Although these class days seem long, I was apart of something much greater then class it-self. It was the experience of going into the city and being a tourist that enriched my thoughts. I find myself asking my friends where they would like to go within the city, as I plan more future trips to entice myself in becoming more cultural. Today we arrived at Penn at our usual time and rushed to take the subway to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall. We were exploring lower Manhattan, then walking along the Hudson River through Battery Park, and finally to the artistic mecca of Chelsea, where we will be art gallery hoping. (My least favorite thing to do – Sorry Don!) We unfortunately wouldn’t make it into Battery Park because it was closed off for construction purposes.
We arrived at City Hall, which was more beautiful outside, then I would have ever imagined. Its Renaissance style architecture made this 1802 building one of the cities most beautiful and historic landmark to date. “City Hall, one of New York’s architectural treasures, houses a notable collection of portraits of city mayors and 19th century celebrities. The most important works in the collection hang in the Governor’s Room on the second floor, though portraits and busts are located throughout the public areas of the building.” [BG pg. 83] The security checkpoint was interesting and thorough as we entered the gates to the City Hall building. Here we waited for our tour guide who, upon arrival, allowed us entrance into the marvelous home of our municipal Government. The tour guide explained that City Hall has 14 Government agencies that hold offices in this building. The offices of our Mayor and the members of City Council also use this building to conduct their operations. Throughout New York City, there are multiple municipal buildings and this was due to the unification of the 5 boroughs of New York in 1898. A single City Hall was simply not enough for the large occupancy of people throughout the growing streets of New York City. “The present City Hall is the third building to house the municipal Government, after the Stadt Huys on Pearl Street and the 18th century City Hall on Wall Street that later became Federal Hall.” [BG pg. 83] Fun fact, the Stock Exchange was designed after the second City Hall of New York. The current City Hall is the oldest City Hall in American to date that still holds in-house Government operations. It also is claimed to be the most beautiful City Hall in America.
Inside, we were able to take a look within the Governor’s Ball Room, which held many infamous nights in history. A notable event took place in this room, the reception party of Abraham Lincoln after his inauguration in New York. George Washington’s original writing desk is stationed in this room as well. After the ballroom, we were brought into the City Council Chamber. This was one of my favorite experiences of the whole course. We actually got to listen in on a Council meeting in which they were discussing community issues within the borough of Queens. (Check out the video!)
From City Hall, we moved onto our small tour of the Woolworth Building. Here we learned that this gothic style building was New York’s first skyscraper. From 1913-1930, the Woolworth Building was New York’s tallest building followed by its successor, the Chrysler Building. Its nickname is “The Cathedral of Commerce” after, “Rev. S. Parkes Cadman, a Brooklyn minister and radio preacher noted that the building inspired : feelings too deep even for tears.” [BG pg. 79]
St. Paul’s Chapel was our next detour. Although I dislike the feel of many churches, this historic landmark gave off a very spiritually presence. Once inside, the beautiful 9/11-memorial display was a sight to be seen. It radiated emotion as I caught many of my classmates stopping at it to read some notes people left or to commemorate those we have loved and lost due to the tragic events that occurred that day. “The church was used by George Washington following his inauguration at Federal Hall.” [BG pg. 77] Inside the church is where George Washington’s pew is held and located still to this day. Many famous Americans have also been buried in the St. Paul’s Churchyard facing the exterior of the building.
On our way to the 9/11 memorial tour, we quickly stopped where the, “Occupy Wallstreet” demonstrations were held. Molloy’s own, Mike Russo recently filmed a documentary about these demonstrations that highlighted the events leading up to and throughout the movement.
Moving forward, we went to the 9/11 memorial exhibit where we had access to the ground level of the North and South Memorial Pools. The entrance to this memorial ground was kept highly secured with an extensive entrance process and had cameras located everywhere.
Coming into the memorial, I was filled with mixed emotions. 9/11 didn’t have a severe impact on my life but it holds a deep root in my pride as a New Yorker. Once inside the memorial grounds, I felt Goosebumps scatter all throughout my body. The raw emotion was so intense as I moved around the two memorial pools and stood next to the survivor’s tree. Unfortunately we were unable to see the WTC visitor center due to construction they had been doing. According to the Blue Guide, the visor center holds “five galleries to recount the story of the Trade Center, beginning with its construction, through its existence as an office building where 40,000 workers spent their days and another 150,000 passed through daily, through the events of September 11 and its aftermath.” [BG pg. 63]
Next stop was Trinity Church. “The present church is the third on the site. The first (1698) was a stone building facing the river. The church was burned in 1776 and remained in ruins until long after the Revolution. A second church (completed 1790) was demolished in 1839 after heavy snowfall damaged the roof. The present church dates from 1846.” [BG pg. 65] Here I learned that the trinity church was the largest building in New York until 1890. In it’s courtyard, many famous people of America’s History are buried; such as, Robert Fulton who invented the steam engine and Alexander Hamilton in addition to his wife as well.
