tour/a-union-of-hope-1869/?tour_date=2024-08-08

Discover how Natalie Gumpertz and Mrs. Wong, two women separated by time but united by shared struggles, carved new paths for themselves while working in New York City's garment industry. Check out our "100 Years Apart" tour for more details. Link: https://www.tenement.org/tour/100-years-apart/?tour_date=2024-08-01

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Tenement Museum Tours News

New York Phil Presents NEW YORK STORIES: THREADS OF OUR CITY

The New York Philharmonic will present New York Stories: Threads of Our City, January 14-27, 2019, two weeks of concerts and events examining New York City's roots as a city of immigrants. It will center on the World Premiere of Julia Wolfe's Fire in my mouth, co-commissioned by the New York Philharmonic, which reflects on the New York garment industry at the turn of the 20th century and the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, which killed 146 garment workers, most of them young immigrants. New York Stories: Threads of Our City will also feature a program of new chamber music by composers influenced by their time in America; a special guided tour of the Tenement Museum featuring Philharmonic musicians; an archival exhibit featuring materials from the New York Philharmonic Archives, The Forward, the Museum of the City of New York, and the National Archives at New York City; and a free Insights at the Atrium event.


Tenement Museum Tours Frequently Asked Questions

What are the closest subway stops to Tenement Museum Tours

The closest subway stops to the Tenement Museum Tours at 103 Orchard St in New York City are:

1. Delancey St - Essex St (F, M, J, Z lines): This subway stop is just a short walk away from the museum. You can take the F, M, J, or Z trains to reach this station.

2. Grand St (B, D lines): Another option is to take the B or D trains to the Grand St station, which is also within walking distance of the museum.

Both of these subway stops provide convenient access to the Tenement Museum, allowing you to easily explore the Lower East Side neighborhood.

While you're in the area, I recommend checking out some other nearby attractions and dining options. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Katz's Delicatessen: A famous Jewish deli located at 205 E Houston St, just a few blocks away from the museum. They're known for their delicious pastrami sandwiches and pickles. [Visit their website](https://katzsdelicatessen.com/) for more information.

2. The Pickle Guys: If you're a pickle lover, make sure to stop by The Pickle Guys at 49 Essex St. They offer a wide variety of pickles and other preserved goodies. [Check them out here](https://www.pickleguys.com/).

3. Economy Candy: A nostalgic candy store located at 108 Rivington St, where you can find all kinds of sweet treats from your childhood. [Learn more here](https://economycandy.com/).

4. Essex Market: A vibrant food market with a variety of vendors offering delicious food and drinks. It's located at 88 Essex St, just a short walk from the museum. [Explore their website](https://www.essexmarket.nyc/) for more details.

Please note that subway schedules and routes may change, so it's always a good idea to check for any updates or service changes before your visit. You can find the most up-to-date information on the [MTA website](http://www.mta.info/). Enjoy your visit to the Tenement Museum and have a fantastic time exploring the Lower East Side!


What's the best way to get to Tenement Museum Tours by bus?

The closest bus stops to the Tenement Museum Tours at 103 Orchard St in New York City are:

1. Delancey St/Essex St: This bus stop is served by the M9, M14A, and M14D buses. You can check for updates on bus schedules and routes on the MTA Bus Time website.

2. Allen St/Delancey St: This bus stop is served by the M15 and M15 SBS buses. You can find the latest bus updates on the MTA Bus Time website.

Please note that bus schedules and routes may be subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check for updates before your visit.


How much time should I plan to spend at Tenement Museum Tours?

The ideal length of time to plan for a visit to the Tenement Museum Tours in New York City depends on the type of tour you choose. The museum offers several different tours, each with its own duration.

For the "Shop Life" tour, which explores the history of immigrant entrepreneurship, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This tour takes you through a recreated 19th-century German saloon and a 1930s kosher butcher shop.

If you opt for the "Sweatshop Workers" tour, which focuses on the garment industry, you should allocate about 1 hour and 15 minutes as well. This tour takes you through the cramped living and working spaces of garment workers.

For the "Hard Times" tour, which delves into the struggles faced during the Great Depression, you should plan for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This tour explores the lives of the Moore family, who lived in the tenement during this challenging period.

The "Under One Roof" tour, which highlights the experiences of three different families who lived in the building from the 1950s to the 2000s, lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

If you're interested in a more immersive experience, the "Tenement Museum: Behind the Scenes" tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. This tour takes you to areas not typically accessible to the public and provides a deeper understanding of the museum's operations.

Overall, I would recommend allocating at least 1 hour and 15 minutes for a visit to the Tenement Museum Tours. However, if you have the time and interest, exploring multiple tours or opting for the "Behind the Scenes" tour can offer a more comprehensive experience.


Can I bring food and drinks into Tenement Museum Tours?

The Tenement Museum Tours in New York City does not allow food or drinks during the tours. This policy is in place to ensure the preservation and protection of the historic artifacts and spaces within the museum. However, there are plenty of dining options available in the surrounding Lower East Side neighborhood where you can enjoy a delicious meal before or after your visit to the museum. From trendy cafes to traditional delis, there's something to satisfy every palate. Just be sure to plan your dining accordingly and enjoy your visit to the Tenement Museum!


Does Tenement Museum Tours offer luggage storage?

The Tenement Museum in New York City does not have a luggage storage facility on site. Due to limited space and security concerns, they are unable to accommodate large bags or suitcases. However, there are several luggage storage options available nearby, including several businesses that specialize in providing secure storage for travelers. Some popular options include LuggageHero, Schwartz Luggage Storage, and Vertoe. These services allow you to safely store your belongings while you explore the museum and the surrounding area. Just remember to check their operating hours and fees before dropping off your bags.


Is Tenement Museum Tours a good place to visit for foreign travelers who are not native English speakers?

Yes, the Tenement Museum Tours in New York City are definitely worth visiting for visitors from other countries and non-English language speakers. The museum offers a variety of guided tours that explore the history and experiences of immigrants in New York City. These tours are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Italian, among others. The knowledgeable guides provide a fascinating and immersive experience, sharing stories and insights that resonate with people from all backgrounds. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply want to gain a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in New York City, the Tenement Museum Tours are a must-visit attraction.


What ages are appropriate for Tenement Museum Tours?

The Tenement Museum Tours in New York City are suitable for visitors of all ages. However, it is important to note that the content of the tours is geared towards older children and adults. Younger children may not fully appreciate or understand the historical significance of the museum. If you are visiting with younger children, it is recommended to opt for the "Sweatshop Workers" or "Meet Victoria Confino" tours, which are specifically designed for families with children aged 5 and up. These tours provide a more interactive and engaging experience for younger visitors. Overall, the Tenement Museum offers a unique and educational experience for visitors of all ages, so don't hesitate to include it in your itinerary!


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