How to Take Behind-the-Scenes Tours of NYC’s Architectural Treasures

On most days, sunrise walks on Ellis Island, behind-the-scenes access to the Metropolitan Opera House, and tours of the WABC-TV station are not viable weekend activities for New Yorkers . But once a year, dozens of these exclusive cultural experiences are available to the public—mainly free of charge—as part of the annual architecture and urban design celebration Open House New York .

This fall the festivities will take place October 15 and 16 at 250 sites across the five boroughs. While the full list of participating locations hasn’t been revealed, OHNY announced recently that the famous Westbeth artist community, a historic 1920s Loew’s Wonder Theater, and the yet-to-open New York Wheel are among this year’s first-time participants. Also new for 2016 will be a number of National Park Service–inspired activities in honor of the organization’s centennial. These experiences include tours of the recently restored Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace and after-hours access to the General Grant National Memorial and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial.

The New York Wheel.

Many crowd favorites from past OHNY editions are said to be returning this year as well. Among these sites are the monumental Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, Google’s New York headquarters, and Jeffrey Hook’s Lighthouse in Fort Washington Park, commonly known as the Little Red Lighthouse. OHNY is slated to release the full 2016 program on October 5.