NYC Arts: The Complete Guide to Art and Culture

The former wealth of this Episcopal parish, which derived from a land grant bestowed by the Crown in 1705, is reflected in the architecture and decoration of both Trinity Church and nearby St. Paul's Chapel (Broadway and Fulton Street).

Permanent exhibits—A Colonial Church in a Colonial Society; The American Revolution: Trinity in an Occupied City; and A New Church in a New Nation—trace church history from the 1600s to the present. Temporary exhibits draw on historical documents, maps, prints and drawings that relate to the social and religious life of the parish. It Is Done, for example, commemorated the 200th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration, which took place nearby at today's Federal Hall.  Both church and chapel offer regular music program. The free, weekly Concerts at One series of chamber, recital and contemporary classical music is performed every Thursday at 1 pm from September to May.

Trinity Church was designed by Richard Upjohn and completed in 1846. It is a classic example of Gothic Revival architecture. The bas-relief doors designed by Richard Morris Hunt depict biblical scenes. This is actually the third Trinity Church. The first, built in 1697, was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1776, which consumed much of the city. The second, finished in 1790 and possessing a 200-foot steeple, was razed in 1839 due to structural flaws. Alexander Hamilton is buried in the Greco-Egyptian-style tomb in the adjacent cemetery. 

• Directions: Subway: 4, 5 to Wall Street; 1, R to Rector Street; J, Z to Broad Street