The Lost Gilded Age Mansions of New York (Documentary)

This captivating full-length documentary goes in-depth into the heart of New York's most extravagant era by covering the grandeur and eventual demise of some of the most opulent mansions hat once adorned the city's streets and offering a unique window into a bygone era of luxury and architectural ambition.

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TIMESTAMPS
0:00 The Charles M. Schwab Mansion
12:17 The Vanderbilt Triple Palace
30:45 The Louis Comfort Tiffany Mansion
41:49 The Waldorf and Astor Hotels
51:52 The Dakota
1:08:36 The Mansions That Inspired The Great Gatsby
1:02:05 The Old Penn Station

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Embark on a fascinating journey through the iconic mansions and landmarks that have defined New York City's architectural and social landscape. This captivating exploration delves into the history and stories behind some of the most renowned and opulent structures in the city, providing a unique glimpse into a bygone era of luxury and elegance.

The adventure begins with the Charles M. Schwab Mansion, a testament to the grandeur of America's Gilded Age. This magnificent structure, once a symbol of wealth and power, stands as a reminder of the lavish lifestyles of America's industrial magnates. Discover the intricate details and architectural marvels that make this mansion a historical gem.

Next, the journey takes us to the Vanderbilt Triple Palace, a sprawling complex that epitomizes the opulence of the Vanderbilt family. This segment unveils the secrets and stories of one of America's most influential families, showcasing the architectural brilliance and luxury that defined their residences.

The exploration continues with the Louis Comfort Tiffany Mansion, a residence that not only served as a home but also as a canvas for Tiffany's artistic genius. The mansion's intricate designs and innovative use of stained glass highlight Tiffany's legacy in the world of art and design.

Our exploration then leads us to the Waldorf and Astor Hotels, epitomes of luxury and sophistication in the heart of New York City. These hotels have hosted royalty, celebrities, and political figures, each leaving their mark on the rich history of these establishments.

The journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to The Dakota, one of New York City's most mysterious and iconic buildings. Known for its distinctive architecture and famous residents, The Dakota's walls hold stories of glamour, intrigue, and artistic brilliance.

As we near the end of our journey, we delve into the mansions that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." These grand residences, symbols of the Roaring Twenties, offer a glimpse into the extravagant parties and luxurious lifestyles that inspired one of America's greatest novels.

Finally, we pay homage to the Old Penn Station, a lost architectural marvel that once stood as a symbol of New York City's grandeur. Its demolition sparked a movement to preserve the city's architectural heritage, leaving a lasting impact on urban planning and preservation.

This enthralling exploration of New York City's most iconic mansions and landmarks offers viewers a chance to experience the elegance, luxury, and history of an era that has left an indelible mark on the city's cultural and architectural landscape. Uncover the stories of wealth, power, and artistic expression that these magnificent structures embody, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of New York City's history.

[patricialong]

I love architecture, especially Frank Lloyd Wright's style. But, oh, that Gilded Age architecture! To die for!!

[patricialong]

My father worked for Bethlehem Steel for many years and liked it. I recall him saying that he was treated very well and the benefits were amazing!

[jacquelinea]

I became fascinated with all things Gilded Age more than 15 years ago...long before the current fad. It was such an incredible era of industry and mega wealth in the US, and no personal income tax. It is sad that so many of those magnificent old houses were razed after the era was over. But you can imagine how expensive those homes were to maintain. Family members not only had to pay real estate taxes, they had to heat those collosals. It also took a small army of servants to keep them operating efficiently. After World War I, everything changed. Domestic help was a lot harder to get and to keep. "Working class" people found out they could get paid more for working in factories, with better hours... although conditions were often more dangerous. Basically, the families just gave up trying to keep the houses going. We are fortunate that some were turned into museums. That's the only reason they exist today.

[LenaL]

Wow wish I could visit 1900s - everything was so much more beautiful 😢

[kitkat]

My grandmother's family were associated somehow with Tiffany in San Francisco. A large picture window of Tiffany stained glass was gifted to them in a tent city on Russian Hill. Overlooking the fire and mayhem below. A 5'x6' piece of history was being placed into small wagon along with blankets flour personal papers the baby and her nanny. My cousin built it into his house. It is still spectacular.
Rereading this I left out it was during the 1906 earthquake disaster.

[patricialong]

What a matchless architectural beauty and how very sad it was torn down! People today would love to see something like this, I can tell you with absolute certainty, myself included!

[hgordonf]

Wow this is an excellent documentary about these historical grand NY palaces ❤❤

[elizabethjulianah]

Your documentaries are really good. A good source of history

[waynelewis]

😵‍💫I can't even look at this! It just hurts my soul to see these priceless structures get demolished!!😪 Why though??? Why would they do this to these great artistic land marks??🤔 I can't understand for the life of me?😌 Very strange, but whatever, mankind is always doing strange things!🙏🏽

[clarisaantiagingdermatology]

The mansion is replaced by a rental ugly building 😢😅what a shame not preserving that beautiful architecture😢😢😅

[vikramsureswarannaidu]

This is a Spectacular Documentary! It also makes me want Hugh Bonneville to narrate my life

[MrBurtonf]

The rumor of how the Dakota was named is a myth. It was not named after the geographical Dakota territory because the building was thought to be remote at the time. The effort to bring North and South Dakota into the union (1889) inspired the name of the building.

[kitkat]

My heart hurts watching the destruction of this era of history.

[patricialong]

I would have loved to have seen TIffany's mansion. I love stained glass and fine arts. What a sad shame that it was torn down! :((

[Michelle-qdgm]

Love everyone wears hats in those days

[Michelle-qdgm]

Love watching the series of gilded age on sky I knew it was going to be great as he did downton Abby series as well

[barbarajones]

It's a shame there are no colorful pictures. I am and will always be fascinated by the Old Grand Palace's long gone. Thinking of the Pyramid's, Roman, Greek and South American spectacular monuments left behind. The insane wealth gave us unbelievable feats of Grandeur. Only today I think of mankind leaving another mark of genius on other planets. The Chinese and Asian, Indian creation's also. It boggles my mind how far mankinds creativity can go. Yes poverty is a sin. These monuments for all time to see are undescribable. I'm but a simple woman who stands breathless in the past creations left for us to marvel at. Thank you.

[patricialong]

Such extravagance is beyond my ken, but I do love it! I struggle to understand the amount of money it must have taken to build all this opulence and to furnish it it beyond me!

[undertheyarrowbear]

My favorite thing about these old magnificent buildings is how the builders thought to make the "first floor" half underground. Its amazing how the windows are basically half buried in all these old structures. Not to mention on a slope! So instead of building on level ground, they built the structures on a slope and half underground....just amazing!! All this with horse and buggy, no quarries in site, no back hoe, no power tools, nothing but grit. Quick, shut down critical thinking skills...now. Power down.

[ralphnewcomejr]

Go see Boldt Castle in Alexandria Bay New York...Its Beautiful.