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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Building

The site of the deadliest industrial disaster in New York City history, this neo-Renaissance building commemorates the 146 garment workers who perished in the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire.

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The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Building
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What is the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Building known for?

It was the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire on March 25, 1911, which killed 146 garment workers. It is considered the deadliest industrial disaster in New York City history and one of the deadliest in U.S. history.

Can I go inside the building?

No, the building is not open to the public.

Where is it located?

The building is located at 23-29 Washington Place in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, on the New York University (NYU) campus.

Is there a memorial at the site?

Yes, a Triangle Fire Memorial was dedicated at the site on October 11, 2023. Additionally, there are three plaques on the southeast corner of the building that commemorate the victims of the fire.

What is the architectural style of the building?

Completed in 1901, the building is an example of the neo-Renaissance architectural style.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 23-29 Washington Place in Greenwich Village, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Building, originally known as the Asch Building, was completed in 1901. The structure is a notable example of neo-Renaissance architecture and currently serves as part of the New York University campus. In 1929, the building was donated to NYU by Frederick Brown, after whom it was renamed the Brown Building. On March 25, 1911, the building became the site of one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history. The Triangle Waist Company occupied the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors, where a fire broke out that killed 146 garment workers in less than fifteen minutes. The victims, including 123 women and girls and 23 men, were trapped by locked exits, unsafe fire escapes, and a lack of sprinklers. This tragedy transformed how the government protects workers and influenced significant changes in New York State labor laws and the creation of workers' compensation law. The building now stands as a monument to worker protection and safety. On July 17, 1991, it was designated a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can find three plaques on the southeast corner of the building that commemorate the victims. Additionally, a dedicated Triangle Fire Memorial, designed by Richard Joon Yoo and Uri Wegman, was dedicated at the site on October 11, 2023, to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten.

Visitor tips

  • Look for the three commemorative plaques on the southeast corner of the building.
  • Visit the Triangle Fire Memorial dedicated in 2023 to learn more about the tragedy.
  • Note that the building is not open to the public, so your visit will be limited to the exterior and surrounding sidewalk.
  • Allow a few minutes to read the plaques and reflect on the site's history.

Nearby context

The building is located in the heart of Greenwich Village, near Washington Square Park and as part of the New York University campus, placing it in a neighborhood known for its historic architecture and academic energy.

Sources

Evidence and links