gargoyle tour

Visiting the Washington National Cathedral

With its neo-gothic architecture, medieval-style garden and eerie gargoyles, the city’s cathedral is worth a stop whether you’re worshipping or just looking on in wonder..

Stained-glass windows, Gothic spires and flying buttresses make the Washington National Cathedral look ages old, but the grand church was actually constructed during the 20th century. Though overseen by the Episcopal Church, the house of worship welcomes people of all faiths to its impressive site on the highest point in DC.

History and architecture

Stonemasons and builders erected the cathedral beginning in 1907, completing it 83 years later in 1990. Carved from Indiana limestone, the structure boasts a 30-story-tall central tower, an interior nine-bay nave and 215 stained glass windows, including one embedded with a moon rock. Inside, you’ll find a crypt level where Helen Keller and President Woodrow Wilson are buried. On the nave level, you’ll discover an intricately carved wooden choir area and numerous serene chapels.

On the exterior, you can search out the 112 gargoyles (decorative rain spouts) and grotesques (carved stone creatures) with the help of a map (available at the entrance) or via guided tours conducted during summer months. Be on the lookout for the grotesque of Darth Vader and the hippie gargoyle.

The grounds

You’ll find 59 acres of grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. around the National Cathedral. Enclosed by stone walls, the medieval-style Bishop’s Garden includes herb plantings, roses and a 13th-century Norman arch. Stone paths wind through Olmstead Woods, one of the only old-growth forests in DC. There’s also a cafe  serving coffee, desserts, brunch and lunch located on the grounds in the 1904 Old Baptistry building. Guided tours and a self-guided tour brochure can help you explore the green spaces.

Seeing the Cathedral

Church services and musical performances are the only way to experience the cathedral for free. Sunday services are open to all, and Monday through Thursday at 5:30 p.m., evening concerts fill the nave with singing. 

Outside of spiritual visits, admission to the cathedral is required: $12 for adults,  $8 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for kids 4 and under. The cathedral offers daily guided walking highlights tours with admission at 10:15 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, although check the  tour schedule  for the latest updates.

Numerous ticketed specialty tours, including seasonal gargoyle hunts , artisanship-themed walks  and tower climbs , are available to be booked in advance. You can also sightsee with Big Bus Tours , and its hop-on, hop-off tickets let you exit the bus to explore inside the cathedral once you're there.

After the National Cathedral, make a day of it exploring the Upper Northwest neighborhood .

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Washington National Cathedral (Tours & Visiting Tips)

A Visitor's Guide to the National House of Prayer in Washington, DC

TripSavvy / Victoria Chamberlain

The National Cathedral in Washington, DC is the sixth largest cathedral in the world. Although it is the home of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and it has a local congregation of more than 1,200 members, it is also considered to be a national house of prayer for all people. The Cathedral is known as Washington National Cathedral, though its official name is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. The National Cathedral is an impressive structure and if you like to see amazing architecture, taking a tour should be at the top of your "to do" list when visiting the nation's capital. The Cathedral is English Gothic in style with exquisite sculpture, wood carving, gargoyles, mosaics, and more than 200 stained glass windows. The top of the Gloria in Excelsis Tower is the highest point in Washington, DC, while the Pilgrim Observation Gallery in the Cathedral's two west towers offer dramatic views of the city. Over the years, the National Cathedral has been the host of many national memorial services and celebrations. Services were held here to rejoice the end of World Wars I and II. The Cathedral was the setting for State funerals for four presidents: Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and George H. W. Bush. Following the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, George W. Bush honored the victims of that day with a special prayer service here. Other events held here have included a National Day of Prayer for Victims of Hurricane Katrina, funeral services for civil rights leader Dorothy Irene Height, memorial services for the victims of the school shooting in Newtown, CT, and former South African President Nelson Mandela. 

