 Founded in 1804 the New York Historical Society is the oldest museum in New York City. It houses 1.6 million objects including a large collection of historical artifacts and works by the Hudson River School painters and John Audobon's 435 watercolors of birds. The library contains over 3 million books and other printed material. The five year renovation project to make the museum more user friendly and was completed in 2011. 

New York Historical Society Museum & Library

Architect Ray Dovell discusses the New York Historical Society Museum. Prior to the renovation, the building functioned more like a "club" than as a "museum"; with the renovation, the architects designed the building to invited the public inside. 

Scott Duenow, Senior Associate at Platt Byard Dovell White Architects talks about the renovated Central Park West facade and interior space of the New York Historical Society Museum.