Tenement Museum

The basics

You can only visit the Tenement Museum as part of a guided tour. Choose from tours of recreated and restored historic tenement buildings and businesses or neighborhood walking tours. The museum also offers tours led by costumed interpreters portraying former residents. All tours begin at the visitor center with a video about tenements and the families that lived in them.

The museum features on a number of New York City tours, including walking tours of the formerly immigrant-heavy Lower East Side and East Village. The Tenement Museum also features on some food-focused neighborhood tours, which are excellent for learning about how different communities have influenced New York cuisine.

Things to know before you go

• Most guided museum tours last one to two hours.

• The museum is only accessible to visitors on tours. Therefore, you must reserve Tenement Museum tickets and tours in advance. 

• Some tours involve climbing several flights of stairs and are not wheelchair-friendly. Shop Life is the only wheelchair-accessible tour to enter 97 Orchard Street.

How to get there

While the tenement building is at 97 Orchard Street, all tours begin and end at the visitor center at 103 Orchard Street. The nearest subway stops are Delancey Street (F train), Essex Street (J, M, and Z), and Grand Street (B and D). All are within a five-minute walk of the museum.

When to get there

Tours frequently sell out during summer, so it's best to book far in advance. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour's start time so you can check in and store your bags. Allow more time if you want to watch a 30-minute educational film before your tour.

How to choose a Tenement Museum tour

Hard Times visits two apartments. One belonged to the German-Jewish Gumpertz family and the other belonged to the Italian-Catholic Baldizzi family. Irish Outsiders follows the Moore family as they prepare for St. Patrick’s Day in 1869. Shop Life focuses on immigrant businesses. Meet Victoria Confino—an interactive tour with a costumed guide—is great for kids ages 5 and under.

How long is the Tenement Museum tour?

The Tenement Museum offers a range of tours that visit different former apartments in its buildings. Most tours are between one and two hours long; visitors can choose to embark on the museum's companion neighborhood walking tour, or book multiple apartment tours to extend the experience.

How big is the Tenement Museum?

The Tenement Museum is spread across two buildings in the Lower East Side neighborhood of Manhattan: at 97 Orchard Street and 103 Orchard Street. Each tour visits a select number of apartments and spaces. There are 10 renovated apartments and a beer hall across from both buildings.

Is the Tenement Museum accessible?

Yes, the Tenement Museum is generally accessible, although some areas of the historic buildings may need to be accessed by stairs. Some spaces in the tour are narrow or uneven, which may pose difficulties. Wheelchairs are available to rent, and assistive listening devices and tactile museum tours are offered.

Are there restrooms at the Tenement Museum?

Yes, the Tenement Museum's Visitors Center does have elevator-accessible restrooms on its basement level. There are no bathroom facilities in its historic apartments, and tours can last for between one and two hours, so visitors should be sure to use the restroom prior to embarking on a tour.

What do you see on a tour of the Tenement Museum?

The Tenement Museum offers a wide range of tours, each of which has a slightly different itinerary and visits a different selection of preserved apartments. Whichever you choose, you'll visit several historic apartments, learn about the families who occupied them, and view historic objects and artifacts.

When is the best time of day to visit the Tenement Museum?

There's no bad time to visit the Tenement Museum. Its Visitors Center and gift shop are open daily. You must purchase tickets to individual tours, either in person or in advance online. If visiting on a weekend, in summer, or over a holiday, it's advised to book beforehand.

Ways to explore

You can only visit the Tenement Museum as part of a guided tour. Choose from tours of recreated and restored historic tenement buildings and businesses or neighborhood walking tours of the Lower East Side. The museum also offers kid-friendly tours led by costumed interpreters portraying real historical characters.

The museum features on various New York City tours, including walking tours of the formerly immigrant-heavy Lower East Side and East Village. It’s also included on some food-focused neighborhood tours, which are excellent for learning about how different communities have influenced New York cuisine.

Accessibility

While some parts of the historical tenement buildings are narrow, uneven, or feature stairs, wheelchair-accessible tours are available. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. Service animals are permitted on all tours.

Age limits

Children under 5 are not allowed on most apartment tours, but specific family-friendly tours are available for all ages.

What to pack

Small purse or bag, water for hot days

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers for the air-conditioned Visitor Center and non-air-conditioned historical buildings

Not allowed

Large bags, backpacks, and luggage on apartment tours; audio or video recordings; eating, chewing gum, or drinking (except water) in the exhibition spaces; smoking, vaping

Amenities

Storage lockers, hand fans, museum shop, restrooms in the Visitor Center

Address

The Tenement Museum is spread across historical buildings and a modern Visitor Center on the Lower East Side. The Visitor Center is easily accessible via public transportation.

Driving

Driving through the Lower East Side is not recommended, and nearby parking is limited. If you must drive, leave lots of time to find parking so you don’t miss the start of your tour.

Public transportation

The nearest subway stops are Delancey Street (F train), Essex Street (J, M, and Z), and Grand Street (B and D). The closest bus stop is at the corner of Grand and Allen Streets (M15 and Sightseeing buses).

Best times to visit

Book earlier in the day to avoid the afternoon heat if you’re visiting in summer. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your tour to check in and store your bags.

Best days to visit

The Tenement Museum is busy most days of the week, but you may encounter fewer crowds midweek compared to the weekend.

Best months to visit

Plan a trip in early spring or fall for cooler temperatures and slightly fewer crowds. Book ahead if visiting in summer, as tours frequently sell out.

Special events

The Tenement Museum regularly offers talks and events that explore the connections between historical and modern immigration. Check the events calendar to see what’s coming up.