History
2024
Fifth Avenue commemorates its 200th Birthday with a public, streetwide celebration.
2024
Mayor Adams and the Future of Fifth Partnership unveil plans to return Fifth Avenue to a pedestrian-centered boulevard by doubling walkable sidewalk space, adding hundreds of new trees and planters, installing new seating, and much more.
2023
Wall Street Journal reports that Fifth Avenue is ranked as the world’s most expensive retail rent.
2004
Apple opens its iconic glass cube store on Fifth Avenue, redefining modern retail architecture and becoming a landmark in its own right.
2000s
Fifth Avenue continues to attract global flagship stores, from jewelry to fashion to tech solidifying its status as an iconic shopping and cultural destination.
1984
The Fifth Avenue Snowflake first debuts as a symbol of hope and humanity during the holiday season. It weighs 3,300 lbs and is adorned with 16,500 crystals.
1969
The first "Easter Parade" on Fifth Avenue becomes a widely photographed and televised tradition, with participants donning elaborate hats and outfits.
1966
Truman Capote hosts the iconic Black and White Ball at The Plaza Hotel, securing his own mask for 39 cents at FAO Schwarz.
1964
The Beatles make their first trip to the U.S. in 1964, staying at The Plaza Hotel and marking the start of their legendary American tour.
1961
Breakfast at Tiffany’s premieres, with its iconic scene of Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly gazing into the Tiffany & Co. window while holding a croissant. This moment cements Fifth Avenue as a symbol of aspiration and elegance.
1940-
1950
Fifth Avenue becomes the pinnacle of luxury shopping, with established brands like Gucci, Chanel, and Harry Winston expanding their presence.
1934
Famed barman Fernand Petiot of The St. Regis' King Cole Bar invented the Bloody Mary by perfecting the recipe for a vodka and tomato juice cocktail.
1930
Henri Bendel moves to 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, bringing Parisian couture to New York and solidifying Fifth Avenue as a luxury destination.
1928
Edwin Goodman purchased the Cornelius Vanderbilt II mansion site and moved his women's clothing store Bergdorf Goodman to Fifth Avenue and 58th Street. Two years later, The Goodmans opened their second store for men across the street at 745 Fifth Avenue.
1924
Saks Fifth Avenue opened its Flagship store at Fifth Avenue and 50th Street.
1917
The Cartier mansion, once home to businessman Morton F. Plant, was acquired by Pierre Cartier in exchange for a pearl necklace his wife adored.
1916
Tiffany & Co. relocates from Soho to Fifth Avenue, marking the Avenue’s emergence as a retail mecca.
1910-
1920
Many of the residential mansions are replaced with commercial buildings and luxury retailers, reflecting New York's changing economy.
1899
Located at Fifth Avenue and 54th Street, the University Club became a hub for New York's elite, shaping discussions on art, education, and politics. The building, a city landmark since 1967, hosted business leaders, academics, and cultural figures.
1890
The first, smaller Plaza Hotel, built on the current site at Fifth Avenue and 59th Street, quickly became a favored spot for New York's elite. The current Plaza opened in 1907.
1882
William and Alva Vanderbilt completed construction on their chateau at 660 Fifth Avenue in order to "crash through the gates of society".
1878
St. Patrick's Cathedral was completed. Construction initially started in 1858 to accommodate the growing Archdiocese of New York, but work was halted in the early 1860s during the American Civil War.
1870-
1900
During the Gilded Age, Fifth Avenue transformed from a residential street to "Millionaire's Row," lined with mansions of industrial titans, before becoming the commercial and cultural center it is today.
1857
Central Park is established by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, anchoring Fifth Avenue's northern boundary and contributing to its desirability.
1850-
1860
Wealthy New Yorkers begin to build grand mansions along Fifth Avenue, especially between 34th and 59th Streets, establishing it as an elite residential area. "
1824
Middle Road, now Fifth Avenue, begins as a seven-block modest, unpaved street beginning at Washington Square.
1811
The Commissioners' Plan for Manhattan is adopted, laying the grid structure that includes Fifth Avenue.