Art Garfunkel
Voice of generations
In the Footsteps of Art Garfunkel in New York
This five-day tour takes you through the streets, parks, and stages that shaped Art Garfunkel’s life – from his childhood in Queens to his legendary performance venues in Manhattan. Discover the places where he studied, his early performances, and locations immortalized in his songs. Each day offers new insights into the life and achievements of this exceptional artist, right in the city that inspired his music. You can also extend your journey to explore additional sites and delve deeper into the world of Art Garfunkel.
Queens: Childhood & Youth Day one of the Art Garfunkel New York Tour takes you through the quiet streets of Kew Gardens Hills and Forest Hills — the neighborhoods where Art Garfunkel spent his childhood and youth. These areas still carry the charm of the 1950s and early 1960s: well-kept gardens, tree-lined streets, and small parks. Here, Garfunkel’s musical journey began — in school performances, choir rehearsals, and the everyday sounds of his neighborhood that shaped his early creativity. 1. Childhood Home 📍 136-58 72nd Avenue, Kew Gardens Hills This is where Art Garfunkel grew up. The street still reflects the typical garden-style character of Queens: quiet sidewalks, small front yards, and children playing. Although the apartment is not accessible, it’s easy to imagine young Art exploring the neighborhood and gathering his first musical ideas — the beginning of his life in New York. 2. Jewel Avenue & Main Street 📍 Kew Gardens Hills This intersection and the surrounding streets were an important part of Garfunkel’s childhood. In this peaceful setting, he walked to school humming tunes and took his first steps in composing music. 3. Parsons Junior High (JHS 168) 📍 158-40 76th Road, Kew Gardens Hills At this school, Art Garfunkel had his first serious musical experiences — participating in choir rehearsals, school performances, and small stage productions. The building’s façade is still intact, giving a sense of the place where he developed his voice. 4. Public School 164 📍 138-01 77th Avenue This elementary school offered Garfunkel his first opportunities for musical performances and choir participation. Today, only the exterior is accessible, but the site still conveys the atmosphere of his early musical beginnings. 5. Forest Hills High School 📍 67-01 110th Street During his high school years at Forest Hills, Garfunkel’s musical path began to take shape. School productions, choir projects, and his first serious performances helped build his confidence as a young singer. The building still stands, surrounded by streets that preserve the character of a 1960s Queens neighborhood. 6. Walk Through Forest Hills A walk through the streets around Forest Hills High School and Kew Gardens Hills gives a sense of the environment in which Garfunkel grew up. Small parks, old trees, and the sounds of the city bring the spirit of his youth to life. 7. Forest Hills Stadium 📍 One Tennis Place Years later, Art Garfunkel returned here — as a celebrated performer on the stage of Forest Hills Stadium. Although only the exterior is viewable, the historical significance is clear: a place connecting his early years with his later career. 💡 Visitor Tip These stops can be explored on foot or via subway (E, F, or Q lines). A morning walk ending at Forest Hills Stadium makes for an ideal first-day experience — where past and present meet in the heart of Queens.
Manhattan Uptown: College & Early Inspirations On the second day of the Art Garfunkel New York Tour, we explore Manhattan Uptown, focusing on Morningside Heights and the surrounding neighborhoods. This is where Art Garfunkel studied, learned, and gathered inspiration for his musical career. Between university campuses, parks, and historic buildings, visitors can feel the intellectual and creative energy that shaped his early musical ideas. 1. Columbia University 📍 1172 Amsterdam Avenue At this prestigious university, Garfunkel studied architecture. The campus conveys classic Ivy League charm – historic buildings, wide pathways, and green courtyards. Although access is restricted, the exterior views are open to visitors, offering a sense of the atmosphere that influenced Garfunkel’s intellectual development. 2. Teachers College 📍 525 W 120th Street Here, Garfunkel pursued part of his education studies. Only the exterior is accessible, but the historic buildings reflect the academic environment that helped shape him. 3. Riverside Park & Hudson River Promenade Walks along the Hudson River offered Garfunkel peace and inspiration. Today, the riverside paths invite visitors to stroll while enjoying the urban natural scenery that once inspired his musical ideas. 4. Morningside Heights / Historic Streets The streets surrounding the university – historic brownstones, tree-lined avenues, and small parks – showcase the environment where Garfunkel studied and found inspiration. A walk here conveys the creative and intellectual atmosphere of the era. 5. Riverside Church & St. Luke’s Tower These impressive architectural landmarks shape the campus and surrounding area. Exteriors can be viewed, and the small parks in front provide a moment of calm – perfect for experiencing the ambiance of Garfunkel’s college years. 6. Walk Through the Colleges A stroll through Morningside Heights lets fans experience the environment that fostered Garfunkel’s early creative development. Historic buildings, trees, avenues, and quiet paths convey the feel of New York in the late 1950s and early 1960s. 💡 Visitor Tip These locations are best explored on foot. A morning walk connecting the campuses, parks, and historic streets is ideal for experiencing the intellectual and creative world that shaped Garfunkel’s early musical career. Day Summary Day 2 takes visitors through the intellectual and creative world of Uptown Manhattan. University campuses, parks, and historic streets show where Garfunkel studied, found inspiration, and developed his musical ideas. Fans experience the combination of architecture, nature, and culture that shaped his early development.
Midtown Manhattan: Performances, Cafés & Studios On the third day of the Art Garfunkel New York Tour, we explore the bustling heart of Midtown Manhattan. This is where Garfunkel had his first more professional performances and studio recordings. Between concert halls, cafés, and iconic streets, visitors can feel the energy of the 1960s music scene. This day connects the locations of his early performances with the legendary backdrops that shaped his New York career. 1. Philharmonic Hall / Lincoln Center 📍 Broadway & 65th St Home of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra and a place of many classical performances that inspired Garfunkel. Exterior view possible; the plaza in front of Lincoln Center invites photos and first impressions. 2. Carnegie Hall 📍 881 7th Ave One of the most famous concert venues in the world. Garfunkel experienced early professional performances here. Tickets required for interior visits; exterior view possible anytime. 3. Madison Square Garden 📍 4 Pennsylvania Plaza Legendary venue for major concerts. Garfunkel performed here before gaining worldwide fame. Exterior view possible; entry requires tickets for events or tours. 4. Café Carlyle 📍 35 E 76th St An intimate café where Garfunkel found inspiration and musical contacts. Interior access by reservation only; exterior view possible anytime. 5. Central Park / Great Lawn A legendary open-air concert took place here, documenting Garfunkel’s connection to New York. Walking through the park offers the opportunity to experience the locations described in his songs. 6. Queensboro Bridge / 59th Street Bridge Inspired songs such as Feelin’ Groovy. Walking or viewing from the bridge allows visitors to experience the urban inspiration. 7. Lexington Avenue / Upper East Side Location of the song lyric A Poem on the Underground Wall. The streets convey the urban atmosphere that Garfunkel reflected in his music. 💡 Tip for Visitors These locations are easily explored on foot or by subway. A morning walk linking concert halls, cafés, and iconic streets gives a real sense of Midtown Manhattan in the 1960s. Day Summary Day 3 showcases Midtown Manhattan, where Garfunkel gathered his first professional performance and studio experiences. Fans experience iconic concert halls, cafés, and streets that shaped the city’s sound and the beginning of his career.
Greenwich Village & Downtown Manhattan: Folk Scene, Cafés & Studios This part of the tour takes you to the heart of New York’s 1960s folk scene: Greenwich Village. Small clubs, legendary cafés, and intimate venues shaped Art Garfunkel’s performances and connections. Between Bleecker Street, MacDougal Street, and the West Village, you can feel the energy of the music scene where songs were born and careers started. 1. Gerde’s Folk City 📍 11 W 4th St A legendary club where Art Garfunkel performed. Exterior view possible; small interiors convey the atmosphere of the rising 1960s folk scene. 2. Gaslight Café 📍 116 MacDougal St Iconic folk club that offered a stage to many young musicians. The historic façade remains visible; interior access only by reservation or event. 3. Café Wha? 📍 115 MacDougal St A gathering place for musicians and artists. Art Garfunkel and his contemporaries gained experiences here that influenced their careers. Exterior view possible anytime. 4. The Bitter End 📍 147 Bleecker St Another legendary Village club. Exterior view possible anytime; the interior still conveys the spirit of early folk performances. 5. Village Vanguard 📍 178 7th Ave S A jazz and folk legend. Exterior view possible anytime; interior visit requires tickets. Art Garfunkel attended such venues and drew musical inspiration from them. 6. Electric Lady Studios 📍 52 W 8th St Historic recording studio where many artists worked, including contemporaries of Art Garfunkel. Interior accessible only via tour or permission. 7. Walk through West Village The cobblestone streets, small squares, and historic houses convey the creative and intimate atmosphere that shaped Art Garfunkel’s early performances and inspirations. 💡 Visitor Tip These locations are easily explored on foot. A walk connecting clubs, cafés, and streets offers an authentic experience of Greenwich Village’s creative energy. Tour Summary This section immerses visitors in the vibrant folk scene of Greenwich Village. Fans experience legendary clubs, cafés, and streets that shaped Art Garfunkel’s musical roots. Every location tells stories of performances, encounters, and artistic inspiration
Downtown & Midtown Manhattan: Studios, TV Appearances & Iconic Locations This part of the tour takes you to central and lower Manhattan – to studios, television appearances, and important locations that shaped Art Garfunkel’s career. Here, music history, media, and iconic cityscapes merge, allowing fans to experience the backdrops where recordings, TV appearances, and artistic decisions took place. 1. RCA Recording Studios – 📍 155 E 24th St Historic site for recording sessions. Exterior view possible; the significance of the location for Art Garfunkel’s early career is palpable. 2. Columbia Records Studio A – 📍 49 E 52nd St Location of key recording sessions. Interior access only via tour or permission; exterior view possible anytime. 3. CBS Studios – 📍 52nd St & 6th Ave Television appearances that increased Art Garfunkel’s fame were produced here. Exterior view possible; interior visit requires ticket. 4. Ed Sullivan Theater – 📍 1697 Broadway Historic stage of many TV appearances. Exterior view possible anytime; interior visit requires ticket. 5. Brill Building – 📍 1619 Broadway Center of the songwriter scene. Although Art Garfunkel didn’t work here permanently, the building conveys Manhattan’s historic musical atmosphere. 6. Walk through Midtown & Times Square The streets around studios, theaters, and Broadway show the urban energy that accompanied Art Garfunkel’s career. Photos, impressions, and atmosphere bring the 1960s music world to life. 💡 Visitor Tip All locations are easily explored on foot or by subway. A walking route through Midtown and Times Square combines music history, iconic architecture, and Manhattan’s urban energy.
Optional Extension – Additional Sites in Manhattan & Surroundings For visitors wishing to extend their trip, there are additional sites connected to Art Garfunkel or of symbolic significance. Some of these locations are documented sites of performances or recordings, while others represent the music scene or places that inspired him. Blue Door Art Center – 13 Riverdale Ave, Yonkers Venue where Art Garfunkel performed recently. Exterior visits possible at any time. Directly linked to his musical activities in the region. Ellis Island – New York Harbor Documented performance and recording for the album Across America. Exterior visits possible; museum and memorial convey the island’s historical significance. Staten Island Ferry – New York Harbor Symbolic place of inspiration: Garfunkel frequently used the ferry and enjoyed views of Manhattan’s skyline. Exterior visits possible at any time. The Great Hall at Cooper Union – 7 E 7th St Symbolically significant for the creative scene in New York where Garfunkel was active. Interior access only by appointment or ticket; exterior visits possible at any time. Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Brooklyn Place where Art Garfunkel found calm and inspiration. Exterior visits possible at any time; the extensive gardens reflect the creative atmosphere that influenced him. Westchester County Center – 198 Central Ave, White Plains Documented performance venue for Garfunkel. Exterior visits possible at any time; interior access only during events. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts – 250 Bedford Park Blvd W, Bronx Symbolic place representing the artistic environment that shaped Garfunkel. Exterior visits possible at any time; interior access only during events. Additional Village Venues around MacDougal & Bleecker Street Small clubs and cafés showcasing the creative folk and jazz scene. Exterior visits possible at any time; interiors often require reservation. Some Garfunkel performances here are not documented. Broadway / Theater District – Midtown Manhattan Symbolic location of New York’s major music and theater scene that shaped Garfunkel’s career. Exterior visits possible at any time; shows require tickets. Radio City Music Hall – 1260 6th Ave, Midtown Manhattan Symbolic site of New York’s music scene. Exterior visits possible at any time; interior access only during shows. 79th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue – Upper East Side Place where Art Garfunkel often spent time, finding calm and inspiration. Exterior visits possible at any time. 💡 Visitor Note This selection includes both locations where Art Garfunkel performed or recorded and sites of symbolic or inspirational significance. New York offers many more locations connected to Garfunkel’s life, musical career, and inspiration – after all, he has lived in this city his entire life. Together, these places provide a comprehensive picture of his musical world and the city that shaped him.