Manhattan · Neighborhood guide
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay stretches east from the Lexington Avenue edge of this guide toward the East River. Japan Society and Dag Hammarskjold Plaza sit near the United Nations district, while the Chrysler and Beekman towers mark different parts of the neighborhood.
Jim.henderson · Public domain · Resized.
About Turtle Bay
The neighborhood developed residential buildings as well as offices and institutions. The Panhellenic Tower, later known as Beekman Tower, was built in 1926-28 as an apartment hotel for college sorority groups.
Japan Society's headquarters opened to the public in 1971. Architect Junzo Yoshimura designed the building on East 47th Street, near Dag Hammarskjold Plaza and the United Nations.
Places to explore
Japan Society
333 East 47th StreetChoose an exhibition, film or performance from the current calendar. Gallery hours apply during exhibitions; check the particular program and any closures before visiting. The society says its public performance spaces, classrooms and restrooms are accessible.
Read the NYFE place guideDag Hammarskjold Plaza
East 47th Street between First and Second avenuesNamed for the UN secretary-general in 1961, the plaza includes fountains and the Katharine Hepburn Garden. It is a public outdoor stop; access to the nearby UN premises is separate.
Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Avenue at East 42nd StreetWilliam Van Alen designed this Art Deco tower, built in 1928-30. Look up at the facade and crown from the street; check any current interior access before planning to enter.
Read the NYFE place guideBeekman Tower
3 Mitchell Place at First AvenueOriginally the Panhellenic Tower, the 1926-28 building was designed by John Mead Howells for college sorority groups. Its vertical form is a street-side architectural stop near Beekman Place.
Read the NYFE place guide
Planning a visit
Japan Society lists the 4, 5, 6, 7 or S to Grand Central, the 6 to 51st Street, and the E or M to Lexington Avenue-53rd Street. Check current MTA service and choose the approach for your destination.
The society's exhibitions and performances have separate schedules, while the plaza is an outdoor stop. Check venue information and the station and street approach separately for accessibility.
Photos
Alex Proimos from Sydney, Australia · CC BY 2.0 · Resized.
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ajay_suresh · CC BY 4.0 · Resized.
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Kenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY 4.0 · Resized.
Sources and visitor information
- Beaux-Arts Apartments designationNYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Chrysler Building designationNYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Visit usJapan Society
- History of Japan HouseJapan Society
- Planned service changesMetropolitan Transportation Authority
- Turtle Bay neighborhood boundary descriptionWikipedia
- Dag Hammarskjold Plaza historyNYC Parks