Designated September 20, 1977
Among its important qualities, 998 Fifth Avenue is the finest Italian Renaissance style apartment house in New York City. Central Park was completed in 1878 and the Metropolitan Museum of Art two years later, but the real construction of this elegant neighborhood did not begin until the late 1890s. By the end of the 19th century, “Millionaires’ Mile” with elegant mansions and row houses in picturesque styles had grown along Fifth Avenue and its side streets. Luxury Art Deco apartment buildings were added in the 1920s.
The museum has good proportions and a magnificent scale in keeping with its conspicuous site on Fifth Avenue, that it shows skillful workmanship, and that its fine details enrich the building and give evidence of superb design by the famous architectural firm of McKim, Head & White.