Secret Places of New York
It’s no secret that Radio City Music Hall is one of the most famous entertainment centers in the world. It was designed by Edward Durelll Stone and Donald Deskey in the Art Deco style which was popular in 1931 when construction began.
Samuel Roxy Rothafel was a successful manager of New York City movie palaces in the early 1900’s and was hired as a consultant by the designers of Radio City. Roxy was an innovator in the entertainment business and knew how to thrill an audience, but he will always be remembered for creating the legendary Rockettes.
Roxy Rothafel and the Rockettes
To thank Roxy for forming the beloved synchronized dancing troupe, Edward Durrell Stone and Donald Deskey fashioned a stunning private apartment for him, secreted away deep inside the famous music hall. Celebrities were entertained in grand style in the spectacular apartment until Roxy passed away in 1936. The lavish apartment was sealed up and forgotten until recently.
Roxy Suite
Roxy Suite, circular dining room
With its 20 foot high gold leaf ceiling, sumptuous Art Deco custom furnishings and spectacular time period design, you can now visit this secret apartment while renting it for a private event, or taking the behind the scenes tour of Radio City Music Hall.
Visit the New York Federal Reserve Gold Vault
What’s 27 pounds, (12.24 kilos), shines with a brilliant luster and sets the heart racing? A solid gold bar, of course. (Did you know there is a word for people who are addicted to gold? They are called chrysophilists.)
“As of 2019, the vault housed approximately 497,000 gold bars, with a combined weight of about 6,190 tons, (5,615,473 kilos.)The vault is able to support this weight because it rests on the bedrock of Manhattan Island, 80 feet below street level and 50 feet below sea level.”-NY Federal Reserve.
There are many quotes about gold, I like this one…”Love is the only gold.” –Alfred Lord Tennyson.
The history of the New York Federal Reserve Vault is fascinating and the tour is free. Unlike the gold.
The NY museum that fits inside a freight elevator
Always something new at the Mmuseumm
Located at 4 Cortlandt Alley in Manhattan is a museum that fits inside an old freight elevator. Mmuseumm is a modern natural history museum that is committed to its signature curatorial style of “object journalism.” The museum features rotating and permanent collections, showcasing objects that we would normally ignore. The modern artifacts, when placed within the museum, take on a new significance. What else does this museum offer? Why a gift shop of course. And if you send them your email, you will be invited to their opening ceremonies.
217 East 51st Street, Midtown, Manhattan, a 25 foot waterfall
In the middle of Manhattan, an oasis of tranquility and beauty can be found at the Greenacre Park. Masterfully designed by architect Hideo Sasaki through the use of three different levels, this charming haven of nature is a welcome retreat for busy, rushing New Yorkers and visitors alike.
Greenacre Park, surrounded by skyscrapers and concrete, is a relaxing sanctuary
A secret garden in Manhattan. Greenacre Park, is on the National Register of Historic Places.
This tiny pocket park has seating areas with moveable tables and chairs and an outdoor café. You can be transported to a far off island during your lunch hour. No wonder it’s won so many awards.
One of the most romantic spots in New York, Grand Central Terminal, credit: Wikimedia Commons
How can bustling, busy, often frantic Grand Central Terminal, a magnificent Beaux Arts New York Landmark be considered romantic? With 750,000 visitors every day and thousands of people rushing to catch their trains, it’s certainly not a private space. Awe inspiring, yes, with over 60 shops and 35 restaurants and food emporiums and a continuous schedule of events, it’s a city unto itself. So where’s the romance?
Whispering Gallery in Grand Central, credit: nycgo.com
Did this young man just propose to the love of his life? The Whispering Gallery is a popular location for marriage proposals and sending secret messages to a special person, standing 30 feet away. How can this be possible? The beautiful vaulted ceilings and unmarked archways which can be found on the lower level, in front of the Oyster Bar & Restaurant, possess a true marvel of acoustics. Stand on opposite corners and whisper. The person at the other corner will be able to hear you. Whether designed specifically for that purpose or a fantastic accident of science, nobody knows. One thing we know for sure, New York is full of secret places just waiting to be explored.
