‘The Secret Splendors of New York’s Gilded Age’ Webinar

In a period not so long ago, there were palaces that lined New York’s Fifth Avenue, built by America’s rich millionaires from both “old” and “new” money. Whether it was the Astors, Vanderbilts, Fricks, or Goulds, all of them modeled their residences after the great palaces of Europe, and filled them with everything from Rembrandts to ancient velvets. It’s time to go inside these palatial homes and uncover the secret splendors that took place beyond their gilded doors.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital exploration of the magnificent mansions that once lined New York City’s Fifth Avenue, and the coveted social events that took place inside.

Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual showcase of these immaculate residences, both inside and out, will include:

  • The houses of Mrs. Astor, from her rather plain brownstone at 34th Street to future marble palace on 65th Street
  • The marble mansion of Alexander T. Stewart, and why he was never invited over to the house of neighbor Mrs. Astor
  • The William K. Vanderbilt house at 52nd Street — designed by Beaux-Arts architect Richard Morris Hunt, this mansion would forever change the style of all future townhouses
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s block-long house at 57th Street, the largest townhouse ever built, with a French paneled ballroom overlooking the Plaza Hotel
  • Senator William Clark’s gigantic mansion at 77th Street, filled with art and meant to last forever (though demolished in only twenty years)
  • Rarely seen archival photos and illustrations showcasing mansion interiors, exteriors, floor plans, and social events

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about these mansions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Gary

Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance is an architect from Stony Brook, New York. His firm, Lawrance Architectural Presentations, provides design presentations, architectural models, digital renderings, and design development services to architects, landscape architects and interior designers.

Mr. Lawrance has an extensive background in the history of Gilded Age architecture, landscapes, and society, and co-authored the bestselling book, “Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930” with Anne Surchin (Acanthus Press 2007, Revised 3rd Printing 2013).

Mr. Lawrance’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Newsday, New York Social Diary, Southampton Press, and more. Mr. Lawrance has written for Architectural Digest, Dan’s Papers, Quest magazine, and his two blogs, Mansions of the Gilded Age and Houses of the Hamptons in addition to founding and contributing to the two very successful Facebook groups, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society with over 160,000 members combined. Mr. Lawrance also manages two equally popular Instagram accounts, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society.











When: Tue., Feb. 9, 2021 at 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Where: No Location
Via livestream

Price: $10
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In a period not so long ago, there were palaces that lined New York’s Fifth Avenue, built by America’s rich millionaires from both “old” and “new” money. Whether it was the Astors, Vanderbilts, Fricks, or Goulds, all of them modeled their residences after the great palaces of Europe, and filled them with everything from Rembrandts to ancient velvets. It’s time to go inside these palatial homes and uncover the secret splendors that took place beyond their gilded doors.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital exploration of the magnificent mansions that once lined New York City’s Fifth Avenue, and the coveted social events that took place inside.

Led by historian Gary Lawrance, our virtual showcase of these immaculate residences, both inside and out, will include:

  • The houses of Mrs. Astor, from her rather plain brownstone at 34th Street to future marble palace on 65th Street
  • The marble mansion of Alexander T. Stewart, and why he was never invited over to the house of neighbor Mrs. Astor
  • The William K. Vanderbilt house at 52nd Street — designed by Beaux-Arts architect Richard Morris Hunt, this mansion would forever change the style of all future townhouses
  • Cornelius Vanderbilt II’s block-long house at 57th Street, the largest townhouse ever built, with a French paneled ballroom overlooking the Plaza Hotel
  • Senator William Clark’s gigantic mansion at 77th Street, filled with art and meant to last forever (though demolished in only twenty years)
  • Rarely seen archival photos and illustrations showcasing mansion interiors, exteriors, floor plans, and social events

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Gary — any and all questions about these mansions are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Gary

Architect, Author, and Historian Gary Lawrance is an architect from Stony Brook, New York. His firm, Lawrance Architectural Presentations, provides design presentations, architectural models, digital renderings, and design development services to architects, landscape architects and interior designers.

Mr. Lawrance has an extensive background in the history of Gilded Age architecture, landscapes, and society, and co-authored the bestselling book, “Houses of the Hamptons 1880-1930” with Anne Surchin (Acanthus Press 2007, Revised 3rd Printing 2013).

Mr. Lawrance’s work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, Newsday, New York Social Diary, Southampton Press, and more. Mr. Lawrance has written for Architectural Digest, Dan’s Papers, Quest magazine, and his two blogs, Mansions of the Gilded Age and Houses of the Hamptons in addition to founding and contributing to the two very successful Facebook groups, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society with over 160,000 members combined. Mr. Lawrance also manages two equally popular Instagram accounts, Mansions of the Gilded Age & The Gilded Age Society.

Buy tickets/get more info now