Tours of the National Cathedral

You can take a guided or self-paced tour of the National Cathedral and explore its dramatic art and Gothic architecture. Guided tours last approximately 30 minutes and are offered on an ongoing basis throughout the day (check the "Plan Your Visit" calendar on the Cathedral's website for tour availability on the day you're hoping to visit). No reservations are required. Be sure to take some time to walk the grounds as well. The 59-acre property includes gardens, three schools, a gift shop, and a cafe. The following tours are a unique way to visit the National Cathedral:

• Tour and Tea Program: Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. (with some exceptions for holidays). Cost: $40 per person. A guided tour highlights the cathedral’s art, architecture, and history. Afterward, enjoy tea and scones in the beautiful St. Paul Room, complete with panoramic views of Washington, DC. Reservations are required. Make a reservation online.
• Gargoyle Tours: Available April through October. Take a tour with a gargoyle expert and learn the history of these fascinating creatures. The tour includes a slideshow followed by a guided outdoor tour, providing guests a chance to spot many of the whimsical gargoyles and grotesques, including monsters, dogs, cats, birds, horses—and even Darth Vader. Reservations are recommended. Admission is $22 per adult or $18 per child (12 and under), student or senior. Recommended for ages 10 and older. See an updated schedule and make a reservation.
• Tower Climbs: The climb takes between 75 and 90 minutes. You can climb the 333 stairs of the bell tower or explore the Western towers. The towers climb includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around two towers that are about 125 feet above the ground. The climb offers the best views of the Cathedral itself and 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Can't choose? Combine the two for a 2.5-hour grand tour. Make a reservation online  and avoid the line. Private tours for groups of 5 to 10 people are also available.
• Garden Tours, Volunteer Work Days, Woods Walks, and Bird Walks: These special events are a part of the All Hallow Guild’s Olmsted Woods Restoration and Stewardship Project. No reservations are required and the tours are free of charge. Call (202) 537-2319 or visit allhallowsguild.org for dates and times.

The Cathedral Grounds - Bishop's Garden and Olmsted Woods

All Hallows Guild was founded in 1916 to maintain the 59 acres of the Cathedral. The landscape was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr. who created a park-like setting with open spaces and plants of historic interest that were native to America. Bishop's Garden was named for the Cathedral's first Bishop, Henry Yates Satterlee. The 5-acre Olmsted Woods include a stone footpath, the Pilgrim Way, a contemplative circle, native wildflowers and shrubs, and a host of migratory birds.  An outdoor amphitheater serves as a place for outdoor services.

Holiday Programs

Throughout the Christmas holiday season, you can take a guided tour, hear festive music, make Christmas decorations, or attend a religious service.  See the calendar of holiday events if you intend to join.

3101 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016. (202) 537-6200. The nearest metro station is Tenleytown-AU. The entrance to the parking garage is at Wisconsin Avenue and Hearst Circle.

$12: Adults (17 and up)

$8: Youth (5 – 17), Senior (65 and older), Students and Teachers (with ID), Military (current & retired) No admission is charged for tours on Sunday.

All groups with 15+ people must make a reservation to visit the Cathedral or its grounds at all times. For more information on group visits, visit the Cathedral's website .

The National Cathedral offers daily services available to the public. Special events are held throughout the year, including organ recitals, choir performances, the annual Flower Mart Festival , jazz, folk and classical concerts and more. For a weekly listing of special events, visit the official website.

• Monday–Friday: 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tours: Monday – Saturday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.; Sunday as available.
• Gardens: Open daily until dusk.

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Gargoyle Tour - Washington National Cathedral

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Gargoyle Tour

I have lived in Northern Virginia for 22 years and this was my first visit. This is truly a spectacular edifice. Flying buttresses and soaring columns, as you would see in European churches, are structural wonders. The beautiful and modern stained glass art requires another trip. We took the gargoyle tour and it was well worth it. This is a paid tour but I believe you can self tour for free. Our docent loved introducing us to these often whimsical carved creatures. The docent (tour guide) was easy to understand and very knowledgeable. He first started the tour with a 40 min slide show of the gargoyles we were to see. This was completely necessary because the church is so tall that the gargoyles are hard to see from the ground level. They provide binoculars but if you have a better at home you should bring them. After another 40 min of walking the perimeter of the church we concluded the tour. I have added photos below but I don't have any gargoyle photos because they were too small and too far to take a picture using my phone. We went at 1pm on a Sunday in September and had no problem finding a parking space in the underground parking structure. They have a cafe on the premises. We didn't eat there but it looked good. There is an elevator to the top where you can see view of all of DC. There weren't too many stairs and I did not find the walking around the church and the grounds difficult. All ticket sales goes directly to the church. The earthquake in 2011 caused $34 million in damages and they are a long way from completing restoration so I didn't feel bad about paying the price of the ticket. This American architectural wonder should be preserved so it can be toured and worshipped in for a thousand years.

