Museum Tower, 15 West 53rd Street, NYC - Condo Apartments
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Museum Tower at 15 West 53rd Street stands as one of Midtown Manhattan's most prestigious residential addresses, designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli and completed in 1985 as an integral part of the Museum of Modern Art's major expansion. The 52 story tower houses 248 condominium apartments above six floors of museum space, creating a unique mixed-use environment where residents literally live above one of the world's most celebrated art institutions. Pelli's architectural vision featured a subtle glass curtain wall with horizontal banding that defers respectfully to MoMA's original façade, though his ambitious plan for 14 different glass colors proved nearly indistinguishable to the naked eye.
The building's apartments range from compact one bedrooms to expansive four bedroom units exceeding 3,400 square feet, with many featuring Central Park views and dramatic city skyline vistas. Common characteristics include 9 foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and generous natural light. Corner units are particularly coveted for their dual exposures and panoramic views stretching from Central Park to the Hudson River. Many apartments have been extensively renovated with luxury kitchens featuring German cabinetry and top-tier appliances from brands like Miele and Wolf.
Museum Tower operates as a full service white glove building with a staff of 47, offering an exceptionally rare amenity of elevator attendants alongside 24 hour doormen and concierge services. The building's amenities include a bi-level fitness center with sauna, steam room, and meditation space, a landscaped roof terrace overlooking MoMA's sculpture garden, wine storage and tasting facilities, media and conference rooms, and optional housekeeping and valet services. The building has attracted notable residents including Dr. Josef Ackermann, former CEO of Deutsche Bank.
Positioned in the heart of Midtown, Museum Tower offers unparalleled access to Manhattan's cultural corridor, with Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Theater District all nearby, while Fifth Avenue shopping and Central Park lie just blocks away. The building requires a 2% capital contribution from buyers and welcomes pets and pied-à-terre ownership.
In October 2025, business executive Carl Icahn relisted his penthouse at Museum Tower for $23 million. The eight-bedroom penthouse spans the entire 51st and 52nd stories, and has a total of 2,000 square feet of private terrace space. Mr. Icahn initially listed the penthouse for $35 million in 2019, and it has been on and off the market ever since.
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