Willard D. Straight House

The Willard D. Straight House is a Georgian Revival mansion in Carnegie Hill on Fifth Avenue at 94th Street, designed in 1915 by architects Delano & Aldrich. The red brick structure features white marble trim, black shutters, and tall windows on the second level that flood the interior with light.

The building opened in 1915 as an elegant private home for a wealthy family and later became an important cultural institution for the city. After the Audubon Society moved in during 1952 and the International Center of Photography later occupied it, the space served as a cultural hub for decades.

The residence shows how wealthy New Yorkers in the early 1900s favored elegant English design over heavy marble palaces, choosing restrained sophistication instead. The red brick walls with white marble accents reflect the tastes of upper-class residents who valued understated refinement.

The mansion is located at Fifth Avenue and 94th Street, just a short walk from Central Park and many Upper East Side museums and galleries. Visitors should check ahead about current access and visiting conditions, as the building's use and availability can vary throughout the year.

The ground floor features a circular entrance hall crowned by an elegant dome and lined with a distinctive black and white marble floor pattern that catches the eye immediately. This ornamental detail makes the interior feel more refined than the exterior's restrained appearance might suggest.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1910s

Architects: Delano & Aldrich

Architectural style: Georgian Revival architecture

Part of: Carnegie Hill Historic District

GPS coordinates: 40.78660,-73.95640

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:42