Such a beautiful place to visit no matter what faith or none faith you practice. It is just stunning and the scenery is really worth a tour. Most of the bus tours will take you pass it but you should make the effort to get there so you can spend some time on the grounds and really enjoy the scenery.

The Washington National Cathedral is a nice detour away from touristy areas. On top of a hill NW of downtown above Georgetown. There is a charge to enter but well worth it. Nice part of town and lovely grounds. Recommend using a free guided tour that takes about half and hour and will give you more details than if you explore on your own. Probably the last stone cathedral ever built. Classic cathedral with modern touches like politician gargoyles and even Darth Vader. Classic and modern design elements in stained glass. Unique Christian and secular decorations and perspectives combined.

Plan several hours and take time to appreciate this treasure. Beautiful architecture, stained windows, gardens, and much more. Go to floor 7 for view and below main floor for smaller chapels and prayer room. We were there for an art exhibit of religious paintings which was unique experience. Would love to visit for music performance. When we took time to talk to docents and others, it added immensely to our experience. Gardens very peaceful and nice cafe. Parking was expensive in the garage. Recommend you check church parking lot first.

Situated away from the city centre, we took the 30N bus to get here. This gave us an opportunity to see the surrounding area and appreciate how nice it is....takes about 30 mins from outside the Treasory building. Disappointed in having to pay to see inside (we know how poor the church isn't !). Nice cafe in the grounds which are well worth a walk around.

The grounds around the building are very well kept and the inside of the building is majestic. A strut show piece one must experience

That's right. Not only do these stone carvings protect the Cathedral from dark forces, they also protect the Cathedral from its arch nemesis — water damage. A gargoyle is essentially an elaborate waterspout that diverts rain away from the Cathedral walls.

Grotesques include all decorative architectural creatures, whether or not they have functioning drainage capabilities. Gargoyles, however, always have drainage conduits. Thus, not all grotesques are gargoyles, but all gargoyles are grotesques.

Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans all employed animal-shaped waterspouts, but the ancestors of the American gargoyles are thought to date back to the 12th century. St. Bernard once disapprovingly wrote, "What is the meaning of these unclean monkeys, these savage lions, and monstrous creatures?" Gargoyles caught on anyway.

While gargoyles appear to cling to the exterior of the Cathedral, they are actually carved from large stones that extend far back into the walls. Gargoyle blocks typically weigh several hundred pounds.

Since Darth Vader does not contain a drainage conduit, he is actually not a gargoyle but a grotesque (see point 2 above). Because he is a villainous character, he has been placed on the dark, north side of the Cathedral.

Mouse over the map to view some of the Cathedral's favorite gargoyles and grotesques...

clock This article was published more than  20 years ago

National Cathedral Has Friends in High Places

IT'S HARD to catch a gargoyle on the job. Even longtime volunteers at Washington National Cathedral admit they've never seen it.

Gargoyles are supposed to spit. Like their older European counterparts, the Washington National Cathedral gargoyles are designed to channel rainwater off the cathedral's 11/2-acre roof and away from its stone walls to prevent erosion and staining. But, without a driving rainstorm, the gargoyles merely dribble.

You can get a close look at many of the cathedral's congenial or creepy critters on a gargoyle tour. Bring binoculars, because after a brief lecture and slide show you'll traipse outside to spot the carved characters.

Six-year-old Shawn Harvey of Sterling agreed to take the tour only after his mom convinced him that gargoyles don't come alive at night.

"Are they going to be real, or are they going to be stone?" he quizzed her during their drive.

