The Museum of the City of New York last night celebrated the completion of a 10-year, $97 million reconstruction with a reception for its supporters.
The City Museum, which is currently undergoing a renaissance with increased attendance, has concluded the largest expansion and modernization project in its history, setting the stage for the launch of New York at Its Core, a one-of-a-kind, ongoing exhibition about the past, present and future of the City, expected to open in October 2016.
Prior to the start of construction, the Museum’s Fifth Avenue building had been left largely unaltered since its completion in 1932.
Susan Henshaw Jones and Ronay Menschel, director of the Museum, engaged Ennead Architects to design a renovation project to modernize and upgrade the entire facility.
$67 million in funding came from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the City Council and the office of the Manhattan Borough President. In addition, $30 million came from other donors including trustees, individuals, corporations, foundations and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.
“We’re so honored to welcome and celebrate the many hundreds of people in government and the private sector – representing dozens of individuals and organizations – who have been unflagging in their support of our work and mission,” said Jones.
“Their support is the quintessential expression of New York’s renowned civic spirit that stretches across all five boroughs and over a decade and which inspires our efforts in exhibition, education and collections management.”
The renovation brings the Museum into full compliance with all City building codes. The renovated spaces is also LEED Silver certified.
