Lost New York: An Exhibition of Vanished Landmarks at the New-York Historical Society

Until September 29 at the New-York Historical Society we can enjoy one of the most interesting and rare exhibitions of the Big Apple.

The Value of Preserving the Past

In a city that constantly reinvents itself, the significance of remembering what came before is paramount. New York City, a metropolis of ambition and contradictions, has always been in a state of flux. It is a place where entire neighborhoods are transformed overnight and architectural marvels are replaced by modern skyscrapers. Yet, to fully understand New York as it stands today and to shape its future meaningfully, it is crucial to appreciate the layers of history beneath its streets.

The current exhibition, "Lost New York," on display at the New-York Historical Society until September 29, serves as a reminder of the landmarks and spaces that once defined the city, many of which are now lost to time. Through illustrations, paintings, photographs, and artifacts, the exhibition provides a journey into Gotham’s forgotten landmarks and spaces, shining a light on the iconic structures that once adorned the city’s landscape. It’s an invitation to reflect on the city’s past and its role in shaping the urban environment we navigate today. These lost buildings and public spaces evoke memories of a New York that no longer exists but continues to live on through documentation, storytelling, and exhibitions like this one.

Gotham's Lost Treasures: Icons of a Bygone New York

Among the most remarkable sites explored in the "Lost New York" exhibition is the Croton Reservoir, an essential element of the city’s early water supply system. Located where the New York Public Library and Bryant Park now stand, the massive structure was a marvel of engineering in the 19th century. Its towering granite walls were not only functional but also offered sweeping views of the city, acting as a public promenade. As New York’s needs evolved, the reservoir was demolished in the late 19th century, replaced by the library’s iconic Beaux-Arts building. However, fragments of the reservoir’s history remain beneath the library, hidden from view but never forgotten.

Nearby, the Crystal Palace once stood in all its glory, a shimmering glass-and-iron exhibition hall that was the pride of New York in the 1850s. Built to rival London's famous structure of the same name, it hosted the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations, showcasing technological innovations of the era. Its destruction by fire in 1858 marked the end of a brief but important chapter in the city’s architectural history. Today, Bryant Park’s serene green space belies the dramatic history that unfolded there.

Federal Hall, the original site of George Washington’s inauguration and the first U.S. capitol building, is another lost treasure. The original building, located on Wall Street, was demolished in 1812. In its place now stands a 19th-century structure that serves as a reminder of the city’s deep historical ties to the birth of the nation, but the significance of the original space is often overlooked.

Other fascinating losses include the Hippodrome, once a grand theater where Vaudeville thrived in the early 20th century. It was the largest theater in the world at the time of its opening in 1905, but by 1939, it was gone, replaced by an office building. Similarly, the iconic speakeasy 21 Club, synonymous with the Prohibition era and a favorite haunt of celebrities, shuttered its doors in 2020 after nearly 90 years of operation. Its closure marks the end of an era, and its absence is felt deeply in the cultural fabric of the city.

The Latting Observatory, a towering structure that predated the Empire State Building in offering bird’s-eye views of the city, and the elevated railroads that once crisscrossed Manhattan, providing crucial public transportation, are further examples of lost infrastructure that shaped daily life. The once ubiquitous "Omnibuses," horse-drawn carriages that served as the city’s first public transit, also disappeared as the city modernized, replaced by motorized transportation. These iconic but forgotten elements of New York's history remind us of the city’s continuous push toward progress and the price that progress exacts.

A Testament to History and Memory

The curators of the "Lost New York" exhibition have done a magnificent job of piecing together the fragments of the city’s past, allowing visitors to imagine what these lost landmarks once meant to New Yorkers. Through their careful selection of artifacts, photographs, and stories, they’ve created a compelling narrative of New York’s evolution, a reminder that every corner of this city is steeped in history.

The New-York Historical Society, in hosting this exhibition, continues to play an essential role in preserving the memory of the most fascinating city in the world. By documenting the lost spaces and landmarks that shaped Gotham, they provide the city with a crucial link to its past. This exhibition is more than just a collection of old photos and maps; it is a living testament to the city's ever-changing identity and a must-see for anyone who cherishes the legacy of New York.

For tickets and info check the link here.

Article and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - jrfstudio.com - @jrfstudio