Discover 50 Years of New York City’s Historic Landmarks

Despite being in a seemingly constant state of construction, New York City has managed to keep a great deal of its architectural history intact. A quick look at the city’s SoHo area or the centuries-old brownstones that line the streets of quiet Brooklyn neighborhoods reveals there’s much more to the Big Apple than towering skyscrapers and new buildings. This is in large part due to the New York City Landmarks Law put in place on April 19, 1965, after the destruction of one of Manhattan’s most architecturally significant structures—Pennsylvania Station. As local outrage spread over the building’s demise, design lovers and city officials came together to support the law, which would go on to save other gems across the five boroughs.

In honor of the anniversary of the legislation, the Museum of the City of New York is celebrating with an exhibition and accompanying book, Saving Place: 50 Years of New York City Landmarks ( The Monacelli Press , $50), which trace the origins of the Landmarks Law and chronicles its early successes and present-day challenges. With essays from prominent New York figures, preservationists, and architects, and imagery by noted architectural photographer Iwan Baan, the book and the exhibition are a testament to the importance of history and the role individuals can play in protecting it.

“Saving Place: 50 Years of New York City Landmarks” opens April 21 at the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue, New York; mcnrg . The accompanying book will be available April 21 from the Monacelli Press; monacellipresom .

Preview more from the upcoming book and exhibition.