Manhattan’s Little Secrets: Uncovering Mysteries in Brick and Mortar, Glass and Stone

• Books & Literature
• Design & Architecture
• Free

Manhattan’s Little Secrets: Uncovering Mysteries in Brick and Mortar, Glass and Stone with John Tauranac

The lecture starts at 6:30 P.M. – Q&A, BOOK-SIGNING & RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

John Tauranac in his presentation, based on his book, Manhattan’s Little Secrets: Uncovering Mysteries in Brick and Mortar, Glass and Stone, will describe some of the many architectural details overlooked throughout Manhattan. In his book, he elaborates on the whos, the whats, the whys and hows of social history that make the city come alive. Mr. Tauranac will provide revelations of history hidden in plain sight, disclosing some of the secrets of the borough, alongside some remarkable photography of Manhattan’s overlooked treasures.

“In a cityscape that mutates as much as Manhattan’s, we sometimes don’t notice the hulking elements until they’re missing. We often overlook altogether the more opaque architectural quirks. John Tauranac, an architectural historian who teaches at NYUrises to the challenge with Manhattan’s Little Secrets” – The New York Times.

“New York is full of hidden signs and symbols — if you know where to look. John Tauranac does. The author is a certified tour guide and map designer who also teaches architectural history at NYU’s School of Professional Studies. In his new book, he highlights 120 details on (or in) buildings and lays out their little-known backstories”. – The New York Post

“Within (his book), answers to these questions, and much more. What stones from Joan of Arc’s dungeon are doing now? Why Brooklyn Bridge is depicted collapsing on a cathedral wall? What the original City Hall station has to do with J. K. Rowling? Why is there a clock in the sidewalk?”– Manhattan User Guide (MUG)

20 WEST 44th Street (BETWEEN 5TH AND 6th AVENUES), New York City

Free Admission. Advance Registration required.

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.

Additional support is provided by The New York Landmarks Conservancy.