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Gracie Mansion

The official residence of the Mayor of New York City, this Federal-style mansion built in 1799 is one of Manhattan's oldest surviving wooden structures, nestled within the scenic Carl Schurz Park.

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What is Gracie Mansion known for?

Gracie Mansion is the official residence of the Mayor of New York City and is one of the oldest surviving wood structures in Manhattan. It is also referred to as the "People's House" and New York's "Little White House."

Where is it located?

It is located in Carl Schurz Park, at East End Avenue and 88th Street in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan.

How much does it cost to visit?

Public tour admission is listed as $10.

What are the hours for tours?

Tour availability varies by source: some list scheduled tours on Tuesdays, while others list slots on Monday at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. However, the Gracie Mansion Conservancy has noted that all public tours are currently paused.

What is the history of the mansion?

Built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie as a country home, the Federal-style mansion became the official residence of the Mayor of New York City in 1942. It is a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

Gracie Mansion stands as a testament to early American architecture, having been built in 1799 by Archibald Gracie, a Scottish shipping magnate who envisioned it as his country home. Located at East End Avenue and 88th Street in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan, the estate overlooks a scenic bend in the East River and Hell Gate. The Federal-style residence consists of the original two-story house and an annex added in 1966 to accommodate the needs of the city's leadership. For over a century, the property has shifted through various owners and uses. It was condemned in the late 1880s and eventually seized by the City of New York in 1896. In 1942, Robert Moses convinced Mayor Fiorello La Guardia to establish the house as the official residence of the Mayor of New York City, a role it has served for nine subsequent mayors. Mayor La Guardia famously referred to the estate as New York's 'Little White House.' Today, the mansion is recognized as a New York City designated landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is one of the oldest surviving wood structures in Manhattan and is managed by the Gracie Mansion Conservancy, a nonprofit established in 1981. A 2002 restoration transformed the site into the 'People's House,' increasing public accessibility and allowing the Mayor's Office to host special events, such as Lunar New Year celebrations. Visitors can admire the architecture from the surrounding parkland. While public tours are currently paused on the Conservancy's site, the Historic House Trust of New York City lists tour slots for Mondays at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM with an admission fee of $10.

Visitor tips

  • Check the Gracie Mansion Conservancy website for the latest tour availability as public tours have been paused recently.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll through Carl Schurz Park to enjoy the East River views.
  • If booking a tour, remember that reservations are required and can be made online.

Nearby context

Gracie Mansion is the crown jewel of Carl Schurz Park in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan, providing a quiet contrast to the bustling city center.

Sources

Evidence and links