Open House in New York: 10 buildings worth visiting when admitted once a year

This weekend, October 16 and 17, New York will host Open House (OHNY)... Launched annually in 2001, OHNY gives New Yorkers access to private attractions. Untapped Cities published the best places to visit during OHNY 2021.

New locations and events available to the public will operate COVID-19 protocols (please bring your vaccination card, ID and mask).

1 Fifth Avenue

In an ever-changing city like New York, architects and city planners must choose what to do with historic buildings. 1014 Fifth Avenue is one of those. One of the few surviving Beaux-Arts townhouses on Museum mile - and its future is being discussed.

During OHNY 2021, the former German Cultural Center Goethe House in New York and the Ambassador's House will host guided walking tours, lectures and talks from architects and historians across the Upper East Side. Justin Rivers, Untapped New York's director of customer service, will lead the tours “Inside 1014 Fifth Avenue & The Hidden History of Fifth Avenue's Gilded Age Mansion " three times this weekend. 1014 Fifth Avenue will be open from 11:00 to 17:00 on October 16 and 17.

2. Brooklyn Grange

Brooklyn Grange is one of New York's premier rooftop farms. She grows over 45 tons of organic produce every year. They sell their products in markets, through retailers and through the CSA program. They also donate 30% of their products to members of the low-income community.

As part of OHNY 2021, their farm in Long Island City will host the first BG Queens Fall Fest dedicated to the harvest. It will include a dedicated farmers market with family activities. There will be pumpkin carving activities, honey tastings, live performances, and educational tours. He will be open on Saturday, October 16, from 10 am to 16 pm.

3. Brooklyn Naval Dockyard: Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery, one of the finest distilleries in Brooklyn. It is the oldest operating distillery in Brooklyn. It is also the first distillery established in New York since Prohibition. The distillery is located at the Brooklyn Naval Dockyard and produces single malt whiskey, rye, bourbon, and specialty foods such as moonshine and chocolate whiskey.

As part of OHNY 2021 Distillery Kings County will offer guided tours and tastings every half hour from 13:00 to 17:30 on October 16 and from 13:00 to 17:00 on October 17. No prior registration is required.

4 Bohemian National Hall

Built in 1896, this Renaissance building has been a cornerstone of Czech and Slovak culture for over a century. Today it shares premises with the Czech Consulate, the Czech Center in New York and the Czech Charitable and Literary Association. The hall was designed by the architect William C. Frohne. He also designed German American Rifle Society clubhouse in the East Village.

As part of OHNY 2021 Bohemian national hall will be open from 13:00 to 17:00 on October 16. And excursions will be held every 15 minutes on a first come, first served basis.

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5. Central Park Blockhouse

Did you know that the oldest building in Central park actually older than the park itself? In 1858, New York was held competition for the creation of the Central Park... But the Blockhouse dates back to the War of 1812, when it was built as a fortification against invading British soldiers. It is located on a rocky ledge in the northern forest of the park.

During OHNY 2021, you will be able to see this closed place. Block house will open to the public from 10 am to 16 pm on 16 October.

6. Manhattan Borough President's Map Display

Borough presidents are responsible for maintaining a database of maps of their area. Mainly for the purpose of updating the map with the addresses of new buildings, preparing for the improvement of streets and checking information about existing buildings and monuments. But they also preserve historical maps. Including John Randall's 1820 map of Manhattan, which will be on display during OHNY. The huge map consists of 92 panels and measures approximately 4,8 x 18 meters. This was the first card on which the "Commissioner's plan"1811. It marked the street network of Manhattan.

Manhattan Borough President Card Room usually available by appointment only. But during OHNY 2021 it will be open without appointment - on Saturday, October 16, from 10:00 to 16:00.

7. Mmuseumm

One of the smallest museums and one of the two lift museums in NYC. Housed inside a freight elevator in Tribeca, it displays everyday objects for the purpose of inspiring discussions about current events happening around the world.

Mmuseumm is usually open with $ 10 tickets. It will be free as part of OHNY 2021 from 10:00 am to 18:00 pm on October 16 and 17.

8. Noguchi Museum

A hidden gem in Queens, the Noguchi Museum is the first museum in the United States created by a living artist to showcase his own work. Isamu Noguchi not only conceived the museum, but also designed it and also installed the works. In addition to one of the most serene sculpture gardens in New York, the museum houses (and sells) the iconic lanterns of Japanese-American artist Akari.

Noguchi Museum will be open from 11:00 to 17:00 on 16 and 17 October. Tickets cost $ 5 (50% off regular admission fees) and must be reserved in advance.

9. Swedish Cottage Puppet Theater

It was originally brought to the United States in 1876 for the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia. The Swedish Cottage Puppet Theater ended up in Central Park in 1877. And since 1947 it has been home to a traveling troupe of puppets. The puppet show is still held here, which is loved by children visiting Central Park.

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Within the framework of the OHNY 2021 exhibition Swedish puppet theater in the cottage will be open to the public for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. From 10:00 to 15:00 on October 16 and 17, its staff will offer guided tours of the space, explaining what it means to be a professional puppeteer. There will also be special performances at 11:00 and 13:00 on both days.

10. Wyckoff House Museum

One of the few historic farms you can visit in New York City. Wyckoff House in Brooklyn claims to be the oldest house in New York and the state. It was built between 1652 and 1819 in Dutch colonial style and Flemish medieval survival style. It is surrounded by 0,6 hectares of gardens, including a colonial vegetable garden and farm.

Unfortunately the interiors Wyckoff house will be unavailable due to damage from Hurricane Ida. However, a self-guided audio tour will tell you about the history and architecture of the place. Learn about the family's ties to indigenous Lenape peoples and enslaved African Americans. On Saturday, the house will host Family Day at the farmhouse with children's activities in the garden.