Like the rest of the cathedral, built in the 14th-century Gothic style, the gargoyles are carved of Indiana limestone. According to Wendy Gasch, a local ophthalmologist who just finished a book about the cathedral's gargoyles, the limestone was selected in 1910 after a four-year search because of its adaptability for carving. The author grew up in the shadow of the cathedral and was inspired to collect all the unique stories behind the magnificent carvings after taking a gargoyle tour a couple of years ago. Her book, "The Gargoyles and Other Select Grotesques of Washington National Cathedral," is due out this fall.

My family took a recent public gargoyle tour. As our group gathered in the back pews of the soaring nave, my 4-year-old refused to adopt the hushed tones that everyone else did upon entering the dimly lit church. But she did quiet down when she looked up. The stained glass windows are spectacular, especially the rose windows. Don't miss the "Space Window," created in 1973, which was inspired by NASA photographs and houses a real moon rock.

After all the gargoyle groupies gathered, we made our way up the tower elevator to a small classroom for a slide show and lecture.

Volunteer docent Gini Laszewski explained the gargoyles' primary role as part of the cathedrals' guttering system.

Laszewski also explained the concept of grotesques, which refer to all the character carvings on the exterior of a Gothic cathedral. Gargoyles are a specific subcategory of grotesques. While many of the cathedral's 1,242 grotesques deflect rainwater in some fashion, only the 112 gargoyles permit water to run through them.

"Gargoyles have a pipe for a mouth, grotesques don't," clarified 5-year-old Katie Lo Re of Chevy Chase.

The docent also touched on the many theories exploring why medieval gargoyles were so scary. In the illiterate society, they were clear symbols of evil, she explained. Those early gargoyles may have been designed to scare away evil spirits, or to scare people into going to church, to protect against the evil lurking everywhere, she said.

In contrast, Laszewski pointed out that most of the Washington National Cathedral's grotesques aren't really very scary, but are gentle characterizations. Typically, these modern carvings were first designed by an artist in plaster or clay and then copied by a stone carver. But as author Gasch discovered in her research, each carving has its own story. Some talented carvers worked directly on the stone without artists' models, and one gargoyle was designed by individuals who donated money toward the cathedral's construction.

Although the Episcopal Church administers the Washington National Cathedral, it is designed to be a national house of prayer open to all and supported by people throughout the world. According to cathedral literature, Washington National Cathedral does not receive federal or church support, and its construction, operation and preservation depend on private donations.

From the 1960s through the 1980s, when the bulk of the gargoyles were created, individuals could donate a gargoyle or grotesque and collaborate on its design. Gargoyles that weren't spoken for before they were carved were adopted afterward. According to a cathedral newsletter, prices for donating or adopting gargoyles and grotesques have ranged from $700 to $15,000 over the years.

Inspiration for the whimsical stone carvings has come from carvers, artists, donors, volunteers, cathedral staff and even the public.

In 1985, National Geographic World magazine initiated a grotesque design contest exclusively for children. Four winning designs were carved, the most famous of which is Darth Vader, who lords high over the north tower. (You need binoculars to see him.) The grand-prize winner was a man holding an umbrella. Other winners included the beaming head of a girl who sports a mouthful of braces, and a wily raccoon.

A few grotesques were designed in pairs and placed next to each other. There is a pacifist with a gas mask and a militant with a handful of bombs, a baby representing youth and an elderly man depicting old age. Only one set of gargoyles was created as a pair. It was designed and donated by a local couple, and is known affectionately as the grandsons. The good grandson is wearing a halo and holding a toy wagon. The naughty grandson wears a broken halo and is clutching a cookie while a cookie jar rests near his feet.

Other fanciful gargoyles include a cave man, a seated birdwatcher holding binoculars and an elephant balancing a book on its head. There is also a unicorn, two hands gripping a golf club and a dentist working on a walrus's tusk.

After the slide show, we descended a tower staircase, where we caught a glimpse of some gargoyles and flying buttresses by looking out narrow windows. Once on the ground floor, we exited the cathedral into the north parking lot, which is the best place to view gargoyles. Here you can easily see the naughty and nice grandsons.

