9th Annual Open House New York Event Grants Access To Some Of New York's Private, Posh Spots
By Krissy Dolor
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- You don't need us to tell you that New York boasts some of the best buildings and finest designs in the world. But if you ever wanted a closer look, you'd need someone with VIP access to show you.
That's where Open House New York comes in.
What began as a non-profit mission devoted to educating New Yorkers about the city's architecture and design, Open House New York (OHNY) is now a wildly popular annual event, showcasing many of the city's historic landmarks.
Hitting New York City this weekend, OHNY will bring together residents and tourists alike for talks, tours, performances and family-friendly activities providing access to some well-known and more obscure Big Apple buildings.
There will be an opportunity to visit private residences, like the three-acre garden of the Kips Bay Towers in Brooklyn, the 17th century farmhouse at the Alice Austen House Museum or the SculptureCenter in Queens.
This year, the traditionally free event sparked a bit of controversy by implementing a $5 fee for all sites requiring reservations.
"The new system will make it easier for participants to take advantage of select programming throughout the weekend, while lessening the administrative burden on those organizations that are gracious enough to open their doors for the public," an OHNY spokesperson said in a statement.
Regardless of this new fee, the weekend is bound to be a highly attended event. In fact, several spots have already sold out, including the National Sept 11 Memorial, Ghosts of Greenwich Village Scavenger Hunt and 7 World Trade Center.
Here are a few top picks if you planon attending. All events are open, rain or shine. Also, keep in mind that space is limited and some sites may have a wait time.
Green-Wood Cemetery Trolley Tour – get rare access to the catacombs and family mausoleums of Henry Englehard Steinway, Stephen Whitney, Charles Feltman and others. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary, and it's free if you book through Green-Wood's site.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts – Renovation architects will lead Saturday tours of the public spaces. Though you don't need to RSVP, tours are done on a first come, first served basis.
Edgar Allan Poe Cottage – Explore the wooden farmer where the poet spent the last years of his life. He penned many of his most enduring poetical works, including "Annabel Lee," "The Bells" and "Eureka."