After the church, the class made our way to Federal Hall, which we now learned was modeled after the second City Hall of New York City. In passing, we went down Wallstreet, which got its name from the Dutch. I stopped in front of the New York Stock Exchange to take a picture. This area was the first New York site to be attacked by terrorists.
Closely located from these attractions is Federal Hall. On the front steps of Federal Hall, stands a huge statue of George Washington that symbolizes the location to where he was inaugurated. In the same building, the American Bill of Rights was signed and now is held in its original location, making this landmark known as a famous American historical museum. “Federal Hall is one of New York’s most important historic sites, although the historical events predate the present building.” [BG pg. 69]
Towards the end of our evening, we made our way for lunch at the Chelsea Market. According to the Blue Guide [pg. 186], Oreos and Mallomars were invented here. This was when Nabisco had it’s factory here from the 1920’s till 1995. “The factory reopened as the Chelsea Market, whose ground floor is filled with shops offering high-quality food, wine, kitchen wares, and flowers.” The market did not impress me. I found it over-priced and tacky as the halls of the market where filled with snobby aristocrats and impatient foreigners. I ate at a soup shop and ordered a sandwich and soup, neither items were to rave about.
From the Market, we moved onto the High Line. The High Line was originally built as a 13- mile viaduct for freight trains to solve issues around the meatpacking district in the 1930’s. Left to rust due to it being a failed project of the city, the High Line was created when a “local advocacy group defeated proposals for demolition. At the present time, a park was being constructed over the 1.6 miles between West 16th Street and West 30th Streets.” The architecture of the park emulates and highlights the beauty of Chelsea’s skyline. I enjoyed the time we had to walk around the park. It was refreshing and one of the attractions of New York I have not yet seen in my lifetime. I will be going back soon to further enjoy the free public space and gardens it has to offer the cities residents and tourists.
Our last adventure for today was going to many, many, many, many of Chelsea’s great art galleries. The excitement from the class was emulating as we proceeded forward. (Inserts Sarcasm.) This part of the course was one of the worst parts in my eyes. Although the art was fascinating, the security guards in each gallery made it hard to enjoy the art because of all the hostility and tension they were creating.
I enjoyed two exhibits. One of my favorites was the Jeff Koons exhibit titled: New Paintings and Sculpture, which was located on West 54th Street in the Gagosian Gallery. This exhibit held various sculptures that were shiny and metallic and emulated a monkey appearance. Everyone was raving about the pieces although not a single one of us could afford them. I also enjoyed Koons’ exhibit because he once worked with Don and I thought that was pretty cool. The second exhibit I enjoyed was the Nancy Margolis Gallery. Located on West 25th Street, these pieces of art stood out to me. There were many political messages in the pieces and I also enjoyed it because it was the opening to the exhibition, so they gave us free, but cheap champagne.
Overall, today was long but still exciting in some aspects. It was a tiring day and we were happy to get home.
We arrived at City Hall, which was more beautiful outside, then I would have ever imagined. Its Renaissance style architecture made this 1802 building one of the cities most beautiful and historic landmark to date. “City Hall, one of New York’s architectural treasures, houses a notable collection of portraits of city mayors and 19th century celebrities. The most important works in the collection hang in the Governor’s Room on the second floor, though portraits and busts are located throughout the public areas of the building.” [BG pg. 83] The security checkpoint was interesting and thorough as we entered the gates to the City Hall building. Here we waited for our tour guide who, upon arrival, allowed us entrance into the marvelous home of our municipal Government. The tour guide explained that City Hall has 14 Government agencies that hold offices in this building. The offices of our Mayor and the members of City Council also use this building to conduct their operations. Throughout New York City, there are multiple municipal buildings and this was due to the unification of the 5 boroughs of New York in 1898. A single City Hall was simply not enough for the large occupancy of people throughout the growing streets of New York City. “The present City Hall is the third building to house the municipal Government, after the Stadt Huys on Pearl Street and the 18th century City Hall on Wall Street that later became Federal Hall.” [BG pg. 83] Fun fact, the Stock Exchange was designed after the second City Hall of New York. The current City Hall is the oldest City Hall in American to date that still holds in-house Government operations. It also is claimed to be the most beautiful City Hall in America.
Inside, we were able to take a look within the Governor’s Ball Room, which held many infamous nights in history. A notable event took place in this room, the reception party of Abraham Lincoln after his inauguration in New York. George Washington’s original writing desk is stationed in this room as well. After the ballroom, we were brought into the City Council Chamber. This was one of my favorite experiences of the whole course. We actually got to listen in on a Council meeting in which they were discussing community issues within the borough of Queens. (Check out the video!)
