New Expansion Set to Open at New York Historical

Finally, it’s happening.

New York Historical announced on Tuesday that a much-anticipated expansion focused on American history is scheduled to open this summer, coinciding with celebrations of the country’s 250th anniversary.

The new Tongue Wing for American Democracy will feature expansive art galleries, a cutting-edge conservation lab, rooftop gardens, large classrooms, and the inaugural American LGBTQ+ Museum.

“This wing will rise as a living testament to the American Revolution, from its modest beginnings as the first modern democracy to its status as the longest-lasting democracy in the world,” remarked board chair Agnes Soutan, an archaeologist whose family’s generous donation facilitated this project.

The New York Historical, which removed “Society” from its name last year, provided a tour of the new 71,000-square-foot space on Tuesday, just six months shy of its June 18 opening.

While construction of the Tongue Wing continues, many of the large rooms and classrooms are still taking shape, with just the fundamentals in place, waiting for paintings to adorn the walls and visitors to arrive.

This expansion has been in the works for decades, with many proposals put forth, including one that suggested adding apartments above the iconic museum, but none have moved beyond discussions.

The Tang Wing is being built behind the original structure and will maintain the museum’s original height.

The entire project is estimated to cost around $360 million, supported by a significant $125 million contribution from Sue Tan and her husband Oscar Tan. Sue Tan’s philanthropic endeavors also include directing Columbia University’s Early Chinese Tang Center and Oxford University’s Su Tan Library for Classical Chinese Literature.

When complete, the Tongue Wing will host a variety of exhibits celebrating America’s 250th anniversary alongside a week-long festivities in New York City.

The newly established Klingenstein Family Gallery will debut the “Problems of Democracy” exhibition, showcasing pivotal exhibits from the museum’s history that highlight the evolution and spread of democracy over the years. Additionally, the “Revolutionary Women” series will focus on the often-overlooked contributions of women to the war efforts.

This new development will notably enhance New York Historical’s capability to serve students, increasing annual enrollment from 3,000 to 30,000 through its four-day intensive program.

“This innovative wing truly reflects Historical Papers’ mission to shed light on the intricacies of American history and foster engagement with its defining ideas and principles,” said Dr. Louise Miller.

“As we draw nearer to the 250th anniversary of our nation, the Tongue Wing will stand as a beacon for civic learning and a place for reflection on the values that shape our democracy.”