An Evening with The Opera House Filmmaker Susan Froemke

Tuesday, August 21st 6:30-7:45pm   35 W. 67th Street   Partner-Level Members Get 2-for-1 Tickets!

Award-winning filmmaker Susan Froemke and producer Muffie Meyer take us deep behind the history of their acclaimed documentary, The Opera House. The film, which chronicles the complex 50+ year saga of the creation of the Metropolitan Opera’s home at Lincoln Center, surveys a remarkable period of the Met’s history and a time of great change for both the city and the Upper West Side. But just how does one tell such a tale?

Ms. Froemke and Ms. Meyer tell how it all began—sorting through the history, digging out archival material, and piecing together the incredible cast of characters and storylines. Hear how they followed the trails of the many artists, architects, and politicians who shaped the cultural life of New York City in the 50’s and 60’s: Rudolf Bing, Robert Moses; Wallace Harrison and so many more!

(Note that the film will NOT be shown—this is a full evening with the filmmaker and producer!)

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The Secret on W. 78th Street: Guastavino Row Walking Tour

Wednesday, August 22nd 6:00-7:30pm  SOLD OUT

Before he became famous for his iconic tiles and vaulting, Rafael Guastavino built whimsical, charming homes—including several very notable buildings on W. 78th Street. LW! and historian Tom Miller explore Guastavino’s unique, Moorish-style buildings along the block–and sneak inside one to view the interior!

Temples of Power & Pleasure: Stanford White’s Manhattan

Wednesday, September 12th 6:30-7:30pm

A special collaboration with the National Arts Club! Join us on Gramercy Park for this unique evening of Stanford White’s Gilded Age architecture and intrigue. Part classicist, part visionary (and a distinguished member of the National Arts Club), White was the dynamic force behind many of Manhattan’s most iconic Gilded Age structures – including the original Pennsylvania Station, the Vanderbilt mansion and the IRT Powerhouse. In this special presentation, we will consider some of White’s splendid architectural achievements and his indelible imprint on Manhattan, still visible more than a century later.

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Magnificent Gilded Age Mansions of Riverside Drive Walking Tour

Tuesday, September 18th 5:30pm-7:00pm    Partner-Level Members Get 2-for-1 Tickets!

For a brief time in the early 20th century, Riverside Drive rivaled Fifth Avenue for its stretch of opulent mansions. With the passage of time and the rise of luxury apartment living, many of these mansions were lost, but we have the chance to once again enter that bygone era with the help of Gilded Age historian Esther Crain (of “Ephemeral New York” fame). An amazing storyteller, Ms. Crain will help us imagine the many grand homes that enjoyed spectacular views of the Hudson River and discover rich period details of the very special buildings that, incredibly, remain. She’ll share the stories of the statues and park landmarks along Riverside Drive and peek into the lives of the wealthy society homeowners of the time.

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“Manhattan’s Little Secrets” Author’s Talk with John Tauranac

Wednesday, September 19th, 6:00-7:30pm   Partner-Level Members Get 2-for-1 Tickets!

When John Tauranac is not busy designing maps, he turns his talents to writing intriguingly on the city’s social and architectural history. In his latest book, “Manhattan’s Little Secrets,” Tauranac leads us on a fascinating hunt for the overlooked and under-seen around every corner. Come explore history hidden in plain sight on the Upper West Side! Do you know where to find actual stones from the dungeon where Joan of Arc was held? An ancient symbol of Christianity on an apartment house? An architect’s likeness cleverly worked into the statuary of his building? We guarantee you’ll be looking up, down and all around once you’ve been let in on Manhattan’s Little Secrets!

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