Woolworth Building

Overview

The Woolworth Building is a 1913 neo-Gothic skyscraper at 233 Broadway that served as the world's tallest building until 1930. Nicknamed the Cathedral of Commerce, its lavishly decorated lobby is one of New York's greatest architectural interiors.

Highlights

• The Lobby: A Byzantine-Romanesque marvel of marble walls, glass mosaic ceilings, frescoed vaults, and bronze fittings — all accessible only through guided tours.
• Gothic Details: The exterior features flying buttresses, gargoyles, and terra-cotta ornamentation inspired by European Gothic cathedrals.
• Caricatures: The lobby contains sculptural caricatures of the building's key figures, including F.W. Woolworth counting nickels and dimes.

History

Commissioned by five-and-dime magnate Frank W. Woolworth and designed by Cass Gilbert, the 792-foot tower was the world's tallest building from 1913 to 1930. Woolworth paid $13.5 million in cash — no mortgage required.

Visitor Tips

• Tours Only: The ornate lobby is accessible only via guided tours (approximately $30–45). Book through the Woolworth Building Tours website.
• Exterior Free: The exterior can be appreciated from City Hall Park directly across Broadway.
• Duration: 30 minutes for a lobby tour.