Jewish Stories of the Gilded Age on NYC's Upper East Side

Tour Highlights:

• Meet the German-Jewish elite of Manhattan, including the Schiffs, Warburgs, Guggenheims, and Lehmans, who lived in lavish mansions and supported New York’s leading cultural institutions
• Uncover Jewish women’s pivotal role in philanthropy and social reform, including the founding of hospitals, schools, and social service organizations
• See architectural landmarks, such as Temple Emanu-El and the Jewish Museum
• Learn about the tension between tradition and assimilation, as Eastern European Jewish immigrants began arriving in greater numbers, reshaping the identity of the Upper East Side
• Get free admission (on Saturdays) to the Jewish Museum, the last stop on this tour, and keep exploring!

About this Tour:

Step into the opulence and upheaval of New York’s Gilded Age as we trace the remarkable rise of Jewish life on the Upper East Side between the 1870s and early 1900s. This engaging two-hour walking tour reveals how Jewish families, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and reformers helped shape one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods—leaving behind a legacy of grandeur, culture, and community.

As we explore the elegant streets and architectural landmarks of the Upper East Side, we’ll uncover the often-overlooked stories of German-Jewish elites who rose to prominence during this era of immense wealth and social change. Along the way, you’ll hear how they balanced tradition and assimilation, challenged exclusion, and used their influence to build enduring institutions—from museums and synagogues to schools and settlement houses.

We’ll stroll past the grand mansions and institutions tied to prominent German-Jewish families such as the Guggenheims, Lehman, and Seligmans—financiers, art patrons, and social reformers who rose to prominence amidst both opportunity and discrimination. Learn how these families navigated high society while supporting progressive causes, founding key educational and cultural institutions, and influencing the architectural legacy of the area.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, fans of the HBO Gilded Age series, and anyone interested in the rich intersection of Jewish heritage and New York City’s golden era. Join us for a fascinating journey through a neighborhood where culture, ambition, and identity converged—and changed the city forever.