Madison Avenue is one of the busiest streets in New York City, it runs north from 23rd Street towards the Bronx and belongs to the elite areas of North America where millionaires live. It is widely known as a symbol of luxury outside the United States, because movies are shot here.
History of creation
According to archival data, Madison Avenue was laid out in 1836 parallel to Fourth Avenue, which is now called Park Avenue, and Fifth Avenue. It was opened on the initiative of Samuel Ruggles, a developer with a law degree, who actively promoted the site project in order to provide improved transport access to his commercial facilities.
The avenue is named after the fourth President of America, James Madison. The avenue does not have a number, unlike other streets in Manhattan, because it was not part of the district plan from 1811. In the 19th and 20th centuries, offices of advertising agencies were opened on Madison Avenue, which is why over time it became synonymous with the advertising industry.
Short description
It is a one-way street in Manhattan, home to art galleries, the Whitney Museum, advertising agencies, designer boutiques, fine restaurants, jewelry stores, beauty salons, spas, and hotels. In the area between 23rd and 26th Streets, Madison Avenue is considered the eastern boundary of Madison Square.
In 1928, Cass Gilbert built the 187-meter Life Insurance Building on Madison Avenue. The 40-storey building, combining Gothic details with Art Nouveau, where life insurance is provided, was added to the list of the National Register of Historic Places.
Unusual facts
A saying has been coined in society: New York without Madison Avenue is like a man without his own personality. In 1984, "Splash" was released in the fantasy genre with elements of melodrama. According to the plot of the film, the mermaid, who took on a female form, began to introduce herself to Madison after seeing this name on a street sign. Before that, Madison was a man's name, but after the premiere of the tape, it became one of the most popular names among girls. In the 21st century, it is one of the most popular names in the United States. And, by the way, that's what the heroines of movies and TV series are often called. For example, in the third season of the TV series "American Horror Story," Emma Roberts plays the role of witch Madison Montgomery. And this is one of the most striking images in the entire career of Julia Roberts' niece.
Twice a year, in February and August, a Sunday fair is organized on Madison Avenue. Everyone can bring food, shoes, clothes, book products and handmade jewelry for sale. It is noteworthy that the Madison Square Garden Arena is located next to Madison Avenue, where concerts of popular artists are held. More than 300 events are held each year, which are attended by both residents of New York and neighboring states, as well as tourists from other countries.
How to get
Madison Avenue can be reached by buses N o Q32, M1, M2, M3, M4, M86, M79, M72, M66, M57. Metro lines 4, 5 and 6 run along Lexington Avenue, which is not far from Madison Avenue. If you take the N, Q and R trains, you need to get off at the 5th Avenue/East 60th Street station. You can order a taxi or use carsharing services.
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