Have you ever wondered what it was like to live in a city like New York ? You have the chance to find out. What was it like 150 years ago or at the time of World War II ? You can find out in the Tenement Museum on the Lower East Side, 97 Orchard Street in Manhattan . The building was built in 1863 and has housed more than 7,000 immigrants from different cultures over time. What challenges did these people face? What were your goals? What did you spend your money on? How did you spend your free time? This unique experience at the Tenement Museum will answer these and many other questions.
The museum was founded by people who wanted to draw attention to what life was like back then in today's metropolis . Many different cultures from Europe, Asia and also Americans from different eras are exhibited.
On the tour you have the unique opportunity to look at the apartments from before, but you will also be shown around the area outside the museum by a trained tour guide . You are welcome to ask many questions here. There is a selection of different tours from which you can choose the one that suits you best.
Here are a few things to keep in mind about this museum:
- Advance reservation is mandatory.
- Only guided tours are offered.
- You are not allowed to bring bags or backpacks into the building at 97 Orchard Street . However, there are lockers in the visitor center where you can leave them.
- It is forbidden to take photos in the museum. It is allowed to drink water. However, you are not allowed to bring food with you.
- You will be asked to turn off your electronic devices .
- Reservations are only possible after 1 p.m. as the mornings are kept free for schools and students.
- In some rooms there is no air conditioning and it can get very warm, especially in summer.
According to theTenement Museum website, there are three different ways to experience the museum, all three of which require reservations.
- Tour through the building and visit to restored apartments, where you can see life and work back then
- Meet some of the residents (actors) who lived at 97 Orchard Street.
- Explore the Orchard Street and Lower East Side neighborhoods and learn how immigrants influenced these places and how they supported each other
For a complete picture of this museum, we recommend a combination of a tour of the building and a tour of the neighborhood.
A ticket costs $25 , with a $5 discount for students and seniors. All of you who are interested in history will really appreciate this experience and have a lot of fun. :)
Tickets are available HERE .