The Merchant's House Museum remains open during exterior restoration work

Restoration work got underway at the end of May at the Merchant's House Museum on Fourth Street.

Despite appearances, the Museum is open for business per usual here between the Bowery and Lafayette. Visitors can enter the rear garden through the gate located in Manual Plaza, just next door to the east.

Here's more about the work at the landmarked building dating to 1832: "This $3.6 million capital project includes a full restoration of the marble stoop, weatherproofing, and repairs to the brick. Work is expected to take 12 months."

As we've been reporting in recent years, concerns have been raised about the future of the Merchant's House Museum, with a new development being approved next door to the west. 

Does this restoration change anything with that project? (Spoiler — no.) 

[I]n spite of this critical restoration work, the Merchant's House is still at risk from development next door. It is disheartening that after spending $3.6 million, the City may still allow the development next door to move forward, destroying all the work that is currently taking place and wasting taxpayer dollars. 

Find visitor info here.