Online Lecture: Post-War Park Avenue on Film

Program No. 24337RJ

Date and Time

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A about the architectural transformation of Park Avenue.

In the popular imagination, Park Avenue conjures a series of glamorous images. To the historian, Park Avenue represents a series of mutable stages in New York City’s architectural development. Join architectural historian John Kriskiewicz as he analyzes stills from four films, shot on location following World War II, which dramatically chronicle the post-war architectural transformation of Park Avenue. Through Mark Hellinger’s groundbreaking film noir "The Naked City" (1948), Jean Negulesco’s lush melodrama "The Best of Everything" (1959), Blake Edward’s poignant "Breakfast at Tiffany’s" (1961) and David Swift’s comedic musical parody "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" (1967), discover how midtown Manhattan’s Park Avenue evolved from a beaux-arts boulevard of masonry clad apartments and hotels into the premier office district of modernist glass towers that stands today.

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General Notes

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll and a reminder email one week, one day, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask questions to the instructor live using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted in the lecture description, all those who enroll in this program can attend the live event and will also receive a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within two weeks following the live event.

Featured Expert

John Kriskiewicz

John Kriskiewicz is a native New Yorker with a degree in architecture from Pratt Institute. He has taught courses on architectural and city planning history at Parsons School of Design, The Cooper Union, Fashion Institute of Technology, Stern College for Women, and Manhattan College. John has designed travel programs and lectures for many of New York City’s institutions and corporations including Road Scholar/Explore New York. He has a special affinity for New York’s extensive infrastructure as well as its Mid-Century Modern heritage.

Please Note:

This expert may not be available for every date of the program

Date and Time

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. (ET)/ 11 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A about the architectural transformation of Park Avenue.

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Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.
Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.
Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.
Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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