Founded in 1836, the Seminary forged a new vision for theological education: to center ministerial training in an urban context so that academic excellence and personal faith might respond to the needs of the city. The Directors of the Seminary had as one of their aims that the very buildings should become an element in the education of those who live and study within its walls. The architects in carrying out this aim settled on perpendicular Gothic as the most appropriate expression of a quiet theological atmosphere. Tours organized by Columbia University. Building date: 1906-1910 Architect: Allen & Collens Location: Union Theological Seminary, 3041 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 Date / Time: Saturday, October 12, 2013 and Sunday, October 13, 2013. 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. RESERVATION REQUIRED.

Tour the beautiful International House, famed for its community of members selected from 100 countries. More than housing for 700 graduate students and trainees, I-House offers a unique experience in cross-cultural exchange from the daily life experience of living together to an array of programming. The public spaces at I-House include a variety of styles that reflect its unique community. Building date: 1924 Architect: Louis E. Jallade Location: International House, 500 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027 Saturday, October 12, 2013. Guided tours begin at :15 and :45 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. [geo

Tour Among the largest churches in the world, the Gothic and Romanesque-style architecture also features an immense Guastavino tile dome. The Cathedral is home to the American Poets Corner, an altarpiece by Keith Haring, stained glass with images of inventors and artists, as well as wandering peacocks. On this adventurous, “behind-the-scenes” tour, climb more than 124 feet through spiral staircases to the top of the world's largest cathedral. Learn stories through stained glass windows and sculpture and study the grand architecture of the Cathedral while standing on a buttress. The tour culminates on the roof with a wonderful view of Manhattan. Participants must be 12 years of age and older. Reservation required. Date | Time Saturday, October 12, 2013 | 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm. Reserve Tickets

opendialogue. Tour the building as well as the newly designed Rockefeller Brothers Fund offices, which earned a LEED-Platinum certification for sustainability with FXFOWLE architect Erica Godun. Building date: 1959 Architect: Building, Collens, Willis + Beckonert Hosts: Rockefeller Brothers Fund and Architect, FXFOWLE Architects, 2009 Location: The Interchurch Center, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10027 Date / Time: Saturday, October 12, 2013. 12:00pm - 5:00pm. RESERVATION REQUIRED.

Once written off by many as too dangerous to enter, Morningside Park is now a shared neighborhood jewel that ties together the diverse communities of Harlem, Morningside Heights and Manhattan Valley. This tour will start at the vibrant Morningside Park farmers market at West 110th Street (Cathedral Parkway) and Manhattan Avenue. There will be a discussion on the original 1873 design of the park and how subsequent designs changed to adapt to rapid changes in the urban landscape before the park was finally completed in 1895. Learn about the communities that lived near the park at that time and the many changes to those communities over time which continue to this day. Hear about decades of community involvement which has had such a profound effect on the shaping the preservation and revitalization of this Scenic Landmark. Date / Time: October 12, 2013 at 11:00am

The national memorial is the final resting place of President Grant and his wife, Julia. Normally opened to the public only during the day, visitors with a reservation may view the interior at night for this special tour. Access to the mausoleum will only be by guided national park ranger tour. The newly opened (2011) visitor center across the street is the assembly point for participants and offers restrooms, exhibits, and a bookstore. Program will be conducted with tour groups at 6:00pm, 7:00pm, and 8:00pm. BOOKED.

Walking Tour with Gil Tauber.  Walk the diverse restaurant and retail corridor of the Bloomingdale and Manhattan Valley area, an urban mix of landmarks, 125 year old tenements, urban renewal developments from the early 60's, and recent high-rise towers. Be guided with reference to Jane Jacob's principles, and see a dynamic and changing neighborhood. Location: Meet at southwest corner of 96th Street and Amsterdam Avenue. Date / Time: Saturday, October 12, 2013. Start time: 10:00am.  Ends: 12:00pm. BOOKED. Tour courtesy of Columbus-Amsterdam BID.

Walking tour with Jim Mackin. Follow the development of the built environment of this historic Bloomingdale neighborhood. The tour will take you through the remnants of old infrastructure, landmarked buildings, and housing for the waves of immigrants that passed through here, along with the innovative creation of charitable nonprofits to address social ills. Location: Meets on corner of Amsterdam and 113th Street. Date / Time: Sunday, October 13. Start time: 3:30pm. Ends: 5:30pm. BOOKED. Tour courtesy of Columbus-Amsterdam BID. About your guide Jim has lived his entire life in New York City and in Manhattan with his wife since 1971. Following a rewarding career as a financial executive, he is now pursuing his lifelong interest in New York City history, art, music, literature and culture. Having fun and exploring offbeat areas are his favorite activities.  Jim is proud to have run five marathons, visited 30 countries and 49 states, and to be currently active in volunteer work [...]

Have a question? Need help with a reservation or self-guided neighborhood tour? Neighborhood Guides will be available to assist you during Open House NY - Morningside Heights weekend. Volunteer staff will be recognized by their organize and green balloons and friendly smiles. Guides will be posted at 110th, 116th, and 120th and Broadway. Come over and meet the neighbors! NEED SOME HELP? Contact 646-337-9327.

Visit Morningside Area Alliance at the Upper Broadway Fall Festival and street fair! Have a question? Need help with a reservation or self-guided neighborhood tour? Neighborhood Guides will be available to assist you during Open House NY - Morningside Heights weekend. Volunteer staff will be recognized by their organize and green balloons and friendly smiles. Guides will be posted at 110th, 116th, and 120th and Broadway. Come over and meet the neighbors! NEED SOME HELP? Contact 646-337-9327.

Explore the many highlights of the Cathedral’s history, architecture, and artwork, from the Great Bronze Doors to the seven Chapels of the Tongues. Learn about the Cathedral’s services, events, and programs that welcome and inspire visitors from around the world. BOOKED

Sunday October 13, 2013: Open from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm