A Visit to the Gilded Age: the Morgan + Plaza Hotel (Tod English Food Hall)

Have you heard of the Morgan Library & Museum? The Morgan's McKim building is one of the most important buildings of the Gilded Age (the era of great economic and population growth in the U.S. during the late-nineteenth century) in New York, of which generates great interest to architectural historians and other museum professionals.

The institution’s beginnings are rooted in the extraordinary acquisitions of art and literature by financier Pierpont Morgan (1837–1913), one of America’s pre-eminent cultural benefactors. His tastes were encyclopedic, and by the early 1900s his holdings were of such magnitude that he commissioned the architect Charles McKim to design a private library to house them. The 1906 neo-classical McKim building, a National Historic Landmark, remains the heart and soul of the Morgan today. In 1928, Pierpont’s son, J.P. Morgan, Jr. (1867–1943), built an annex to the McKim with a public gallery devoted to exhibiting highlights from the collections. Over the years, the museum has added the beautiful Morgan brownstone residence to its campus, and in 2006 unveiled an acclaimed expansion by architect Renzo Piano.

Join us for an hour-long private guided highlights tour: an overview of the Morgan's history, architecture, historic buildings, collections, and exhibitions. 30 minutes free time at the museum/museum shop after the tour.

Lunch at the Plaza Hotel Tod English Food Hall https://www.theplazany.com/dining/the-plaza-food-hall/

Browse the iconic hotel lobby at leisure and enjoy a gourmet lunch at Tod English Food Hall: Lady M, Olma Caviar Boutique & Bar, Ora Di Pasta, Café D’Avignon, Piada, Pizza Rollio, Sabi Sushi, Tartinery, Vin Sur Vingt, Vive la Crepe... just to name a few!

Free feel to wonder off to the Central Park for some crisp autumn air. Meet back at the drop off location at 3pm.

Cost: $65 pp. RT bus (including tips to driver and toll), admission to the Morgan and private guided tour, transport to the Plaza Hotel.