Flatiron Building | Attractions to Visit Nearby

The Flatiron Building is one of New York City’s most beloved and iconic landmarks. Flatiron Building | Attractions to Visit Nearby is a topic that’s sure to pique your interest if you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple. This triangular-shaped building, completed in 1902, has captivated the hearts and minds of locals and tourists alike for over a century. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and significance of the Flatiron Building and explore the many must-visit attractions in the surrounding Flatiron District.

The Flatiron Building

The Flatiron Building’s unique design is a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of its architects, Daniel Burnham and Frederick Dinkelberg. The building’s Renaissance-style facade, featuring limestone and glazed terra-cotta, is a sight to behold. Its triangular shape, created by the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, has earned it the nickname “The Pointy Building” and “The Ship’s Prow.”

Interesting Facts About the Building

• Did you know that the Flatiron Building stands at 285 feet (87 meters) tall and has 22 stories? When it was completed in 1902, it was one of the tallest buildings in New York City. The building’s unique shape also creates a wind tunnel effect, which has led to the phrase “23 skidoo” being coined. This phrase was used by police officers to disperse crowds gathered to watch women’s skirts being blown up by the wind.

Visiting the Flatiron Building

• While you can’t go inside the Flatiron Building unless you work there, the exterior is a must-see for any photography enthusiast. The best vantage points for capturing the building’s unique shape are from the Flatiron South Public Plaza or Madison Square Park.

Museums and Educational Attractions

Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)

If you’re traveling with kids or are a math enthusiast yourself, the Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) is a must-visit. This unique museum features over 30 interactive exhibits that showcase the beauty and wonder of mathematics. From riding a square-wheeled tricycle to exploring fractals and tessellations, MoMath makes math fun and accessible for all ages.

Rubin Museum of Art

For a more serene and contemplative experience, head to the Rubin Museum of Art. This museum is dedicated to the art and culture of the Himalayas and features a stunning collection of paintings, sculptures, and textiles. Don’t miss the museum’s immersive Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room or its Mindfulness Meditation sessions.

Shopping and Entertainment

The LEGO Store Flatiron District

For kids (and kids at heart), The LEGO Store Flatiron District is a wonderland of colorful bricks and endless possibilities. This store features interactive play areas, exclusive sets, and jaw-dropping displays of NYC landmarks made entirely of LEGO bricks. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the life-size LEGO Statue of Liberty!

Harry Potter Store New York

Calling all witches and wizards! The Harry Potter Store New York is a must-visit for any Potterhead. This flagship store features three floors of magical merchandise, including wands, robes, and rare collectibles. Be sure to try a Butterbeer or Pumpkin Juice at the in-store cafe or snap a photo at one of the many Instagram-worthy spots throughout the store. According to the store’s website, they host special events like wand demonstrations and book signings throughout the year.

Rizzoli Bookstore

Bookworms will feel right at home at the Rizzoli Bookstore, a New York institution that’s been around since 1964. This beautifully designed bookstore features a curated selection of books on art, design, fashion, and more. Be sure to check out their collection of New York-focused titles and rare editions. Fun fact: The bookstore also hosts author events and book signings throughout the year.

Public Art and Installations

“The Portal” at Flatiron South Public Plaza

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, head to the Flatiron South Public Plaza to check out “The Portal.” This interactive art installation features a real-time livestream connection to a similar portal in Dublin, Ireland. You can wave, dance, or even strike up a conversation with someone on the other side of the Atlantic!

Worth Square and General Worth Monument

Worth Square, located at the intersection of Fifth Avenue, Broadway, and 24th Street, is home to the General Worth Monument. This 51-foot-tall obelisk, dedicated in 1857, honors Major General William Jenkins Worth, who fought in the War of 1812 and the Mexican-American War. The monument is one of the oldest in New York City and is even older than the Statue of Liberty.

Neighborhood Landmarks and Architecture

Met Life Tower and MetLife North Building

The Met Life Tower, a 700-foot-tall clock tower completed in 1909, is an iconic piece of the Manhattan skyline. The tower’s four clock faces are each 26 feet in diameter, making them some of the largest in the world. The adjacent MetLife North Building (also known as 11 Madison Avenue) is a stunning Art Deco skyscraper that was once slated to be 100 stories tall, which would’ve made it the tallest building in the world at the time. Although the Great Depression halted construction at 29 stories, the building is still an impressive sight.

