Gracie Mansion Gets New Artworks, Artifacts To Reflect City's Diversity

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- There are some new artworks at Gracie Mansion that better reflect how New York City looked when the house was built in 1799.

"Windows on the City: Looking Out at Gracie's New York" features 49 artificats including paintings, historic documents and other items covering the colonial, revolutionary and federal periods. They include portraits of freed slaves and a tomahawk traded to American Indians.

Most of the additions come from the city's cultural institutions.

The exhibit is aimed at creating "a more historically accurate picture of life in New York City during the time of Gracie Mansion's construction," according to the mayor's office.

"The New York City experience has always been one of many peoples and many cultures. I'm delighted that this new installation will reflect our vibrant history – and remind us all that this city is always at its best when we make room for everyone," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

The redecorating of the mayor's official residence was overseen by First Lady Chirlane McCray, who told the Wall Street Journal that she wanted artworks that represented her family's history.

"The energy of many traditions and cultures has always propelled this city forward," McCray said in a statement. "When we look back, we are reminded that diversity is this city's DNA. We flourish when we celebrate and encourage our bounty of difference. That's the story this installation tells."

The public can enter a lottery for tickets to see the items during an open house on Oct. 25. The giveaway starts Oct. 19.

Public tours of the mansion ceased in the spring for repairs and a roof replacement.

"We took that time to really think about how we can open it to more New Yorkers, tell the story of our history more completely," Gabrielle Fialkoff, Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for Mayor Bill de Blasio, told 1010 WINS.

Public tours will resume on Nov. 10.

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