Pythian Temple (New York City)

The Pythian Temple stands out on this quiet street as a vivid example of Egyptian Revival architecture. Built in nineteen twenty-seven to serve as the headquarters for the Knights of Pythias, the structure was intentionally designed without windows across its middle section. This feature allowed the fraternal organization to conduct their secret, ritualistic meetings in total privacy. You can still see the original, flamboyant terra cotta decorations, including seated pharaohs, polychrome columns, and Babylonian-inspired figures that give the building its distinctive look.