The Morgan Library and Museum, known for its collection of early books, drawings, and manuscripts, announced today that it will begin a four-year, $12.5 million exterior restoration of the building’s façade. Managed by the architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle, with support from historical exteriors expert Integrated Conservation Resources, the project will address issues associated with the landmark’s age, such as weathering, façade deterioration, erosion, and loss of masonry joints. The 1906 library was designed by McKim, Mead & White, the architects behind pivotal projects like the former Pennsylvania Station and the Brooklyn Museum. The building will continue to be open to visitors during the preservation process, the first comprehensive restoration of the exterior and grounds in its 112-year history. Work begins today, February 15.
“It’s not a structural emergency that needed to be responded to, but it was more about being good stewards and thinking of the future,” director Colin B. Bailey said to AD PRO of the Morgan’s decision to restore and refresh its library. After celebrating the 10-year anniversary of its expansion by architect Renzo Piano—which moved the entrance of the three-building complex to Madison Avenue from 36th Street—and completing an interior restoration of the library in 2010, “this was a moment when we felt it was time to address this historic building,” he said.
All freestanding marble sculptures, portico friezes, and reliefs will be completely restored; some are currently experiencing minor cracks. The surrounding fence will also be removed, refreshed, and returned to the site. The grounds—a large lawn, spotted with trees—are being redesigned by London firm Todd Longstaffe-Gowan in collaboration with New York’s Future Green Studio. New lighting will also soften the building’s appearance at night.
The façade restorations are planned for completion by December 2019, with landscaping renovations to be finished in 2020.
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