Payne Whitney House

Payne Whitney House is a five-story granite mansion on Fifth Avenue designed in Renaissance Revival style. The residence contains 40 rooms with marble floors, graceful staircases, and decorative details reflecting European architectural traditions.

Renowned architect Stanford White designed this residence in 1902 as a wedding gift from Colonel Oliver Hazard Payne to his nephew. The building later transformed into an institutional use and has housed cultural organizations for many decades.

The building serves as home to French cultural institutions, including a bookstore focused on French literature and regular cultural events. Visitors can experience French cultural influences woven into the daily rhythm of this historic space.

The mansion sits at Fifth Avenue near 79th Street with public access to its first three floors, including the rotunda and reception rooms. Take time to examine the interior details and architectural elements as you move through the spaces.

A sculpture at the entrance of the property remained unidentified for many years until experts confirmed it as an original work by Michelangelo. The piece was subsequently relocated to the Metropolitan Museum, where it is now displayed.