Every summer tourists flock to New York City in droves, believing that they can hang out on Fifth Avenue and take pictures with the iconic skyline in the background. However, what they don’t realize is that many of the buildings they are looking at aren’t real. In fact, New York is full of fake buildings, and here’s why.

Most of the fake buildings are located on a stretch of land near the east end of Manhattan Island, called the High Line. This area was first developed in the late 19th century, when the city was expanding rapidly and needed to fill in the gaps between existing buildings. In order to quickly build these areas, the city resorted to constructing fake buildings. These temporary structures were meant to fill in the gaps in the cityscape until the area was ready for more permanent construction.

Over the years, some of these fake buildings have become part of the landscape, even being featured in movies and television shows. In addition, some of the fake buildings have been taken over by street artists and art galleries, making them places where tourists can explore the vibrancy of the city’s art scene.

So why are there still so many fake buildings in New York City? The answer lies in their construction. Many of the buildings have been built with materials that don’t require regular maintenance, and they are often in areas that don’t receive enough foot traffic to warrant redevelopment. This has allowed them to stay standing for generations, even without care or upkeep.

While most people are drawn to New York City for its iconic skyline, it’s important to remember that the city has many hidden gems. From the infamous High Line to the small art galleries tucked away in fake buildings, there’s something new to explore in the city every time you visit. So next time you’re in New York, take a moment and explore away from the bright lights of the skyline and uncover some of the city’s true treasures.