We couldn't linger over the wonderful carvings, as we had to get my husband to Reagan National Airport for a business trip. While shopping afterward, we got caught in a downpour. "I bet the gargoyles are spitting now," laughed my 7-year-old. We raced back to Northwest Washington, but by the time we reached the cathedral, it wasn't even spritzing.

Docent Miles Moore, who has volunteered at the cathedral since 1986, has seen the gargoyles spit only once. She said it looked a lot like watering plants with a hose that doesn't have a power nozzle attached.

Mason foreman Joe Alonzo, a 16-year cathedral veteran, has seen the gargoyles spit many times.

"It's way cool," he said. This past winter, with all the snow and frigid temperatures, he observed gargoyles on the "south side with two-foot-long icicles coming out of their mouths like frozen water spouts."

Spitting and spouting gargoyles make a great rainy-day destination. If you can't make the Sunday gargoyle tour, try a self-guided gargoyle tour by picking up a free sheet at the docent desk.

WASHINGTON NATIONAL CATHEDRAL -- Massachusetts and Wisconsin avenues NW. 202-537-6200. www.cathedral.org/cathedral. Gargoyle tours are conducted the fourth Sunday of the month at 2 April through October and the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 May through July. $5 per person. Cathedral highlight tours are Monday through Saturday from 10 to 11:15 and 12:45 to 3:15 and Sundays from 12:45 to 2:15 for individuals. Tour groups need to schedule reservations by calling 202-537-6207. $3, $2 seniors, $1 children. Admission to the church grounds is free.

Other kid-friendly aspects of the cathedral include:

Scavenger Hunts -- Pick up a free brochure at the docent desk and search for special treasures throughout the cathedral.

Medieval Workshops -- Make a clay grotesque or chip a block of limestone Saturdays from 10 to 2. $5.

Family Saturdays -- Read a story, explore the cathedral and make a themed craft. Usually the third Saturday of the month, for ages 4 to 8 with an adult. Reservations required. $6.

Children's Chapel -- Check out this miniature chapel (usually open the same hours as the cathedral), where everything, including the organ, chairs and ceiling, is scaled down to a 6-year-old's size.

Pilgrim Observation Tower -- Experience the highest public vantage point in the city for amazing views of the Washington area. This is usually open when the cathedral is open but is temporarily closed because of the high security alert.

Cathedral Greenhouse -- Purchase plants year-round or attend a seasonal workshop.

Washington National Cathedral has 1,242 grotesques that deflect rainwater in some fashion, but only the 112 gargoyles permit water to run through them, usually through pipes in their mouths.

• The Architects
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• Notre-Dame Cathedral Interior
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• Before the cathedral was built
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• Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
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Notre Dame Cathedral Gargoyles: Guardians of a Gothic Masterpiece

The gargoyles adorning the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris are among its most enchanting and recognizable features. These mysterious creatures, often portrayed as grotesque and fearsome, have captivated the imagination of visitors and locals alike for centuries. We will delve into the history, purpose, and significance of the gargoyles at Notre-Dame Cathedral and share some intriguing fun facts about these fascinating guardians of a Gothic masterpiece.

The gargoyles were designed at the same time as the cathedral’s architecture. The word “gargoyle” comes from the Latin gorge and Old French gueule meaning mouth.

Gargoyles originated in medieval Europe and were incorporated into the design of churches and cathedrals to serve a practical purpose. As rainwater management systems, they were designed to channel water away from the building's walls and foundations, thereby preventing damage caused by erosion and water infiltration.

In addition to their functional role, gargoyles at Notre-Dame Cathedral were also conceived as symbolic and decorative elements. Many of these stone creatures are thought to represent the concept of evil, with their monstrous and fearsome appearance serving to ward off negative forces and remind the faithful of the perils of sin. Their presence on the cathedral's exterior not only enhances its visual appeal but also contributes to the overall Gothic aesthetic, evoking a sense of mystery and otherworldliness. Gargoyles are decorative elements with a practical purpose. Their function is to protect the walls from rainwater runoff which erodes the stone. They designate the end of the gutters to drain away water from the roof . This is why they appear overhanging, leaning into the void, mainly located on the large flying buttresses of the choir .

