The city’s designated home for mayors since 1942 is opening up once again to the public in November.
The Upper East Side mansion features a new art collection on display curated to showcase the city’s diversity throughout six rooms in the home. New additions can all be sourced to the time of the original Gracie Mansion, which was built in 1799. RELATED: De Blasio bluntly denies smoking pot at Gracie Mansion “When we look back, we are reminded that diversity is this city’s DNA,” said first lady Chirlane McCray in a statement. “We flourish when we celebrate and encourage our bounty of difference. That’s the story this installation tells.” Titled “Windows on the City,” the exhibit also also includes stoneware, Native American artifacts and historical documents on loan from the New York State Archives on slavery.
RELATED: Arrest made in pellet shooting outside of Gracie Mansion Public tours will start in earnest on Nov. 10. Those interested in attending the October open house can register online at nyc.gov/GracieOpenHouse.
NBC New York reported the new art pieces replace previously featured portraits of President George Washington and wife of former Mayor Robert Wagner, Susan Wagner. New Yorkers and tourists alike can take a gander at 49 new works during an open house on Oct. 25, and can register for the initial tour of the historic home starting Oct. 19.
The mansion has undergone serious repairs starting in January, when ongoing leaking forced the city to spend capital money to replace Gracie’s roof. Workers later found asbestos in the home.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and his family moved into the home in July 2014, after public consternation over whether the Brooklyn-based family would move into the mayoral home.
Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg hosted events and dignitaries in the space, but chose to live in his own Upper East Side townhouse.