By Maggie Fleming
Buffalo, NY – The Albright Knox Art Gallery on Wednesday began restoration of its Grand Staircase.
The museum was built in 1905 and the staircase, which has deteriorated and sustained damage over the years, is in urgent need of repair, according to museum officials.
The Albright Knox has been awarded major grants by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Empire State Development Corporation, as well as various foundations to help finance the project.
Gallery Director Louis Grachos emphasized the importance of restoring the iconic staircase.
"This is a very unique place. It not only leads up to the great Albright Knox Art Gallery, it also is a community place. It is a place where our community utilizes it, shares it, enjoys this incredible view of the Olmstead Park and Hoyt Lake, it has been a remarkable asset for the Gallery, for our community and it's so important today that we're able to proceed in restoration, with this great restoration project," said Grachos.
The project is expected to cost over 1 million dollars. It is anticipated to be finished by the end of 2011. Until then, the staircase will be closed to the public.