ArtCare Conservation was pleased to begin the new year by highlighting an extraordinary conservation project centered on one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, the Waldorf Astoria. This ambitious effort involved the restoration of 64 historic painted murals, each contributing to the building’s legacy of architectural and artistic significance.
In a webinar hosted by The Institute of Conservation, two of our Directors Kelly O’Neill and Oliver Watkiss presented an in-depth look at this complex, multi-year project. Their discussion offered valuable insights into both the technical and historical dimensions of conserving large-scale artworks within a dynamic environment.
The restoration of the Waldorf Astoria murals was notable not only for its scale, but also for the challenges involved in preserving works that had endured for over a century. Many of the murals were originally salvaged from the earlier Astoria Hotel, making their conservation a critical link to New York’s cultural and architectural past.
During the webinar, attendees gained a deeper understanding of several key aspects of the project, including the historical significance of the murals, the realities of working within an active construction site, and the careful planning required to safely transport and treat fragile artworks. The presenters also explored the techniques used to faithfully reproduce the distinctive style of Edward Simmons, whose work was central to the collection.
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This session provided a valuable opportunity to examine the practical and logistical complexities of large-scale conservation, while also celebrating the craftsmanship and scholarship that underpin successful restoration efforts. As the Waldorf Astoria underwent renewal, projects like this helped ensure that its artistic heritage would continue to be preserved for future generations.
ArtCare Conservation has produced a detailed case study on the Waldorf Astoria project.