There are several fun facts and legends surrounding the gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral. An interesting fact is that not all the creatures adorning Notre-Dame's exterior are technically gargoyles. Many of the decorative figures, which do not serve a functional role in water drainage, are called " grotesques " or "chimeras." These statues, often featuring mythical creatures or human-animal hybrids, are primarily intended for ornamental purposes and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the cathedral.

The gargoyles at Notre-Dame Cathedral have undergone several phases of restoration and conservation throughout their history. The cathedral's original gargoyles, dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, suffered significant damage due to exposure to the elements and the passage of time. During the 19th-century restoration led by Viollet-le-Duc, many of the original gargoyles were replaced with new sculptures, carefully crafted to reflect the original designs and maintain the cathedral's historical integrity.

In the aftermath of the tragic fire that ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in April 2019 , the gargoyles and grotesques have come to symbolize the resilience of this iconic landmark. Although some of the sculptures were damaged or destroyed in the blaze, many remained intact and continue to watch over the cathedral as restoration efforts progress . Their enduring presence serves as a testament to the skill and artistry of the craftsmen who created them and as a source of inspiration for those committed to preserving and restoring Notre-Dame Cathedral for future generations.

In conclusion, the gargoyles of Notre-Dame Cathedral are fascinating architectural features that serve both functional and symbolic purposes. Their elaborate designs and menacing appearance not only contribute to the captivating Gothic aesthetic of the cathedral but also serve to remind us of the power of human imagination and creativity. As we continue to appreciate and protect Notre-Dame Cathedral, the gargoyles will remain an enduring symbol of the ingenuity and artistry that has allowed this magnificent structure to stand the test of time. As guardians of this iconic masterpiece, the gargoyles silently watch over the city of Paris, evoking a sense of wonder and awe in those who admire their intricate craftsmanship. Their presence on the cathedral's façade is a testament to the talent of the artisans who brought them to life, and a reminder of the rich history and cultural legacy embodied by Notre-Dame Cathedral. As efforts to preserve and restore this architectural gem continue, the gargoyles will remain steadfast symbols of both the cathedral's resilience and the enduring human spirit that has shaped its remarkable story throughout the centuries.

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The World Tour

“Avalon doesn't take you where you want to go, it sends you where you need to be” . Now, we all know this - but where did Avalon send our heroes, and why? Maybe this list can help answering those questions:

Princeton’s Gargoyles and Grotesques (Walking Tour)

Date/Time Date(s) - October 28, 2021 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm

Location Princeton University 1 Washington Road Princeton

Please note: Advanced tickets ($10) are required – no walk ups will be allowed.

Space is limited to 15 participants. Included with your walking tour ticket will be access to view the virtual program on November 1 at 7:00 pm. 

Given this is an outdoor tour, masks are optional.  If participants have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms within 14 days of the tour, we ask that they stay home and contact us for a full refund. 

Questions?  E-mail:  [email protected]

This event is fully booked.

April 18, 2024 - April 27, 2024, 12:00 am

April 28, 2024, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, april 28, 2024, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm, april 30, 2024, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm, may 2, 2024, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.

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Visualize the town and campus as you’ve never seen them before! Working from photographs, teams recreate iconic Princeton structures out of LEGO building blocks. Choose among more than 50 historic structures, famous residences, community buildings, and houses of worship to construct a scale model. When complete, models are placed on a 30-foot map of Princeton, providing an amazing aerial view.

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Gargoyles in Manhattan Walking Tours

The Flatiron District & Gargoyles Walking Tour Consultation or Slideshow We don't see them but they see us Gargoyles * History * Architecture * Interesting Pictures & Stories

A Walking Tour / Slideshow of the Past and the Present Flatiron District Slideshow Presentation view slide show part 1 Flatiron District Slideshow Presentation view slide show part 2

The slideshow of Manhattan's Past & Present includes : information about The Flatiron District & lots of photographs of distant gargoyles along with pictures related to the area's past

• originally: The Scribner Building from 1894 displaying console brackets with lion head gargoyles
• A building from 1912 with its neo Medieval facade & atlantes
• The block & site where Edith Wharton was born & raised
• A moderate Queen Ann style landmark building designed by Henry J. Hardenbergh
• Find out about the elite Fifth Avenue Hotel - one of the city's most luxurious hotels
• Find out about "Seward's Folly"
• Sohmer Piano Co. building & notice the gargoyles
• Belle Epoque styled building from 1895 & the site of Delmonico's
• The site where Winston Churchill's mother lived
• A 1899 Beaux Arts styled court house & 4 elegant caryatids "Winter" "Autumn" "Summer" "Spring"
• A building from 1912 with several large Dragon gargoyles overlooking Madison Square.
• The first Art Nouveau memorial in America
• A building's facade with 5 lion head gargoyles ± several grotesque gargoyles & a small but impressive "Aesthic Movement" lobby & a mural with lounging Classical muses & a barrel vaulted coffered ceiling
• The Flatiron Building has over a dozen gargoyles
• The obelisk & grave site of Major General William J. Worth
• A loft building with an Art Nouveau facade

The he slideshow was created by Alfred Pommer a college graduate, an author, an informative native New Yorker & a licensed New York City guide, who has spent over 30 years researching, creating & leading tours in Manhattan's many diverse neighborhoods.

These are links to Alfred Pommer's author page at: amazon.com & at: goodreads for information about 4 Manhattan neighborhood walking tour guide books authored by Alfred Pommer & published by The History Press (Arcadia Publishing)

Publisher needed for new nonfiction neighborhood walking tour guide books.

New York City Cultural Walking Tours  

All photographs on this web site are by Alfred Pommer & all content on this web site, such as graphics, logos, button icons and images is the property of Alfred Pommer and protected by United States and international copyright laws.

Avalon World Tour

The Avalon World Tour was the journey that Goliath , Elisa , Angela , and Bronx underwent after leaving Avalon .

Because Avalon's magic sends one where one needs to be rather than where one wants to go, Goliath and Company visited a number of distant places before finally reaching Manhattan again. Despite numerous opportunities to go directly back to New York City , the travelers felt that their journey was fated and chose to see it through to the end.

Destinations

The World Tour began with Goliath, Elisa and Bronx arriving on Avalon on December 28, 1995 and leaving with Angela shortly thereafter. [1] Following is a list of locations they visited and the dates in which they first arrived there:

• Wyvern Hill on January 1, 1996 . ( "Shadows of the Past" )
• Queen Florence Island on January 3, 1996. ( "Heritage" )
• Loch Ness on January 16, 1996. ( "Monsters" )
• Prague on January 19, 1996. ( "Golem" )
• Paris on January 21, 1996. ( "Sanctuary" )
• London on January 23, 1996. ( "M.I.A." )
• Egypt on January 25, 1996. ( "Grief" )
• Ireland on January 27, 1996. ( "The Hound of Ulster" )
• Australia on May 1, 1996. ( "Walkabout" )
• Nigeria on May 16, 1996. ( "Mark of the Panther" )
• Norway on May 19, 1996. ( "Eye of the Storm" )
• New Olympus on May 22, 1996. ( "The New Olympians" )
• Guatemala on May 24, 1996. ( "The Green" )
• Rapa Nui (a.k.a. Easter Island) on June 10, 1996. ( "Sentinel" )
• Ishimura on June 14, 1996. ( "Bushido" )
• Arizona on June 16, 1996. ( "Cloud Fathers" )
• Tibet on June 18, 1996. ( "Reunion" )
• Final visit to Avalon on July 4th, 1996. ( "Ill Met By Moonlight" )
• Back in Manhattan on July 9th, 1996. ( "The Gathering" Part One )

The larger gaps in time during the World Tour were generally due to short stays on Avalon and the difference in the passage of time between there and the real world. [2] "Avalon" Part Three ended with Tom informing Goliath, Elisa, Bronx, and Angela that Avalon sends them where they need to be rather where they want to be. In the process of the Tour, Goliath and his companions made contact with heroes around the world , the clans dwelling in London, Guatemala, and Ishimura, encountered a number of Oberon's Children , learned of the existence of New Olympians and extra-terrestrial life forms, and locked swords with many of their old foes (including the ghost of Hakon , Sevarius , the Xanatos Goon Squad , Demona , Thailog , the Pack , and Xanatos himself). By the end of the World Tour, some old foes became new friends; Goliath is on friendly terms with Macbeth following their encounter in Paris and the World Travelers witnessed Dingo 's decision to be a hero in Australia. Goliath even had a chance to forgive the Captain of the Guard .

