Monuments Conservation Program
In 1997, the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program was launched with two initial goals: to augment through private investment the City's care of its public art collection and to train the next generation of conservators.
The Citywide Monuments Conservation Program monitors the condition of, and performs conservation treatments and maintenance on, the extensive and irreplaceable public art collection in New York City's parks. The program is supported by individual, corporate, and foundation grants; the City Parks Foundation is its fiscal sponsor.
Since its inception, the program has conserved 46 sculptures and provided full-scale, high-quality care for more than 85 additional sculptures and monuments. The work crews consist of seasonal conservation trainees selected from graduate programs in historic preservation, objects conservation, art history, and fine arts. The apprentices work under the direction of the Monuments Program's professional conservation staff.
Seeking to avoid cycles of renovation and decline, the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program performs regular follow-up maintenance of previously conserved statuary. With historical bronzes this generally consists of an overall inspection, gentle cleaning, and reapplication of the protective coatings.
This procedure ensures the protection of the sculpture as well as a consistently acceptable appearance. Candidates for maintenance will be annually selected in each of the five boroughs, as funding permits. Written and photographic documentation of conservation and maintenance establishes a permanent record of care and serves to guide further efforts.
Watch an It’s My Park segment about the program.
If you would like to make a contribution or request information, please contact the Monuments Coordinator at (212) 360-8143 or write to the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program, The Arsenal, Room 20, Central Park, New York, NY 10065.