The Expanded New York Historical Opens to Visitors

The reimagined, expanded, revitalized The New York Historical—New York City’s first museum has officially opened its news spaces and exhibits to visitors!

As structural engineers for this remarkable project, representatives from DeSimone joined esteemed guests and museum leaders for a ceremonial ribbon cutting marking the grand opening of the new Tang Wing for American Democracy—and the unveiling of a transformative renovation of the historic existing buildings.

Speakers at the event included Agnes Hsu-Tang, who lent her name to the new wing, Senator Chuck Schumer, Representative Jerry Nadler, President and CEO of New York Historical Louise Mirrer, and more.

As a key contributor to realizing the vision for revitalizing this important cultural institution, designed by Robert A.M Stern Architects, the DeSimone team delivered creative and innovative structural engineering solutions for the renovation of the landmarked 1908 building and its 1930s additions—as well as the new 71,000-square-foot Tang Wing.

To create the expansive, column-free spaces envisioned for the new wing, DeSimone designed a long-span, composite steel and cast-in-place concrete structure that includes a 70-foot steel truss that supports a soaring, light-filled, and column-free exhibit space.

A key intervention created a new connection between the historic structure and the new wing at the cellar level. DeSimone designed a 34-foot transfer beam, temporarily jacking an existing column to lift it off a foundation wall and transfer its load to the new beam. This enabled the wall to be removed, creating a contiguous connection between the buildings while expanding space for education, research, and collections functions.

Within the existing 15-story library stacks tower, DeSimone introduced a transfer structure at the fifth floor and replaced the first-floor slab at a higher elevation to align with the new wing. The team also removed the second-, third-, and fourth-floor slabs to create a dramatic open gallery volume. Existing columns, spaced only four to five feet apart, were supported by multiple layers of new steel framing before being selectively cut and their loads transferred into the new structural system, creating expansive, open gallery space while preserving the now 11-story building above.

At a moment in time when relying on a truly trusted source for America’s history seems more important than ever, The New York Historical— founded in 1804—has doubled down on its mission to preserve, interpret, and present the stories that have shaped the American experience with this thoughtful and exciting renovation and expansion. Through exhibitions exploring democracy, American history, and LGBTQ+ history, the institution provides visitors with opportunities to engage with the people, events, and ideas that continue to influence our society. And there’s more to come: the nation's first permanent American LGBTQ+ Museum will open in late 2027.

The New York Historical expansion and renovation was led by DeSimone Principal James Bonanno, PE, and Project Manager Irene Lin, PE (pictured at the ribbon cutting).

Learn more about the structural engineering behind the reimagining of The New York Historical through our fact sheet.

To plan a visit to The New York Historical go to: https://www.nyhistory.org/visit