Preserving the Mansion
The Mansion bears the impact of weather and the annual visitation of more than one million people.
- Work has been completed to totally restore the Mansion’s exterior, removing layers of paint and sand and re-applying using the same process Washington used, called “rustication.”
- This integrated, comprehensive effort will address past repairs in need of attention, strengthen the Mansion’s framing and masonry, manage moisture, and implement appropriate environmental and electrical systems to create the conditions necessary to protect the Mansion and its collections. Upgrading obsolete HVAC systems and enabling room-by-room zoning control of humidity and temperature will preserve the architectural fabric as well as priceless objects on display. Phases will include the expansion of the underground utility bunker and the closure of certain areas of the Mansion through early 2026.