New York Times Building

On Sept. 18, 1851, what would become The New York Times started publishing, the brainchild of Assembly Speaker Henry J. Raymond and banker George Jones, under the name The New-York Daily Times. The paper’s first headquarters was on Nassau Street, but by 1904, it would move to a new building at 42nd Street and Broadway, eventually lending its name to the entire area, which would become known as Times Square. Over the years, the paper would continue to grow, and in 2007, architect Renzo Piano completed the construction of its new headquarters, the New York Times Building, which stands at 242 West 41st Street in New York City.

Former owner Adolph Ochs described reporting in The New York Times as being “without fear or favor,” presented as impartially as possible. In selecting an architect for this esteemed project, The New York Times Company and the Forest City Ratner Companies sought a design that reflected the sophistication, creativity, and transparency that distinguished the newspaper since day one. In Piano’s work and philosophy, they saw just that.

Construction began in 2003 and concluded in 2007. The structure stands 52 stories high and dominates the east side of Eighth Avenue. Its frame shimmers in the sun, made up of an innovative double-skin curtain wall with ceramic rods and inner water-white glass that deflects the heat of the sun and optimizes energy use. Rather than hiding the bars and beams that support the building, Piano made them visible, and in doing so, he spoke to the core values of the paper.

A careful thought also went into choosing the colors for the New York Times Building. Tour the lobby to see the elegant marigold and red walls and cherry wood furniture that occupy this incredible architectural work.

While New York Times staff accomplish much of their work in the 50 floors of offices in the building, Piano’s design goes beyond being a space for journalism. In addition to the newspaper operations, TheTimesCenter at the New York Times Building is a top center for cultural expression and artistic performances. Businesses and private individuals can book the Stage, Hall, Screening Room, or Lobby spaces at TheTimesCenter for any number of events, including conferences, stage plays, video presentations, and recitals.

Serving as a backdrop to the newspaper offices and TheTimesCenter is the birch-and-fern garden, a grove of tall paper birch trees and a carpet of Berkeley sedge grass and autumn ferns, flanked by 70-foot glass walls. Piano envisioned it as the heart of the building.

If you’re in NYC looking for the best landmarks and attractions, consider a stop at the New York Times Building. Tour the building whenever you like between 10 am and 5 pm on weekdays, as the lobby is open to the public.

Taking a double-decker bus tour with us is a great way to see many city attractions, including the New York Times Building; tour routes through Midtown and Lower Manhattan, such as our Downtown Tour, pass right by this modern landmark. Our tours are flexible to fit your schedule, and they’re led by local guides who can give you the inside scoop on all that is New York City. For a look at the home of The New York Times and the rest of New York, contact us today to buy your sightseeing tickets and save with our special online discounts.