New York City Murray Hill

Murray Hill is so named because Robert Murray, a rich man of Revolutionary times, made his country home close to the present-day intersection of 37th St. and Park Ave. The upper crust of the late 19th and early 20th centuries lived in warm brownstones and apartments on these sedate residential streets. The neighborhood remains one of the city’s nicest residential areas.

On the neighborhood’s southern border is one of America’s premier acting schools—the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, 120 Madison Ave., between 30th and 31st St. A peek at the class photos hanging in the lobby reveals the fresh faces of Kirk Douglas, class of 1941; Grace Kelly, class of 1948-49; and Robert Redford, class of 1958-59. (For more info on studying here,) The highlight of Murray Hill is the recently expanded Morgan Library and Museum, 29 E 36th St., at Madison Ave. The original library building was designed by Charles McKim and completed in 1906. Built in the style of a Renaissance palazzo, the understated and elegant library is definitely worth a visit, both for architectural beauty and for its printed-word collection. (S 6 to 33rd St.)

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