The cathedral is absolutely gorgeous, yet I’m leaving a bad review in the hopes that management will see this and improve their staff’s behavior. Upon entering, we were immediately asked if we saw the signs with the prices. That felt a little unnecessary… especially since you have to walk through a box office to go in. We walked up to the box office, and I mentioned we were one adult and two seniors. I was given the price. I inquired whether there was a neighbors discount, as I live in the neighborhood and often museums do that (and it wasn’t advertised in any of their multiple signs). I was asked my zip code, and asked about the people that were with me. I told them they were my parents, who were staying with me. The guy proceed to mansplain difference between living and staying in a rude attempt of an unnecessary grammar lesson. I pointed out his behavior, and asked again if there was a neighbor’s discount, which he had never answered before grilling us with questions. I also pointed out how many museums, such as the Met (we visited just yesterday and have proof of this) and the Museum of the City of NY, only require one resident to show proof of residency. The guy again replied rudely doubting my information. This entire interaction left us with a very sour taste upon entering a CHURCH with my SENIOR parents. The rudeness and attitude was simply unnecessary and unforgivable. Was it because they heard us speaking a different language? Impossible to know. I sincerely hope the staff is better trained in the future, and neighborhood discounts are better advertised.

Also I understand the value of self-guided tours, but it would be helpful to have some information throughout the cathedral, so you don’t solely have to rely on googling information about certain pieces of art.