Skyscraper Museum

The Skyscraper Museum documents the development of tall building construction through models, photographs, and historical materials that show how Manhattan grew upward. The collection explains the technical and architectural solutions that made this growth possible.

The museum was founded in 1997 to preserve the history of tall buildings that transformed Manhattan and later other American cities. Since its founding, it has tracked how skyscraper design evolved from early steel frame construction to modern architectural practice.

The museum reflects how New York's tall buildings shaped the world's idea of modern cities and why vertical construction became central to urban development. You can see how these structures defined the city's character and changed how people live.

The museum sits in Lower Manhattan and features accessible entrances for all visitors. The exhibitions are laid out clearly, allowing you to explore the content in about two hours.

The collection holds rare architectural drawings and original construction site photographs from the early 20th century, showing how risky and improvisational tall building construction was at that time. These materials offer a direct view of the workers and techniques that shaped Manhattan's skyline.

Location: Manhattan

Inception: 1997

Address: 39 Battery Pl, New York, NY 10280

Opening Hours: Thursday-Saturday 12:00-18:00

Phone: +(212)9681961

Website: http://skyscraper.org

GPS coordinates: 40.70572,-74.01771

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:44