At the turn of the 20th century, Buffalo had grown to become the eighth largest city in America. The wealth generated by commerce and industry enabled the city’s businesses, organizations and citizens to hire some of the nation’s most prominent architects and use the finest materials available.
On this Explore Buffalo downtown walking tour, see signature works by some of America’s greatest architects, including the Guaranty Building by Louis Sullivan & Dankmar Adler, the Ellicott Square Building by Daniel Burnham & Co., and St. Paul’s Cathedral by Richard Upjohn. Learn about the prominence of Buffalo on a national scale at the turn of the 20th century while visiting buildings such as the Old Post Office, St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Old County Hall.
The Masters of American Architecture tours will be offered on numerous dates throughout May and June at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tours will meet in the lobby of the Hotel at the Lafayette at 391 Washington St. where you will be met by an Explore Buffalo docent. Two-hour metered parking is available on surrounding streets, and the Adams Ramp is one block away at the corner of Washington and Eagle streets. The Lafayette Square Station of the Metro Rail is one block away, across Lafayette Square on Main Street.
Advance reservations are encouraged but not required for this tour. All credit card payments must be made in advance. Advance reservations with a credit card can be made online until the tour starting time. Cash or checks are accepted at the start of the tour. If you make an advance reservation, please print your confirmation email or be prepared to show it on your phone.
This tour is between 90 minutes and two hours in length. Building interiors are included where possible but cannot be guaranteed. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather as the tour will proceed rain or shine. Cameras are encouraged!
The cost is $15 general admission and $5 for students; Explorer Pass holders are free. For more information, please visit explorebuffalo.org.
