New York Mosque (Islamic Cultural Center)

Opened in 1989 and often referred to as the '96th Street Mosque,' or "New York Mosque," the Islamic Cultural Center of New York was the first mosque in New York City built from the ground up. Designed by the prestigious architectural firm of Skidmore, Owings, & Merrill and financed mainly by the Kuwaiti government, the mosque fills an entire city block in Manhattan's Upper East Side.

One of the more striking buildings in New York, the mosque contains the two primary elements that traditionally compose an Islamic house of worship: a mosque and a minaret. The geometric form of the mosque, based on a recurring theme of square units, follows Islamic law, which prohibits the depiction of natural forms since they are made in the image of God. The result is a striking blend of ancient Islamic tradition and contemporary design and materials. The Mosque is well worth a visit.

The mosque regularly draws over 4,000 faithful for Friday prayers.