Westchester County Board of Legislators Press Release: HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM RENOVATIONS APPROVED BY BOARD.

HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM RENOVATIONS APPROVED BY BOARD.

Expanded Gallery Space, Structural Repairs Are Part of Plan.

White Plains, NY — The Hudson River Museum in Yonkers is set to get a major upgrade. The Westchester County Board of Legislators voted unanimously Monday night to approve renovations at the century-old institution on Warburton Avenue in Yonkers.

These improvements include an expansion of the museum's west wing -- so that more of the museum's permanent collection can be on display. Improvements also will be made to the museum's climate control system, to help preserve its collection and to allow it to continue to meet the requirements necessary to borrow great works from other institutions. 

Also planned are repairs to the leaky roof of the 1969 main building, as well as construction of an indoor theater space for cold-weather programing, to augment the programming currently held during the summer months at the museum's outdoor amphitheater.

Improvements and repairs also will be made to the historic, Gilded Age Glenview house on the site, including construction of an ADA-compliant sheltered connection between the main building and the 1877 structure, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

On Monday, the Board voted to approve the use of $6.2 million of money that had previously been allocated for other unbuilt improvements on or near the museum site, for the renovation.

Legislator Christopher Johnson (D - Yonkers) said, "For many children in Westchester and beyond, a trip to the Hudson River Museum is their first experience with a museum, as it was for me.  This place has been an inspiration for many children, and an anchor for the local community. With this new commitment we can ensure that the Hudson River Museum remains a prestigious, nationally recognized institution, able to expand its offerings to the public, and ready to inspire future generations."

Leg. MaryJane Shimsky (D - Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), Majority Whip and chair of the Board’s Public Works Committee, said, “These are necessary repairs and improvements that will do more than just keep the roof from leaking – though that will be fixed too. This project will provide one of Westchester’s most important cultural institutions the foundation it needs to continue serving residents well into the 21^st century.”

Leg. Catherine Borgia (D - Briarcliff Manor, Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Ossining, Peekskill), chair of the Board’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, said, “The Hudson River Museum is a great cultural institution that benefits everyone in the County, drawing thousands of area residents, including school children, every year to its nationally renowned programs and exhibitions. Helping fund this work, without having to allocate any new money, is a great investment in the future of Westchester County as a cultural destination.”

Masha Turchinsky, Director, Hudson River Museum said, “The Hudson River Museum’s mission is to engage, inspire, and connect diverse communities through the power of the arts, sciences, and history. This capital project will enable us to bring a world-class museum experience to all in Westchester and the Metropolitan area. We are proud to work with the Westchester County Board of Legislators and the City of Yonkers to realize this important expansion and much needed renovations, especially in our Centennial year. With this support, we not only protect our collective past, but forge exciting new paths together.”