Grant's Tomb New York
National Park
It seems that homo sapiens alone learned to walk without bending their knees and hips, the way all quadrupeds do when trying out bipedal locomotion. The illustrative text was ' …in the same way Groucho Marx walked.' Remember his comical drop-kneed, high-velocity gait?
That quip reminded me of his famous brain teaser 'Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?’ which not everyone on his show could answer correctly, despite pre-screening.
That in turn caused me to one day ride up to 122nd Street (it’s a nice, flat roadway along the Hudson River, but ascends at its end) to find out for myself if the common answer is actually correct. There are CitiBike stations to drop off your bike at 120th and Claremont and 122nd and Broadway, both about one block distant.
The tomb interior is nearly a replica of Napoleon’s Tomb at Les Invalides, in Paris, right down to the red granite.
The tomb, North America’s largest mausoleum, still compares unfavourably with Les Invalides as it does not contain even bathrooms, apparently a directive of Julia Grant, buried in the mausoleum beside her husband.
I think it was Groucho who made Grant’s Tomb famous and being famous is reason enough for some people to want to go. If that includes you, know that you will be very close to the Manhattan School of Music, Riverside Church, Columbia University and the western edge of Harlem’s 125th Street and, as you will have ridden a bicycle, all will be at your easy disposal.
About this spot
Find your way with 304 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
The Pythian Temple
R&R Shrine
"The Pythian Temple" in NYC was designed in 1927 for the movie 'The Knights of Pythias'; today, it's remarkable for much more than its beauty...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
A Gathering, 2001 - Muñoz & Martin
Subway art 13
"A Gathering, 2001" by Muñoz & Martin in the Canal Street train station in NYC 'enlivens the space & provides respite from the busy commercialism above'...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Saiguette
Vietnamese counter/takeout
I first returned to the Vietnamese restaurant "Saiguette" in NYC for its light, rich, rejuvenating soups, but I also recommend the pork shoulder sandwich.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Rucker Park
NBA caliber street basketball
"Rucker Park" in New York City is where big men and children come to play basketball, strut, defy, dominate make a name for themselves. You have to see it.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Whirls and Twirls (MTA), Sol LeWitt
Subway art 3
The Subway Art in Columbus Circle New York City by Sol LeWitt is one of the pieces that make me feel I need to stop to take it all in...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Subway Portraits, Chuck Close
Subway art 1
I took the Q train in New York and reached the 86th Street station, where twelve Chuck Close mosaic mesmerizing portraits adorn the walls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Music Inn
Instruments, custom & stock
"Music Inn" in New York City is run by musician, instrument designer & inventor Jeff Slatnick. There are musical instruments just everywhere in the shop...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Return of Spring, Jack Beal
Subway art 7
"The Return of Spring - Jack Beal" in New York is a mosaic mural in the Times Square station in the IRT West Side Lin mezzanine. Is it really Wayne Gretzky?
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Di Fara, Brooklyn
Pizza 1
"Di Fara" in New York is the best pizza pilgrimage one can go on. This local favorite makes a time-capsulized pizza restaurant. Its crust sets it apart...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
New York in Transit, Jacob Lawrence
Subway art 8
"New York in Transit - Jacob Lawrence", I've been passing this piece a lot lately. Nearby is a spot where musicians hang out, so it's nice to pause here...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Revelers, Jane Dickson
Subway art 6
"The Revelers by Jane Dickson" in New York's Times Square Subway Station is mostly located in the transfer corridors between the BMT and IRT Flushing line
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Joe's, West Village
Pizza 3
Joe's Pizza in West Village, New York qualifies as a real pizza joint: no tables, no chairs, no bathroom and really long lines. It's getting more popular.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
304 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 304 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
