The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), often called “The Big Board,” is the largest stock exchange in the world by dollar volume and ranks second in the number of companies listed on its exchange.

The exchange is located in Manhattan at 11 Wall Street (between Broad & New), but actually consists of five building, or “rooms,” that are used for trading. The main building (18 Broad Street, between Wall Street & Exchange Place) is a National Historic Landmark.

The roots of the NYSE reach back to 1792 at the Buttonwood Agreement. From that agreement, named for the buttonwood tree that it was signed beneath, the current concept of trading grew. The exchange’s current location is not far from its original location at 40 Wall Street, but the building, like the system of trading, has grown exponentially since the beginning.

When I first walked by the exchange, a couple of things raced through my mind. First, I thought about our whole capitalistic system, and what part the exchange played in all of that. Then, I thought about the movies that portrayed a frenzy on the trading floor (“Wall Street” and “Trading Places”). Then, I wondered if any of that was true — so I stood outside the door, hoping that when someone went in or out, that I’d be able to see something. No luck!

Unfortunately, and due to heightened security restrictions, the exchange no longer offers public tours. A call to their public office reaches a recording that says that it is closed to tours indefinitely, and that they are not taking appointments. That number is (212) 656-5168.

For now, you’ll have to content yourself with a walk by this historical location, and maybe if you stand around long enough, you’ll get a glimpse at what’s inside.

The exchange can be reached by subway: 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Wall Street, or the N, R, or W to Rector.

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The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is an impressive French gothic cathedral with intricate sculptures, bronze doors, and over 200 stained glass windows.  It’s about the size of London’s Westminster Abbey – only in Newark, New Jersey.

Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954.  The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey.  In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm.  Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year.

Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in the United States, and holds the largest pipe organ ever built.  To fully appreciate the power and magnificence of a pipe organ, you really must hear it in person.  But until you can, here’s a wonderful taste of what’s to come.

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Danish artist Olafur Eliasson’s massive public art project New York City Waterfalls is now on display. For more information on these waterfalls (and how you can take a free boat tour) check out last week’s post. 

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Artist Olafur Eliasson, in conjunction with Public Art Fund, has created four 90- to 120-foot man-made waterfalls at locations across New York: Governors Island, between Brooklyn Piers 4 and 5, Manhattan Pier 35, and Brooklyn Bridge.  Click here for a map of waterfall locations.

The waterfalls may be viewed from various locations across the city.  The Staten Island Ferry and Governors Island ferry will provide views of the Brooklyn falls and Governors Island falls.  Additionally, Circle Line Tours will be offering free 30 minute boat tours of all of the waterfall locations.  For free tickets call 866-9CLINE1 (1-866-925-4631).  The tour will provide up-close viewing of the waterfalls and include an audio introduction of the falls. 

The mastermind behind New York City Waterfalls is 41-year-old Danish artist Olafur Eliasson.  Considered to be one of his generation’s most influential artists, he is best known for The Weather Project, a giant sun made of 200 yellow lamps, mirrors, and mist, which was presented in 2003 at London’s Tate Modern. 

Dates and Times:  June 26, 2008 until October 13, 2008.  Waterfalls will be operating from 7am-10pm, and will be lit after dark.

Tours:  Circle Line Boat Tours, for free tickets call 1-866-925-4631.

For More Information:  www.NYCWaterfalls.org 

Image courtesy: Public Art Fund, The New York City Waterfalls (artist’s rendering), © 2008 Olafur Eliasson

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

There are several tour companies vying for your dollar, ready to load you onto a double-decker bus and cruise the streets of Manhattan, rolling past some of Sex and the City’s hotspots.  But if you’re not interested in making reservations, paying big bucks, and getting lost in the crowd, I gathered a list of some of the most memorable filming locations and attached a map for The New York City Traveler’s first self-guided tour.

Following the Sex and the City Self-Guided Tour, you can visit more than 20 locations made world-famous by Sex and the City.  Locations include:

• Carrie’s stoop
• Magnolia Bakery
• The church where Samantha attempted to seduce a “Man of God”
• The church where Charlotte and Trey got married
• Where Miranda asked Steve to marry her  

Download and Print the Sex and the City Self-Guided Map (PDF format, Adobe Reader required) 

Photo credit: Carrie’s House flickr; map from personal collection

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

The New York CityPass gives you admission to six of New York’s top attractions:

• Empire State Building Observatory
• American Museum of Natural History & Rose Center
• Guggenheim Museum
• Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
• Metropolitan Museum of Art & Cloisters
• And your choice of Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises -or- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island tour    

The option between the Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise or Liberty Island & Ellis Island tour is new this year.  The Circle Line Sightseeing Cruise is a two-hour narrated boat ride through Lower Manhattan with views of the Statue of Liberty.  The Liberty Island & Ellis Island option offers you a disembark at both islands for up-close viewing of Ellis Island Immigration Museum and the Statue of Liberty.  

