Exploring the Jewish Gilded Age Upper East Side Legacy

Behind the polished façades of the Upper East Side lies a powerful — and often overlooked — chapter of New York’s Gilded Age. What influence did German-Jewish elites wield as they carved out space in the city’s most rarefied circles, all while building institutions that still shape New York today? It's time to stroll up Fifth Avenue for an eye-opening journey through a neighborhood where wealth, identity, and resilience collided to redefine what it meant to belong.

Join New York Adventure Club as we uncover the rich Jewish history of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a neighborhood transformed by German-Jewish families who helped define the city’s cultural and philanthropic landscape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Led by licensed tour guide and native New Yorker Richard Soden, this unique walk along Fifth Avenue will include:

• A discussion of notable German-Jewish elite around the turn of the 20th century — prominent families like the Schiffs, Warburgs, Guggenheims, and Lehmans who lived in grand homes and championed cultural institutions
• A walk past historic Fifth Avenue mansions linked to the Jewish community including Otto Kahn’s former residence
• Jewish women’s philanthropic leadership — from establishing schools and hospitals to advocating social reform
• A stop outside Jewish cultural landmarks such as Temple Emanu-El, a monumental Reform synagogue that reflected the rising prominence of German-Jewish New Yorkers
• A trip inside the Payne‑Whitney Mansion — now home to the French Embassy’s Cultural Services, offering a glimpse into Gilded Age interior elegance

Our experience will conclude outside the Jewish Museum (the former house of Jewish banker Felix Warburg), which has free admission on Saturdays.

See you there!

*Please bring a water bottle and comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking!

**Our experience will conclude outside the Jewish Museum at Fifth Avenue and 92nd Street

About Richard

"I am a native New Yorker who was born and have lived on the lower east side all my life. I love this city and all its beauty and peculiarities, and I love sharing it with native New Yorkers, newcomers, and returning visitors. I enjoy telling stories which I'll share with you. You’ll learn the many secrets about the city I call 'home.'"

Testimonials

"So informative. We love hearing about the history of the city." -Karyle

"Excellent guide" -Wendy

Disclaimer

Event takes place rain or shine.

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours