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The Lower East Side Tenement Museum Description

Most historic homes show you how "the other half lives" but not this one. This museum shows how the teeming masses of newly minted Americans lived and worked during the great waves of immigration in 1863 through 1935. Learn how and why they settled on the Lower East Side by experiencing the stories of just a few of the 7,000 residents from 20 different backgrounds that shared the five-story apartment building at 97 Orchard Street. The museum offers one- or two-hour guided tours of the 350-square foot apartments in the building which are refurbished to display different families, time periods and ethnic backgrounds. This is the first tenement building to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Be sure to check out our other Lower East Side & Chinatown vacation ideas.

Kid Tips

Toddlers & Pre-K: This is not a stroller-friendly environment. Children need to walk or be carried. The museum is actually in the authentically restored tenements themselves, and in keeping with the former residents reality, there are lots of stairs, no air conditioning and dim lights. Some tours require climbing four flights of stairs. If you are visiting with little children opt for the Confino Family Apartment tour on the first floor. This tour is available on weekends all year and daily during the summer.

Planning Notes

Take a tour.The only way to see this unique museum is to take a guided tour. If you are interested in a specific tour, order your tickets ahead of time or get there early. They often sell out. The visitor's center has a great video orientation of the area produced by the History Channel. Take the time to watch it before your tour, it will help you get into the spirit of this place. They also maintain a superb bookstore with tons of books on the history of this special area.

More to see coming soon.The Tenement Museum is expanding in 2010. They are taking over the building across the street. Look for more apartments to tour, a replica of the original German saloon and storefront that was housed at 97 Orchard, plus lots of special events like immigrant cuisine cooking demonstrations.

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