The New York CityPass costs $74 for adults and $54 for children (12-17), which is a substantial discount over individual admission prices.  To determine if the CityPass is for you, check out the breakdown of prices of individual attraction admission prices without the CityPass:

Empire State Building	$21
American Museum of Natural History & Rose Center	$15
Guggenheim Museum	$18
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)	$20
Metropolitan Museum of Art & Cloisters	$20
Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises -or- Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island	$12
ADULT TOTAL W/O CITYPASS	$106

Apart from the six attraction tickets, the CityPass is loaded with extras like a 50% off admission coupon to the NYC Fire Museum and NYC Police Museum, $5 off a CitySights NY Tour, a 15% off All-Day Savings Certificate at Bloomingdales, and restaurant discounts.  Another added bonus for being a CityPass user, you may bypass the (long) ticket-holder line at the Empire State Building.  

Important things to keep in mind when deciding to purchase a CityPass:

• The CityPass is valid for 9 consecutive days, beginning the day you use the first pass.  
• Remember that some museums are closed on specific days:  Guggenheim is closed every Thursday, MoMA is closed every Tuesday, and Metropolitan Museum of Art is closed every Monday. 

Visit CityPass online for more information and to purchase your New York CityPass.

Image courtesy: CityPass

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Amazônia Brasil – Main Exhibit:  South Street Seaport, Pier 17

South Street Seaport has been transformed into a re-creation of the Brazilian rainforest.  In the 13,000-sq.-foot experience, visitors can see the sights and sounds of the Amazon and walk through a replica of a Amazon village.  Lending even more credibility to the experience, visitors may interact with indigenous shamans and artisans also in attendance.  Click here for more information.  Ends July 13th.     

Fashion & Design Exhibit: World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery  FREE

Focusing on mixing sustainability with fashion and design, I thought this exhibit was fascinating.  The exhibit begins with a display of ten dresses, designed by Brazil’s finest clothing designers, that were made with natural, organic materials.  Among my favorite was the beautiful tilapia fish skin dress by Patricia Viera, the organic cotton and linen dress by Clô Orozco (Huis Clos), and the tucumã straw dress by Nadia Pires.  The exhibition also presents furniture and houseware designs, many made from recycled PET.  Click here for more information.  Ends July 13th.    

Photography & Video:  National Museum of the American Indian  FREE

This National Museum of the American Indian, affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute, opens the “Guardians of the Forest” exhibit tomorrow, May 1st.  This free five day event will offer daily screenings videos which showcase award-winning productions by indigenous filmmakers of the Amazon as well as discussions with some attending filmmakers.  After the New York stop, this exhibition will be heading south to Washington D.C. from May 7-11.  Click here for more information.  Ends May 5th.        

Climate Change Exhibit:  United Nations Visitors Lobby  FREE

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

One of Robert Indiana’s famous LOVE sculptures on Sixth Avenue and 56th Street.

Photo credit:  flickr-John Wardell

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

The corner stone of Old St Patrick’s Cathedral was laid on June 8, 1809 and the church serves as the  Archdiocese of New York until the new St Patrick’s Cathedral was opened in 1879 in Midtown.  The church still holds various masses throughout the day and visitors are welcome to check out the beautiful interior.

 

Location:  Old St Patrick’s Cathedral, corner of Prince Street and Mott Street, (map)  212-226-8075

Subway:  B, D, F, V to Broadway-Lafayette; 6 to Spring Street; R, W to Prince Street

Photo credit:  personal collection

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Post from: The New York City Traveler

Designed by architect John Duncan, the granite and marble structure was completed in 1897. Located in a prominent place in Riverside Park, overlooking the Hudson River, the monument fell into disarray and in the 1980s it was threatened to be closed to the public. It has since been restored to its original beauty and is a great place in the city to spend a quiet afternoon.

Click here to see the correct answer to the question “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?”

Location: 122nd & Riverside Drive (map)

Getting There: Take the 1 train to 116th Street-Colombia University. Walk north on Broadway to 122nd, then west (left) to Riverside Drive.

Days and Times: Daily 9am-5pm

Cost: Free

Photo credit: Grant’s Tomb exterior photos: coolgate (flickr); interior rotunda U.S. Government

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The correct answer to “Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb” is…

Nobody.

Yes, it is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia. But, the two are not actually buried, but rather they are entombed.

The question of Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb originated from the show You Bet Your Life. Though show host Groucho Marx would accept the erroneous answer of “Grant,” he would ask the question to ensure the contestants would not not go home empty-handed.

Post from: The New York City Traveler