Ambang Insurance Group, owner of the Waldorf Astoria New York is collaborating with the New York Historical Society on an installation of three of the grand hotel’s most prized possessions.
While the Waldorf Astoria undergoes a major restoration, the New York Historical Society will play host to the nine-foot-tall, two-ton World’s Fair Clock Tower from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago that graced the Waldorf’s lobby.
Also on view, the c. 1907 Steinway piano that once belonged to American musician, Cole Porter, a longtime resident on the 33rd floor of the Waldorf Towers. Porter composed some of his classic songs on this instrument, including “Anything Goes,” “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”
After his death in 1964, the piano ~ nicknamed ‘High Society’ ~ remained at the hotel on the mezzanine.
The beloved Steinway underwent a restoration at the Steinway & Sons factory in Astoria, Queens before arriving at The New York Historical Society.
And finally, John F. Kennedy’s famed rocking chair from the lavish 3,500 square-foot Presidential Suite.
“Waldorf Astoria New York is filled with historical treasures that we are working very hard to carefully preserve during the renovation and restoration process,” said Dino Michael, Global Brand Head, Waldorf Astoria. “We aim to ensure that when the hotel reopens, it will not only set a new standard of luxury, but it will retain some of the history that helped establish the Waldorf Astoria New York as the premier beacon of luxury.”
These treasures from the famed Waldorf Astoria will be on view at The New York Historical Society until the Waldorf Astoria reopens in 2021. The New York Historical Society will be hosting a special concert series ~ featuring High Society. Stay tuned.
The New York Historical Society is located at 170 Central Park West at 77th Street, NYC.
While you’re there, check out The Museum of Natural History, right next door, with its current exhibition, T. rex: The Ultimate Predator.