We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Tenement Museum

103 Orchard Street, Lower East Side, New York City, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)
212-431-0233
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #17 of 718 attractions in New York City
Type: History Museums
Owner description: This museum, located in an actual tenement, is dedicated to interpreting and preserving the history of the immigrant experience on New York City's... more » Owner description: This museum, located in an actual tenement, is dedicated to interpreting and preserving the history of the immigrant experience on New York City's Lower East Side. « less
Write a Review

1,529 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    1,117
    309
    70
    26
    7
Date Rating
Rehoboth Beach
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
43 helpful votes 43 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

Sorry to say after great expectations, this museum was a real let down. We did 2 tours with 2 different guides -- the sweatshop and the Irish outsiders. First off the guides need to learn a little more history and be able to answer some really foreseeable questions. Second the sweatshop guide had no sense of history and how conditions... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by shirley0415 for New York City
Jefferson City, Missouri
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2013 NEW

This was a really interesting tour, and I'd recommend it to anyone. Small group, highly interactive and educational but very interesting. I definitely want to visit the museum again and do more tours.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 10 more reviews by jeanniecat221 for New York City
Toronto, Canada
Top Contributor
61 reviews 61 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013 NEW

Friendly staff and excellent educators, along with fascinating stories really brought this period of modern history to life. I wish my kids could have been with me to learn about how difficult life can be for those less fortunate or those born only 100 or so years ago. An inspiring view into the lives of the brave immigrants in New... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 9 more reviews by Scruff2727 for New York City
Washington DC, District of Columbia
1 review
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

I've been on three tours at this place and loved each one of them. The amount of research they did on the families and business that were in this building amazes me.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Austin, TX
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

This little gem of a folk museum is the very best kind--the kind that makes history come alive. Learning about the actual families who lived in the apartment we visited was fascinating, as was picturing the family life in that small space. I have visited this museum twice already, and will go back again, because there are many more stories... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by holly1257 for New York City
Webster, Massachusetts
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

Most people may have no trouble finding things to do in New York City, but I get a little tired of the shops and theaters and blatant consumerism after a while. The Garment Workers tour is a great antidote, bringing one back to reality with a view of the difficulty of life for immigrants in the 1890's on the Lower... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
toronto
Senior Contributor
44 reviews 44 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

I was really looking forward to this museum and made special plans to see it. Our tour was too short. The guide spoke as if to children, not adults. And it was far too expensive. The actual film which we viewed in a small auditorium off the gift shop was very well done and worth the extra 30 minutes to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by gingeyToronto for New York City
Marion Center, Pennsylvania
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 14, 2013 NEW

If you have any interest in immigration or history this is the place for you. If you had family that immigrated to the US at the turn of the 20th century it really brings life and living conditions to light. We opted for a tour and discussion and it was a great tour but the conversation from not only our... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Paris, France
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
64 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
42 helpful votes 42 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 13, 2013 NEW

$20 dollars to go and visit an old delapidated buiding which is nothing shocking for people coming from cities in Europe. The apartment ( where an Irish family lived) they show you is way larger than most Paris apartments which cost a fortune to live in today and the guided visit makes you realize just how different the US concept... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 30 more reviews by davbratz for New York City
Perth
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013

A really interesting tour that takes you below the surface of life in NYC for some of the immigrant families. Our guide was incredibly knowledgable and passionate about the museum. This was one of my favourite activities in New York.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by HelenCPerth for New York City

Travelers who viewed Tenement Museum also viewed

 

Been to Tenement Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Tenement Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing