Jack Shainman Gallery, 46 Lafayette Street, a major adaptive reuse renovation of New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s designated New York Life Insurance Company Building (1894 -1898), a monumental neo-Italian Renaissance tower. Initially designed by Stephen Decatur Hatch, construction supervision for the project was transferred to McKim, Mead & White after Hatch’s unexpected death in 1894. Mid-project, McKim, Mead & White’s Henry Bacon reconceptualized the original design. Rather than incorporating the earlier New York Life Insurance Company headquarters, located at the west side of the block into the new building, Bacon arrived at a more uniform monolithic structure replacing the older building entirely.

Renovated in 1923 to include a mezzanine at the clerestory level of the General Office, also known as the Banking Hall, the landmark structure is notable for its luxurious marble, bronze and gilded finishes, impressive staircases and classically styled mahogany paneled interior spaces.

In 2024, after several years of restoration and renovation, Jack Shainman Gallery opened its doors to its new Tribeca flagship at 46 Lafayette Street. Visiting the space with Walter Biggs, the gallery’s Director of Operations, provides a rare glimpse into the sensitively repurposed grand 19th century bank hall and its adjacent historical offices collectively repurposed as a contemporary art gallery.

While the space does have elevators for those who need them, there are brief moments of the tour (e.g. visiting the bank vault) which will not be accessible to wheelchair users. This tour spans several floors of the building, which might pose a challenge for visitors with limited mobility. For questions about other accommodations, please email rose@jackshainman.com.

While photography is allowed in the main hall, it will not be permitted in the non-public areas of the space.

Children ages 10+ welcome accompanied by an adult. All persons attending, including children, must have a ticket.