Mayor Bloomberg Lauds Return of South Street Seaport at Re-opening Celebration
January 16th, 2013
Mayor Michael Bloomberg was on hand last night when The South Street Seaport Museum held its grand reopening which featured the launching two new exhibits: A Fisherman’s Dream: Folk Art by Mario Sanchez and Shots/NYC, which highlights contemporary New York City street photography.
“You put a fresh wind in your sails today,” the Mayor said at the reopening celebration. “Together you steered this museum off the shoals and plotted a bold new course for it. You’ve introduced thousands of new visitors to its rich heritage. Your dynamic programming illustrates just how well our waterfront reflects our ecology and commerce and illuminates themes from ecology to urban design. They are wonderful reminders of why the Seaport Museum deserves the continued support of all of us!”
The Museum had been closed since Superstorm Sandy leveled many businesses in New York City in late October, flooding the Museum and damaging its café and gift shop, electrical system, elevators, and escalator and inundating its historic letterpress show. All collections and exhibitions escaped direct damage, but nevertheless the loss of mechanical, heating, and electrical systems shuttered the museum – along with much of the surrounding neighborhood – for the last month.
“Superstorm Sandy may have dealt us a body blow but we are back on our feet, and open with fantastic, new exhibitions. In large part, we have re-opened as a statement of faith in our mission and community,” said Susan Henshaw Jones, Ronay Menschel Director of the Museum of the City of New York and President of the South Street Seaport Museum.
The museum was one of the last tourist attractions to reopen in the city. Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty are still closed to the public.
Created in 1967, the South Street Seaport Museum’s mission was to celebrate New York’s maritime past through its collections, including vessels, and through exhibitions and school and public programs. Financial issues forced the Seaport Museum to close in early 2011, but the Seaport Museum was re-opened in January 2012 under the management of the Museum of the City of New York, which has sought to make use of the Seaport Museum’s assets to pave the way for a stable future. The Museum is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Admission is $10 and free for children under 9-years-old.
The Museum was severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy, and is seeking contributions to fully restore and replace all of its damaged electric equipment. Donations can be made at www.southstreetseaportmuseum.
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January 17th, 2013 at 9:08 PM
Yea Mikey!
January 18th, 2013 at 6:22 AM
can't wait to go there in the summer. it is the best when it is hot out.