New York’s architectural gems are on show for Open House Weekend, which runs 14-15 October. From historical to contemporary, residential to industrial, hundreds of sites across the five boroughs are open to visitors.

New York’s architectural gems are on show for Open House Weekend, which runs 14-15 October. From historical to contemporary, residential to industrial, hundreds of sites across the five boroughs are open to visitors

Photo: Billy Carpio

The Payne Whitney Mansion, completed in 1909, was deemed an official landmark of NYC and is now home to the cultural services of the French embassy and Albertine bookstore.

Photo: John Bartelstone Photography

The concrete curves of the New York Hall of Science conceal a cobalt blue stained glass wall inside.

Photo: Alamy Stock Photo

The historic grotto of Our lady of Mount Carmel on Staten Island is a stunning piece of folk art built by the Italian American community. Begun in 1903, work continues to this day.

Photo: Garrett Ziegler/Flickr

The Czech Center on the Upper East Side was built in the 19th century for the city’s immigrant communities, and underwent a sleek and modern renovation in 2007.

Photo: Marian Benes

Kingsland Wildflowers Green Roof is a garden on top of a film studio, beside Newtown Creek in Greenpoint, north Brooklyn. Its setting amid industrial buildings gives it a sci-fi feel, but it has a down-to-earth purpose. The garden is part of an environmental project to give birds and insects a green corridor through the city.

Photo: Andrew Maas

Designated a New York City landmark in 1997, Brooklyn’s Central Library has a brand-new lobby and ornate facade, with over one million users a year

Photo: Alamy Stock Photo