Lower East Side Tenement Museum

I took the '100 Years Apart' tour at the Tenement Museum and found it to be a truly fascinating and essential New York experience. Our tour was led by our docent, Ruth, whose enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the subject were immediately apparent. She was an exceptional storyteller, vividly bringing the history of the building and its residents to life. It is remarkable to see how the museum has meticulously preserved this important slice of the city's history within the original building. The tour powerfully illustrates the immigrant experience, telling the stories of the families who lived here in a way that is both incredibly informative and deeply moving. Standing in the apartments themselves is a poignant experience that a standard museum exhibit could never replicate. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city; it offers a vital perspective on the foundations of modern New York. I will definitely be returning on a future trip to experience another of the museum's tours.
Victor Li - 2 months ago

We took a tour group of 50 people from Michigan to this museum. They split us up into groups and I took the 1869 tour which went to the top of the Tenement Museum. I felt that the interpretation was first rate and our guide was very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend this museum as a way get a sense of how immigrants lived and survived in the late 19th century. The only suggestion I would make for the organization is to stock some t-shirts in their gifts store. They are very book heavy in their wares. Overall however this is an outstanding place to visit.
Larry Wagenaar - a week ago

We had a great experience on this tour. It was really informative and thoughtfully put together. Everything started right on time, which we appreciated, and there were around ten different tours to choose from depending on your interests. Please plan ahead because the tours fill up fast. We decided to go with the 1902 tour, which was focused on women living in tenement housing during that time period. We walked through their actual homes. The guide told the story from the perspective of a dressmaker in one apartment and a family who ran a butcher shop in another building. It was interesting to see their homes well preserved and how their lives were shaped by the society at that time. The storytelling was engaging and you could tell a lot of care went into the research and presentation. If you’re interested in history and want something more immersive than just reading plaques or walking through a museum on your own, I’d definitely recommend this tour.
Tessa Bussiere - 2 months ago

Highly recommended! After taking our first tour, “After the Famine: 1869,” at the museum, everyone in our group is eager to return for another tour on our next visit to NYC. Shout-out to our guide, Isaac—he was both incredibly knowledgeable and a captivating storyteller. Through the story of Joseph and Bridget Moore, an Irish family in a predominantly German neighborhood, he offered thoughtful insights into how Irish immigrants were viewed at the time. His narrative made it easy to draw powerful parallels between past and present societal attitudes. Tours are small (about 12 people), cost around $30, and are totally worth it. If there’s one you really want, book early!
teadrinker - 3 months ago

This was one of the most fascinating museums I’ve visited in a long time. It dives into the real-life stories of immigrant families who helped shape the backbone of the United States, offering a powerful and emotional look at the broader history of immigration. When you arrive, you can choose a time slot and a storyline that fits your interest — no need to book tickets in advance.
Nurdan Kilincoglu - a month ago