By Joel Page

How often do you get to see the Island of Manhattan from the water? In April, my wife and I snuck away to New York City for a get away and cultural adventure.  As part of our adventure, we stumbled upon AIA New York’s Architectural Tours. Tours include walking, building, exhibition, and boat excursions. 

We selected the AIANY Around Manhattan Architecture tour, a complete circumnavigation of the Island of Manhattan. New York City is quite lovely from the water, and the sights and sky line are amazing. The tour stops briefly in front of the Statue of Liberty – a truly breathtaking sculpture, and then meanders counter-clockwise around the island. Included in the tour are snacks and a free drink as well as learning unit credits. The tour guide was knowledgeable, and communicated well to architects and non-architects. The boat staff and accommodations were spot on.

We were lucky to have had good weather, and be in town on the same weekend as the opening of the Vessel by Heatherwick Studio and the Shed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro at New York’s Hudson Yards. These were only a short walk up the High Line from the Chelsea Piers, where we picked up the boat tour. Thousands were out enjoying the amazing sun and early season warmth-- so many that we had to abandon the High Line for the more open streets. Both the Vessel and the Shed were exciting to see even if they are a bit controversial. 

If you're looking for your next architectural adventure, be sure to check out AIA New York’s Tours.   

aiany.org/architecture/tours