This tour showcases Buffalo commercial architecture at the turn of the twentieth century, when the city was the eighth largest in America and hosted the Pan-American Exposition. Many were designed by prominent local architectural firms, including Green & Wicks and Esenwein & Johnson, and exemplify the Beaux Arts architectural style popular at that time.

Popular around the turn of the twentieth century, Beaux-Arts, which translates as “Beautiful Arts” and began in Paris, is characterized by elaborate detail and ornamentation, with many classical influences. Many of the buildings on this tour have been meticulously restored in recent years to meet current needs, including the Electric Tower and Curtiss Hotel.

This tour meets in the lobby of the Hotel at the Lafayette at 391 Washington Street. Your docent will meet you in the lobby of the hotel. Two-hour metered parking is available on surrounding streets, and the Adams Ramp is one block away at the corner of Washington and Eagle Streets. The Lafayette Square Station of the Metro Rail is one block away, across Lafayette Square on Main Street.

Cost: 

• General Admission: $15
• Student Admission: $5
• Explorer Pass Holders: FREE

Tour Details:

• Advance reservations are encouraged but not required for this tour.
  • All credit card payments must be made in advance.  Advance reservations with a credit card can be made online until the tour starting time. Cash or checks are accepted at the start of the tour.
  • If you make an advance reservation, please print your confirmation email, or be prepared to show it on your phone.
• This tour is approximately ninety minutes in length.
• Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather – the tour will proceed rain or shine.
• Cameras are encouraged!
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.