Rare footage shows what New York City looked like in 1911

pulse

June 26, 2017 4:25 PM

A new short film from MoMA's archives reveals the simplicity of life in early 20th century Manhattan.

"New York 1911." Sweden. Produced by Svenska Biografteatern.

Early 20th century Manhattan looked much different than it does today. Instead of driving in Toyotas and yellow taxis, New Yorkers rode in roofless, buggy-style vehicles. Many of the island's subway lines were elevated above the streets, rather than hidden underground. Steamboats brought over a million new immigrants across waters.

That's reflected in a documentary travelogue newly released by NYC's Museum of Modern Art. M documents life in Manhattan in 1911.

It opens and closes with shots of the Statue of Liberty, and roams through the city's streets to show New York Harbor, Battery Park, Grace Church on Broadway, the Flatiron Building on Fifth Avenue, and shops on Madison Avenue.

The cameramen, who made moving images of well-known places around the world, also filmed the

pulse