Immerse yourself in all things New York architecture and design at Archtober.
Kicking off in — you guessed it — October, the annual month-long festival organized by the Center for Architecture, celebrates the city’s rich architectural heritage and promotes conversations about the future of design.
Since its inception, Archtober has created a platform for both professionals and the public to engage with architecture in a meaningful way, highlighting its influence on daily life, the environment, and future urban development. This year’s theme, "Tracing the Future," explores the city’s evolution, with a focus on affordable housing, cutting-edge design, and the challenges of sustainability.
Notable events include the Building of the Day tours, which offer in-depth explorations of iconic NYC structures, and the AIANY Architecture Boat Tour, providing a unique view of the city’s skyline from the water. Panel discussions on sustainable architecture, exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and hands-on workshops focusing on innovative design round out the offerings.
Unable to attend in person? Archtober offers virtual events, allowing a global audience to participate. Online panel discussions and webinars delve into contemporary issues in architecture, offering a platform for remote engagement.
Additionally, Archtober has curated digital resources such as the Archtober map, which features self-guided walking tours. This tool allows participants to explore architectural gems at their own pace, discovering hidden treasures throughout the city.
The calendar is packed with activities throughout October, but here are several standout events that caught our attention. Click the links for more information.
When: Wednesday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 200 Broadway
Led by a knowledgeable guide, participants will delve into the history, architecture, and engineering of the subway, with special attention to the hidden details and overlooked design elements of this vast underground network. This tour provides an opportunity to see the city's transit infrastructure from a new perspective.
Seaport Walking Tour: Typography and Job Printing in the 19th Century Seaport
When: Sunday, Oct. 13, noon to 1:30 p.m.
Where: 207 Water Street
Explore the history of printing and typography in New York City's Seaport district. Attendees will learn about the role of 19th-century job printing in shaping communication and commerce. The tour highlights how typography influenced the visual and cultural landscape of the time, offering a glimpse into Seaport’s industrial past.
Crime and Catastrophe Trolley Tour
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 500 25th Street, Brooklyn by Green-Wood Cemetery
Take a macabre journey through New York City history, covering infamous events, scandals, and disasters that shaped the city’s development. Participants will ride a trolley while learning about significant moments such as fires, shipwrecks, and other calamities from expert guides.
Biophilic Design Walking Tour: Connecting Space - 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
When: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 5-7 p.m.
Where: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn
Presented by NanaWall Systems, this guided tour showcases biophilic design elements at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, highlighting how greenery, natural light, and sustainable materials enhance the connection between humans and nature within a cityscape. Participants will gain insights into how biophilic principles create healthier, more engaging spaces. Worth one AIA CEU credit.
Follow Archtober on social media for daily highlights and event recaps:
Instagram: @archtober
X: @archtober
Facebook: Archtober
ARCHITECT is an official media partner of ARCHTOBER.
