Upper East Side in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cultural Services of The French Embassy
Formerly the Payne Whitney House
— New York City Designated Landmark —
Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 8, 2018
1. Cultural Services of The French Embassy Marker
This mansion was designed in the style of the high Italian Renaissance by McKim, Mead & White. It was erected in 1902-1906 for financier, philanthropist, and sportsman Payne Whitney and his wife Helen, a poet and patron of the arts who lived in the house until her death in 1944. Whitney had been given the land by his uncle Oliver Payne, who was an officer in the Civil War and the benefactor instrumental in establishing the Cornell University Medical College. Since 1952, the building has served as a division of the French Embassy. It was restored in 1987, uncovering a stained-glass window especially designed for the house by John La Farge.
New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation
1989
Erected 1989 by New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.
Location. 40° 46.585′ N, 73° 57.84′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in the Upper East Side. Marker is at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and East 78th Street, on the left when traveling south on Fifth Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 972-3 Fifth Avenue, New York NY 10075, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Institute of Fine Arts (a few steps from this marker);
this page online
Regarding Cultural Services of The French Embassy. The building is listed in the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Guide to New York City, Fifth Edition.
Also see . . . A Sumptuous Wedding Present - the 1906 Payne Whitney House. "Daytonian in Manhattan" entry. (Submitted on April 6, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, December 8, 2018
2. Cultural Services of The French Embassy, 972-3 Fifth Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 186 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on December 8, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 8, 2018, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
