Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New York Public Library
CarrèreandHastingswonacompetitionforthedesignofthisgreatBeauxArtsbuild-
ing. Their genius reached its height in the Main Reading Room, a paneled space as
majesticasacathedral,extendingalmosttwocityblocks,withenormousarchedwin-
dows, 18 grand chandeliers, and an elaborately decorated, vaulted ceiling (For fur-
ther details see
New York Public Library
).
• 5th Aveat 42nd St
• Open 10am-6pm Mon, Thu-Sat, 10am-9pm Tue & Wed, 1-5pm Sun
• Free
St. Patrick's Cathedral
America's largest Catholic cathedral is a place where more than 5,000 people wor-
shipeverySunday.WhenArchbishopJohnHughesdecidedtobuildacathedralhere
in 1850, many criticized the choice of a site so far from the city's center at the time.
Today his foresight has given the church one of the best locations in Manhattan (For
further details see
St. Patrick's Cathedral
).
• 5th Ave, between 50th & 51 Sts
• Open 6:30am- 8:45pm daily
• Free
United Nations Headquarters
JohnD.Rockefeller,Jr.donated$8.5milliontopurchasethe18-acreEastRiversite,
andAmericanWallaceHarrisonworkedwithinternationalconsultantstocreatethis
strikingheadquarters.TheUnitedNationswasformedin1945,toworkforpeaceand
economic and social well-being around the globe. Currently, 192 members meet in
the General Assembly, the closest thing to a world parliament. Guided tours allow
visitors to see the various council chambers, the General Assembly Hall, and many
of the works by prominent artists, including Marc Chagall and Henry Moore.
• 1st Ave at 46th St
• Open (for tours) 9:45am-4:45pm daily (Jan-Feb: Mon-Fri only)
• Admission charge
