The New York Historical Society is getting a $65M renovation

At 11 a.m. Friday, the New York Historical Society begins a new chapter in its 207-year history following a three-year $65 million renovation.

"We are going from being a beautiful treasure house to a great showplace of the American experience," said president and CEO Louise Mirrer.

The makeover includes an enhanced Central Park West entrance; a sweeping 3,400-square-foot space combining admissions, orientation and a permanent exhibition; a state-of-the-art theater; the only children's history museum and library in New York; and an upscale park-view restaurant run by an award-winning chef.
Here's a sneak peek:

Through the Lens of New York - Twelve digital columns with rotating slides feature items in the collection, including John James Audubon's watercolors.
New York Rising - A 19th-century-salon-style art installation enhanced with 21st-century touch-screen monitors.

Here Is New York - A selection of more than 6,000 photos taken by New Yorkers on Sept. 11, 2001.

Making American Taste: Narrative Art for a New Democracy - A mix of art and history showcasing 55 works from the society's collection.

Freedom Now: Photographs by Platon - A collection of photos by the British photographer depicting the struggle for civil rights in the U.S.