Additionally, Demona and Macbeth were sent to France because of Thailog, and to confront each other once more. [3]

King Arthur Pendragon traveled to an unspecified location which after he returned to Avalon and considered staying. [4] Arthur decided to resume his World Tour on May 18, 1996 , which ended in London (as demonstrated when his skiff sunk into the water). ( "Pendragon" ) [5] The same happened again when Goliath, Elisa, Bronx and Angela arrived to Manhattan. [6]

After Jade and Turquesa journeyed to Avalon with the World Travelers in May 1996, they embarked on their own quest home. As of June 1997 , the two still found themselves instead where Avalon needed them to be, finding themselves in Buenos Aires , Argentina . ("The Green", "Questions" )

Production Background

"Avalon" Part Two originally contained a flashback where the Guardian left after the Archmage's attack to arrive in Wyvern only to discover that the castle was moved atop a skyscraper in New York. The scene would follow with Tom praying that Avalon would send him to the city in question to illustrate that Avalon chooses the location of the traveler. [7]

There were additional stops intended for the World Tour, but they were ultimately cut due to frustration that the arc began to feel overly long. According to Greg Weisman : "What was supposed to be a five week trip became a five month trip." Not only were frequent reruns (the result of pressures in the production of the second season) contributing to that sentiment, but there was also the understanding that there were too few check-ins with Hudson and the Trio . [8] [9] Abandoned episodes included stops in Tibet (later incorporated in "Reunion"), China , and Korea . [10]

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Paris Immersive Showcase NewImages Builds Bridges With Empathy, Engagement

By Ben Croll

• XR Distributor Diversion Cinema to Oversee Cannes Immersive Competition (EXCLUSIVE) 1 day ago
• Immersive Holocaust Doc ‘Letters From Drancy’ Uses New Media to Honor Survivors 1 day ago
• Emphasizing Connection Over Competition, NewImages Is ‘Not Another Film Festival’ 1 day ago

Running April 24 – 28 at Paris’ Forum des Images , this year’s NewImages Festival will focus on bridge building, looking to foster connection and bolster partnerships between new media creators and legacy institutions.

“We really want to bring the XR industry closer to the cultural sector of museums and theaters, really anything that could be a future showcase for immersive works,” festival director Michele Ziegler tells Variety . “While a few distributors now specialize in this, there is still much work to do convincing cultural decision makers to invest in new media. We have much to mediate and explore.”

Popular on Variety

When curating this 15-project competition from 140 submissions, Ziegler and her team focused above all on ease of use – testing out each experience with a selection committee that included several immersive neophytes. “We needed the non-expert point of view,” Ziegler explains. “It was essential have input from people who don’t go to Venice Immersive or to SXSW, because our mission is to make this culture accessible for all.”

Exploring the civil rights struggle, the Cambodian genocide and the experience of Bedouin communities in Palestine, the seven projects selected for out-of-competition slots all needed to reflect new forms of embodiment and empathy.

“Becoming part of a work can be very impactful,” she adds. “It can spur activism and can motivate someone to defend human rights – and always in a very creative way.”

NewImages will emphasize that point throughout its industry program, hosting museum focused panels that will bring together delegates from the Sorbonne, the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Barbican and the Musée d’Orsay, among others. But at the same time, the festival also wants more casual visitors to walk away sharing that same zeal.

“We still have to be there for the general public,” Ziegler says. “That’s why we don’t charge admissions. Right now, you can pay $48 to [experience several of our pieces in other international exhibition spaces] but at NewImages we’re showing them for free. Our mission is to bring these works to the new audiences – as many of them as possible.”

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