The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s (ICAA) fifth Private New York tour (Dec. 6-9) offers entrée to some of the finest townhouses and apartments in the city created by leading talent of the past and present.
Here’s a look at some highlights of the tour:
Top coast-to-coast interior designer Suzanne Rheinstein and her husband, Fred, will welcome tour goers into their serene, yet glamorous, pied-à-terre which she has decorated. Also on view will be a former townhouse that is currently the headquarters of the private New York Society Library.
On Fifth Avenue, a McKim, Mead and White building that revels in great collections of fine and decorative arts and well-conceived décor; a stylishly grand filled with 18th century French antiques also on Fifth Avenue; near Park Avenue, a beautiful Georgian New York townhouse designed by Delano and Aldrich, belonging to Richard H. Jenrette, the connoisseur and collector of the best historic houses and museum-quality interiors and nearby, another Delano & Aldrich mansion, now the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
One special site will be the former townhouse of legendary architect/interior designer Ogden Codman, Jr., co-author with Edith Wharton of The Decoration of Houses. Another site includes a 19th century townhouse in Greenwich Village decorated and renovated by Fairfax & Sammons Architects.
The first evening is reserved for an opening dinner and lecture at the New York Yacht Club, designed by Warren & Wetmore. Distinguished architectural historian Francis Morrone will discuss the architecture and decoration of the New York Public Library, a Beaux-Arts masterpiece.
On the second day of touring, Morrone will take guests on a private architectural tour of the library. Designed by Carrère and Hastings and completed in 1911, the “people’s palace” is considered one of America’s greatest classical public buildings. Morrone is the co-author with Henry Hope Reed of The New York Public Library: The Architecture and Decoration of the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.
In addition, guests will be hosted at several of New York City’s private clubs for tours and meals. On the evening of Dec. 7, tour goers will be guests of the Institute’s first annual Stanford White Awards presented at the Racquet & Tennis Club on Park Avenue.
NOTE: This tour is currently sold out, but to make inquiries about any of the buildings and future tours contact Tom Hayes of Classical Excursions at (413) 243-4155 or tom@classicalexcursions.com.
Photography: Graham S. Haber, Fairfax & Sammons Architecture & Merchant's House Museum