From City Hall, we moved onto our small tour of the Woolworth Building. Here we learned that this gothic style building was New York’s first skyscraper. From 1913-1930, the Woolworth Building was New York’s tallest building followed by its successor, the Chrysler Building. Its nickname is “The Cathedral of Commerce” after, “Rev. S. Parkes Cadman, a Brooklyn minister and radio preacher noted that the building inspired : feelings too deep even for tears.” [BG pg. 79]
St. Paul’s Chapel was our next detour. Although I dislike the feel of many churches, this historic landmark gave off a very spiritually presence. Once inside, the beautiful 9/11-memorial display was a sight to be seen. It radiated emotion as I caught many of my classmates stopping at it to read some notes people left or to commemorate those we have loved and lost due to the tragic events that occurred that day. “The church was used by George Washington following his inauguration at Federal Hall.” [BG pg. 77] Inside the church is where George Washington’s pew is held and located still to this day. Many famous Americans have also been buried in the St. Paul’s Churchyard facing the exterior of the building.
On our way to the 9/11 memorial tour, we quickly stopped where the, “Occupy Wallstreet” demonstrations were held. Molloy’s own, Mike Russo recently filmed a documentary about these demonstrations that highlighted the events leading up to and throughout the movement.
Moving forward, we went to the 9/11 memorial exhibit where we had access to the ground level of the North and South Memorial Pools. The entrance to this memorial ground was kept highly secured with an extensive entrance process and had cameras located everywhere.
Coming into the memorial, I was filled with mixed emotions. 9/11 didn’t have a severe impact on my life but it holds a deep root in my pride as a New Yorker. Once inside the memorial grounds, I felt Goosebumps scatter all throughout my body. The raw emotion was so intense as I moved around the two memorial pools and stood next to the survivor’s tree. Unfortunately we were unable to see the WTC visitor center due to construction they had been doing. According to the Blue Guide, the visor center holds “five galleries to recount the story of the Trade Center, beginning with its construction, through its existence as an office building where 40,000 workers spent their days and another 150,000 passed through daily, through the events of September 11 and its aftermath.” [BG pg. 63]
Next stop was Trinity Church. “The present church is the third on the site. The first (1698) was a stone building facing the river. The church was burned in 1776 and remained in ruins until long after the Revolution. A second church (completed 1790) was demolished in 1839 after heavy snowfall damaged the roof. The present church dates from 1846.” [BG pg. 65] Here I learned that the trinity church was the largest building in New York until 1890. In it’s courtyard, many famous people of America’s History are buried; such as, Robert Fulton who invented the steam engine and Alexander Hamilton in addition to his wife as well.
After the church, the class made our way to Federal Hall, which we now learned was modeled after the second City Hall of New York City. In passing, we went down Wallstreet, which got its name from the Dutch. I stopped in front of the New York Stock Exchange to take a picture. This area was the first New York site to be attacked by terrorists.
Closely located from these attractions is Federal Hall. On the front steps of Federal Hall, stands a huge statue of George Washington that symbolizes the location to where he was inaugurated. In the same building, the American Bill of Rights was signed and now is held in its original location, making this landmark known as a famous American historical museum. “Federal Hall is one of New York’s most important historic sites, although the historical events predate the present building.” [BG pg. 69]
Towards the end of our evening, we made our way for lunch at the Chelsea Market. According to the Blue Guide [pg. 186], Oreos and Mallomars were invented here. This was when Nabisco had it’s factory here from the 1920’s till 1995. “The factory reopened as the Chelsea Market, whose ground floor is filled with shops offering high-quality food, wine, kitchen wares, and flowers.” The market did not impress me. I found it over-priced and tacky as the halls of the market where filled with snobby aristocrats and impatient foreigners. I ate at a soup shop and ordered a sandwich and soup, neither items were to rave about.
From the Market, we moved onto the High Line. The High Line was originally built as a 13- mile viaduct for freight trains to solve issues around the meatpacking district in the 1930’s. Left to rust due to it being a failed project of the city, the High Line was created when a “local advocacy group defeated proposals for demolition. At the present time, a park was being constructed over the 1.6 miles between West 16th Street and West 30th Streets.” The architecture of the park emulates and highlights the beauty of Chelsea’s skyline. I enjoyed the time we had to walk around the park. It was refreshing and one of the attractions of New York I have not yet seen in my lifetime. I will be going back soon to further enjoy the free public space and gardens it has to offer the cities residents and tourists.
Our last adventure for today was going to many, many, many, many of Chelsea’s great art galleries. The excitement from the class was emulating as we proceeded forward. (Inserts Sarcasm.) This part of the course was one of the worst parts in my eyes. Although the art was fascinating, the security guards in each gallery made it hard to enjoy the art because of all the hostility and tension they were creating.
I enjoyed two exhibits. One of my favorites was the Jeff Koons exhibit titled: New Paintings and Sculpture, which was located on West 54th Street in the Gagosian Gallery. This exhibit held various sculptures that were shiny and metallic and emulated a monkey appearance. Everyone was raving about the pieces although not a single one of us could afford them. I also enjoyed Koons’ exhibit because he once worked with Don and I thought that was pretty cool. The second exhibit I enjoyed was the Nancy Margolis Gallery. Located on West 25th Street, these pieces of art stood out to me. There were many political messages in the pieces and I also enjoyed it because it was the opening to the exhibition, so they gave us free, but cheap champagne.
Overall, today was long but still exciting in some aspects. It was a tiring day and we were happy to get home.
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