Ever wondered how a stand-up comedian could transform your love for New York? Meet LizaBanks Campagna, the tour guide who’s doing just that—one TikTok video and museum tour at a time. From her humble beginnings in comedy to leading tours through Manhattan’s iconic landmarks, Liza’s journey is as captivating as the stories she shares. But here’s where it gets controversial: how did a sudden job loss lead her to a career she never saw coming? And this is the part most people miss: her unique approach to making history accessible is sparking a revolution in how we experience the city.
By day, Liza guides tourists and locals through the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Grand Central Terminal, weaving tales that bring these institutions to life. By night, she’s a stand-up comedian, honing her craft in the city’s vibrant comedy scene. But what happens when these two worlds collide? Her TikTok videos, which delve into the lore behind her tour spots, have gone viral, turning her into a sought-after guide. Now, she’s on the brink of launching her own business to meet the soaring demand.
Here’s the twist: Liza’s path to becoming a tour guide wasn’t straightforward. After losing her corporate job in May 2023, she found herself at a low point, applying for jobs on Glassdoor. Ironically, the day after her layoff, she landed an interview for a tour leader position—and got the job on the spot because of her stand-up experience. ‘It was so much fun,’ she recalls. ‘I love talking to people, meeting them, and sharing history.’ But the real challenge? Balancing her comedy career with her newfound passion.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing: Liza’s move to New York in January 2024 wasn’t without hurdles. Despite securing her tour guide license, she faced months of struggle, juggling four jobs—nanny, tour guide, lacrosse coach, and comedian—to make ends meet. Her perseverance paid off when she started leading tours at the Met, where her lack of art history background inspired her to create TikTok videos as a learning tool. The response was overwhelming, with viewers clamoring for private tours.
But here’s the question that divides opinions: Is New York’s status as the only original colony founded on economy rather than religion the key to its identity as a metropolis? Liza thinks so, and she uses this fun fact to engage her tour groups, especially kids, who offer refreshingly honest perspectives. Another controversial point? The Met’s Egyptian collection, the largest outside Cairo, was acquired through a 30-year partage deal with Egypt—a practice that raises ethical questions about cultural ownership.
Now, let’s talk art: Liza’s favorite pieces at the Met are ever-changing, but she’s particularly drawn to John Singer Sargent’s The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit and Van Gogh’s Funeral Flowers. She also highlights the ‘Casa Susanna’ exhibit, a collection of Polaroids from the 1960s featuring cross-dressing men, as a powerful example of art transcending social norms. But here’s a bold claim: some of the Met’s most popular pieces, like the tomb of Perneb, are overhyped. Instead, she recommends lesser-known gems like the tomb of Raemkai.
And don’t forget Grand Central: Liza’s favorite story? The tale of the eagles from the original Grand Central Depot, discarded during renovations and later found in unexpected places. ‘If you have any leads on the ten other eagles, let me know,’ she jokes.
Hot tips for Met visitors: Did you know you can make appointments to view objects not on display? Liza’s experience seeing Rembrandt’s Drypoint Princes was life-changing. She also recommends exploring hidden gems like Lorna Simpson’s ‘Source Notes’ exhibit and shopping at consignment stores like Michael’s for a taste of Upper East Side luxury.
Final thought: Liza believes we’re all consuming art, whether we realize it or not. From fashion to film, it’s about investigating what resonates with you. So, the next time you’re in New York, consider booking a tour with Liza—she might just make you see the city in a whole new light. But here’s the real question: Can a tour guide truly change how you feel about a city? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
