The newest addition to the Upper West Side’s cultural landscape invites visitors to explore everything from American democracy and presidential history to an unexpected collection of shoes.

The new Tang Wing for American Democracy has opened at The New York Historical, expanding the museum’s exhibition, education and conservation spaces ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

What You Need To Know

  • The Tang Wing for American Democracy has opened at The New York Historical on Manhattan’s Upper West Side

  • The expansion includes new galleries, classrooms, conservation studios, a rooftop terrace and sculpture court

  • The project was completed ahead of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States

  • Opening events include expanded hours, pay-what-you-wish admission, live music and family programming

“It’s a wonderful feeling because all of our plans and expectations have — and I’m going to sound braggy — but they’ve turned out exceedingly well,” said Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of The New York Historical. “We really thank our architects and all the people internal to this institution who really made this place sing.”

Among the artifacts on display are a rare printing of the Declaration of Independence, the Bible used by George Washington when he took the oath of office and sculptures depicting Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr on the day of their infamous duel in Weehawken.

The new wing also includes a roof deck, sculpture court, state of the art studios to conserve the many gems in the museum’s collection and additional classroom space designed to support the museum’s educational mission.

“Just imagine in these soaring, beautiful, really gorgeous, gorgeous state-of-the-art classrooms how improved the learning experience will be,” Mirrer said.

Mirrer called it a very happy conclusion the project was completed on time to be a centerpiece of their celebrations of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The Tang Wing was designed by Ramsa, Robert A.M. Stern Architects. 

Firm partner Graham Wyatt says they wanted it to feel seamless on the outside and functionally seamless on the inside but modern in every way, technically and in terms of the guest experience. 

“At a certain point, working on a building like this for such a long period of time, you have to realize that it’s no longer yours and it becomes someone else’s,” Wyatt said. “In this situation, it’s becoming not only the building of The New York Historical, but the building for the people of New York. And that’s a very, very nice feeling for an architect.”

To mark the opening, the museum is offering expanded hours, pay-what-you-wish admission and live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings through the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Family activities are also planned on weekends.

Plan your visit at nyhistory.org.