The New York Historical Society is getting a $65M renovation
The Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery Credit: The Robert H. and Clarice Smith New York Gallery
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.
Cleaning up after the storm ... HS football's drop in players ... Billy's 'movin' out' his motorcycles ... Out East: Winery that's more than grapes
Cleaning up after the storm ... HS football's drop in players ... Billy's 'movin' out' his motorcycles ... Out East: Winery that's more than grapes
