Ukrainian Institute of America featured in Open House Tour of architectural landmarks

NEW YORK - More than 1,400 New Yorkers, out-of-towners and tourists from abroad experienced the splendor of the national historic landmark Ukrainian Institute of America building over the weekend of October 11-12 as part of a New York City-wide open house tour hailed as the "largest celebration of architecture and design in city history."

The institute building, located on fabled Museum Mile on Fifth Avenue near The Metropolitan Museum of New York, is one of the proudest possessions of the Ukrainian American community. The French-Gothic-style, turn-of-the-century mansion was one of over 70 sites - from City Hall to a cutting-edge art gallery made out of shipping containers - the public was invited to explore by Open House New York (OHNY), a private, not-for-profit organization.

Ukrainian Institute of America President Walter Nazarewicz called the Open House event a great success. "Our mission is to present the rich Ukrainian culture and the great accomplishments of the Ukrainian diaspora to the non-Ukrainian public," Mr. Nazarewicz said. "We drew people of diverse nationalities and we were able to tell them what we do and what we have accomplished with the Institute. They were astonished to hear that only private contributions are being used to support our building."

Over the past two years, the institute building underwent extensive refurbishing, including a complete cleaning of its façade. Known as the Harry F. Sinclair House, the building is one of the few remaining examples of the richly decorated, stately mansions built by prominent New York citizens in the 19th century. The Ukrainian Institute of America acquired the building in 1955.

The open house event was inspired by the success of similar weekends in London, Toronto and other international cities. The institute was also featured on a guide and map highlighting all participating sites designed by renowned graphic designer and illustrator Seymour Chwast.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, October 26, 2003, No. 43, Vol. LXXI

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