Interior Landmarks: Treasures of New York

by Judith Gura, Kate Wood (Text), Larry Lederman (Photographs)

The first book to present great landmarked interiors of New York in all their intricate detail, Interior Landmarks is a visual celebration of space that captures the rich heritage of the city. Since 1965, the New York City Landmarks Law has preserved for generations to come a remarkable number of significant spaces in New York City's cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history. Not only do the exterior facades of these buildings fall within the law's purview, but many of their stunning interiors as well. Newly updated with current information, this book tells the stories of forty-six interior landmarks from the widely celebrated - Radio City Music Hall, the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Grand Central Station - to others that are virtually unknown. A catalogue of all 120 interior landmarks, with names of their architects and locations, is also included. Readers will learn about their original construction and style, their exceptional design features, materials, and architectural details, as well as the challenges to preserving them - whether they were unanimously accepted or hotly contested in legal battles - and the preservationists, philanthropists, politicians, and designers who made it possible. The book also includes updated details on the restorations or re-imaginings that took place. Combining strong visuals and thorough research, this valuable reference work will fascinate all readers with an interest in the city's history. This paperback edition is updated with current information, including the 2017 addition of The New York Public Library's historic Rose Main Reading Room to the list of protected landmarks.

Genres: Travel, Architecture, New York

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 16, 2018

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful photography detailing some amazing New York historical interiors. It gave me tons of ideas of new places to search out in the city for my next day trip (many are now private event spaces, so this book is probably the only place I'll get to see those spaces). Wish that each location had a summary at the end explaining how to see the places with hours and directions for interested visitors, but if you're interested, you'll have to do a little research while reading.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish this book had been published before my previous trips to New York. At least now I have some special interest items for my return. Fortunately the Landmarks Preservation Commission has been formed and working diligently for the past 50-60 years to save and preserve interiors of some of the most important architectural structures in NYC and surrounding boroughs. The list starts with the oldest building and moves through the centuries to the newest challenge for preservation. City Hall, court houses, banks, bars, subways, theatres, museums and libraries are all included in this list. I have my list of must see interiors. Seems I will have to make more than one trip...……………..

[Roderick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some attractive architecture

[Roo O'brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful accompaniment to a regular guidebook to NY, with plenty of photos, covering both well known and lesser known interior landmarks

[Mysteryfan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's niche, but if you love architecture you'll be fascinated by this book. Gorgeous photos and interesting text about historical interiors of New York City buildings. Some are private spaces now, others are off-limits due to security concerns but the book is a wonderful documentation of the work of the Landmark Commission. Imagine if Grand Central Station had been demolished? Next time I'm in New York City I'll look for some of them.