New York City is a historic place, and like any historic place it has its secrets. Photographer Will Ellis know this better than most.

Ellis is an urban explorer, one of many who seek out and investigate abandoned and usually off-limits buildings and structures.

Often these places exist right in our everyday environments without us even knowing they're there.

He's been photographing abandoned spaces in and around New York City for years, documenting these hidden artifacts of bygone times.

His work has been compiled into a book, which is available for purchase here.

Ellis shared some exclusive images with us and talked about his experiences exploring New York's most intriguing hidden ruins.