New York Life Insurance Company Building

The New York Life Insurance Company Building, located on Madison Avenue between 26th and 27th Streets, is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture. The building’s gold-domed clock tower and ornate facade are a feast for the eyes. Fun fact: The building is landmarked and also houses New York Life’s extensive archive of historical documents and artifacts, dating back to its founding in 1845.

Appellate Division Courthouse of New York State

The Appellate Division Courthouse, located on Madison Avenue and 25th Street, is a stunning example of Beaux-Arts architecture. The building features intricate sculptures and a grand exterior staircase that are sure to impress any architecture buff. Inside, the courthouse boasts beautifully ornate courtrooms, stained glass ceilings, and a two-story Law Library that’s featured on many NYC movie and TV filming location tours.

Church of the Transfiguration

The Church of the Transfiguration, a historic Episcopal parish, has been a fixture in the Flatiron District since the 1850s. The church, also known as “The Little Church Around the Corner,” gained its nickname after a nearby church refused to hold an actor’s funeral service in 1870. The pastor at the time famously declared, “If an actor cannot enter by the front door of a church, God’s little church around the corner will welcome him.” Fittingly, the church houses the Episcopal Actors’ Guild and has been a welcoming place for thespians ever since.

Green Spaces and Parks

Greeley Square Park

Greeley Square Park, located between Broadway and Sixth Avenue at 32nd Street, is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The park features ample seating, colorful plantings, and a statue of Horace Greeley, the founder of the New York Tribune. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music performances and seasonal markets.

Flatiron Public Plazas

The Flatiron North and South Plazas, located at 23rd Street and Broadway, are the perfect spots to take a break and people-watch in the heart of the Flatiron District. The plazas feature seating, plantings, and public art installations, making them a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. In the summer months, the plazas host free public programs like yoga classes and live music performances.

Madison Square Park

Today, Madison Square Park is a beloved green space in the heart of the Flatiron District. The park features several monuments and statues, including the Admiral David Glasgow Farragut Monument and the William H. Seward Statue. The park also boasts a playground, dog run, and plenty of seating areas for picnics or people-watching.  The park’s art program is free and open to the public, so be sure to check their website for upcoming installations.

One of the most popular attractions within Madison Square Park is the original Shake Shack. This beloved burger joint started as a hot dog cart in the park in 2001 and has since grown into a global chain. Another notable attraction is Worth Square, home to the General Worth Monument, an obelisk dedicated to Major General William Jenkins Worth. During the winter months, the park’s Eternal Light Flagstaff, dedicated to those who fought in World War I, is even more stunning at night.

Nearby Neighborhoods to Explore

NoMad (North of Madison Square Park)

Just north of the Flatiron District lies NoMad, a neighborhood that’s quickly becoming one of Manhattan’s hottest spots. NoMad is home to a variety of trendy restaurants, bars, and hotels, including the Ace Hotel and the NoMad Hotel. Be sure to check out the rooftop bar at the Gansevoort Park Avenue hotel for stunning views of the Empire State Building.

Chelsea

To the west of the Flatiron District lies Chelsea, a neighborhood known for its art galleries, trendy restaurants, and the High Line. The High Line, a 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on a former New York Central Railroad spur, is a must-visit for any nature lover. Chelsea Market, located in a former Nabisco factory, is a foodie’s paradise with over 35 vendors selling everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood.

Gramercy

To the east of the Flatiron District lies Gramercy, a charming neighborhood known for its historic architecture and exclusive private park. Gramercy Park, the centerpiece of the neighborhood, is only accessible to residents of the surrounding buildings who pay an annual fee for a key. Even if you can’t get into the park, it’s worth taking a stroll around the perimeter to admire the stunning townhouses and apartment buildings that line the streets. Nearby, Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthplace National Historic Site, a designated National Historic Landmark, offers tours of the former residence of our 26th President. Fun fact: The name “Gramercy” comes from the Dutch word “krom mesje,” which means “little crooked knife.”

Conclusion

The Flatiron Building and its surrounding neighborhood offer a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and experiences for visitors to New York City. From the building’s stunning architecture to the many parks, museums, and restaurants in the area, there’s something for everyone in the Flatiron District. So why not plan a visit and discover the magic for yourself? You never know what unexpected delights you might find just around the corner from this iconic NYC landmark.