Elisabet Ney Museum, the castle-esque national landmark at 304 East 44th Street in the generally pastoral Hyde Park neighborhood, will close to the public at the end of December 30 and remain closed through much of 2026. The city will carry out a capital improvement project to renovate and revive the 3,700-square-foot museum, which was the 19th century art studio and residence of sculptor Elisabet Ney, during that time.
The project includes restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows' upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems; and repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.
Exterior work includes replacing the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek and installation of accessible pathways to better connect the museum’s grounds. The site work also includes approximately 20,000 square feet of Waller Creek bank stabilization.
Funding for the restoration project is provided through 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum.
The museum anticipates reopening in the summer of 2026.
