Oppenheimer in New York
Walk through the mind of a man, the making of an era, and the streets that shaped them both.
This walking tour connects the dots between radical ideas, world-shifting science, and the quiet streets of the Upper West Side—home to J. Robert Oppenheimer and the intellectual circles that helped shape the modern age. Against the backdrop of New Deal optimism and wartime urgency, explore how New York shaped the man who would become the "father of the atomic bomb." Along the way, you'll encounter the residences, schools, and institutions that influenced not only Oppenheimer but the scientific and political figures around him.
Main Features:
Walk in Oppenheimer’s Footsteps: Explore his early life and childhood homes on the Upper West Side
Discover His Unique Schooling: Learn how an elite and unusual New York education fueled his scientific curiosity and philosophical depth
Trace His Family’s Journey: Follow the Oppenheimers’ path from European immigrants to New York’s cultured elite
Uncover Manhattan Project Echoes: Visit locations tied to atomic-era breakthroughs and their far-reaching consequences
Reflect on His Legacy: Consider the moral and political questions that still linger in the wake of his work
Meeting point: OUTSIDE 94 Corner Cafe, 2518 Broadway, NY 10025 on the corner of Broadway and West 94th Street, beside the 94th St & 93 St East Side of Broadway exit to the 96th Street subway (Upper West Side, Manhattan)
Endpoint: Columbia University, Morningside Heights
Tour length: 2.5 hours
Distance covered: 1.7 miles
Meeting point: OUTSIDE 94 Corner Cafe, 2518 Broadway, on the corner of Broadway (east side) and West 94th Street (south side)
This is an extensively researched tour given by a professional historian that should not be missed on a visit to New York. The tour is both educative and enlightening in that it contextualizes Oppenheimer & Co. as part of the broader revolutions in thought occurring in both place and time. The tour leader is highly entrepreneurial and a pleasure to spend an afternoon with.
Jake L (Tripadvisor) 5*
A wonderful tour! Krombie is so knowledgeable and funny, she carefully curated this tour to showcase the various circles of society that influenced Oppenheimer's upbringing, moral philosophy, and career. We heard about the thriving expat Jewish community on the Upper West Side, along with the intellectual, scientific, and artistic circles that influenced him. Even though this is a relatively new Purefinder tour, Krombie seems like she already has an excellent grasp of material and was happy to answer questions or elaborate further. Highly recommend, looking forward to another tour with her soon!
Maggie K (Tripadvisor) 5*
Second tour with Purefinder. Highly educational walking tour filled with Krombie’s endless knowledge and theatrical delivery. My partner is a lifelong New Yorker and we have both lived on the upper west side for many years. We had no idea that Oppenheimer, his ancestors, and his children had such a presence and influence here. Many cool factoids about the man and his contemporaries who resided here. These tours are the best in NYC for sure.
rodeonyc (Tripadvisor) 5*
We loved the Oppenheimer tour. It was compelling, eye-opening, and thought provoking. Our guide was brilliantly informed, and found ways to tie so many different movements of the time into the conversation. So while it was Oppenheimer focused, you really got a sense of society, politics and the city at the time!
Annie T (Tripadvisor) 5*