Woolworth Building Exclusive Access Tour

Explore the Woolworth Building with authorized access to interiors that are otherwise closed to the public. Discover the story of the 1913 skyscraper that reshaped Lower Manhattan.

• Learn how Frank W. Woolworth funded the building's construction
• Trace the building's history as the world's tallest when it opened
• Decode hidden symbols in mosaics and sculptural ornamentation
• Spot likenesses of Woolworth and architect Cass Gilbert in the architecture

Itinerary

Meet Your Guide Gather outside the opulent Main Entrance to the Woolworth Building, on Broadway, and admire the ornate terracotta details of the facade.

Woolworth Building Lobby Immerse yourself in the Neo-Gothic grandeur of the lobby as you admire its marble walls, glittering mosaic ceilings, expressive grotesques, and gilded tracery.

Central Staircase Ascend the grand staircase—which once led to bank offices—for a closer look at the stunning stained glass skylight.

Back Lobby Venture behind the staircase to uncover the preserved storefront windows of long-gone tenant amenities.

Mezzanine Level Take in the lobby from a unique perspective and get up close to the shimmering mosaics.

Sub-Level Descend into the building's first basement level, where commuters once entered from a now-lost subway entrance.

The Vault Peek inside the original bank vault, which still contains original safe deposit boxes.

Tour Ends The tour concludes inside the lobby where you began.

Important details

• Requires ascending two sets of stairs
• Elevator access requires advance arrangements
• Stay with the guided group and do not wander the building before, during, or after the tour
• Tripods are prohibited
• No public restrooms are available on the tour