Otto H. Kahn House
This mansion is named after the German born investment banker who decided to settle in the United States during World War I. He retained the renowned architectural team of J. Armstrong Stenhouse and C.P. H Gilbert to design the 80-room neo-Italian renaissance building. The mansion, which was completed in 1918, is modeled after the Papal Chancellery in Rome.
It took four years to construct the mansion which boasted up to 80 rooms, in addition to living quarters for 40 servants, making it among the largest and finest private homes in America. Despite its imposing size, the rooms are intimate, including a charming Renaissance Courtyard overlooking Central Park.
Both Kahn and his wife, Adelaide, were connoisseurs of art and music. An extensive and important art collection graced their walks, dazzling their guests.
Otto, whose true love was music, was a major patron of the Metropolitan Opera. Enrico Caruso and George Gershwin were among their many famous friends, who were often known to give impromptu performances at the mansion.