Jane’s Walk NYC returns with nearly 200 free walking tours across all five boroughs
A 2023 Jane’s Walk tour. Photo by The Municipal Art Society of New York/Aslan Chalom on Flickr
Jane’s Walk returns to New York City next month, with more than 190 walking tours in all five boroughs led by New Yorkers. Presented by the Municipal Art Society of New York, the volunteer-led three-day festival, which runs from May 3-5, offers free guided tours through some of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. This year’s events include bike rides in the Bronx, a walk of World’s Fair sites in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in time for the event’s 60th anniversary, and architecture tours of Central Park West, Brutalist Tribeca buildings, and Queen Anne-style homes in Richmond Hill.
Jane’s Walk began in New York City in 2011 as a celebration of urbanist Jane Jacobs. The weekend of walking tours now takes place in more than 200 cities worldwide.
“We are so excited for what will be another wonderful Jane’s Walk NYC weekend,” Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the Municipal Art Society of New York, said.
“Jane’s Walk celebrates all neighborhoods with walks led by real New Yorkers who are passionate about some aspect of city life, and encourages people to discover the facts and heritage of their city that they might want to learn more about.”
This year’s festival will begin with a kick-off event at Washington Square Park on Sunday, April 28, hosted in partnership with the Washington Square Park Conservancy and Honk NYC.
Highlights of the weekend include a bike tour on the Hutchinson River Greenway on Friday, May 3 at 6 p.m. The ride sets off at the north end of the Greenway and travels south to Westchester Avenue.
The tour will take roughly 75 minutes and span three miles, stopping at three new crossings, two nearly complete tree and bush replantings, and two pedestrian areas in need of gardening and better highlighting. The ride ends with pizza in a new garden area constructed less than a year ago.
On Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m., tour guide Ed Perlmutter will lead participants on a historical tour through Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. The park originally was a massive ash dump that Robert Moses later transformed into a public park. The space eventually hosted both the 1939-40 and 1964-65 World’s Fairs. Guests will be led through the park and learn more about historic sites like the New York Pavilion, the Unisphere, and more.
A walking tour of Queen Anne architecture in Richmond Hill, Queens will take place on Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m. Hosted by William Gati, participants will explore the breathtaking Queen Anne architecture that characterizes the historic neighborhood.
The walk, which ensures a showcase of “architectural beauty, planning ingenuity, and natural serenity,” will highlight the intricate facades and ornate details of homes, talk about the thoughtful planning behind lush Forest Park, and more.
On Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m., tour guide Liza Pagano will take participants on a walking tour of Brutalist Architecture across Manhattan. During the walk, guests will gaze up at the “oppressive beauty” of Brutalist buildings, starting in Tribeca and ending in Washington Square Park. Along the way, guests will learn about the history of architectural marvels like the AT&T Long Lines building and the Salt Shed.
Find a full list of events and information on registration here.
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