Riverside Park’s Franz Sigel Statue Undergoes Major Restoration

The Franz Sigel monument, a fixture of Riverside Park since 1907, is currently undergoing its most significant conservation effort in over two decades. The project, which commenced on July 13, 2026, aims to preserve the bronze sculpture of the Civil War general by transitioning from traditional lacquer coatings to a more environmentally friendly wax treatment.

Jonathan Kuhn, the NYC Parks Director of Art & Antiquities, noted that the shift is necessary due to health and environmental regulations regarding the solvents previously used in older lacquer applications. The current restoration process involves using blowtorches and steam to strip away the 2004-era coating, addressing active corrosion, and performing spot patination to repair damage caused by urban pollutants.

The conservation work is being managed by the Parks Department’s Monument Conservation Program in collaboration with the Riverside Park Conservancy. Funding for the initiative includes support from an endowment established in memory of longtime neighborhood residents Thelma and Alex Schwartz. In addition to professional staff, the project provides hands-on experience for interns from graduate-level conservation programs.

To mitigate the impact of summer temperatures, crews have been operating on an early schedule, typically working from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The project has occasionally required the closure of the stairs at West 106th Street, leading to inquiries from local residents. While some neighbors have expressed appreciation for the maintenance, others have sought to bypass the work zone, according to project staff.

Once completed, the monument is expected to retain its historic character while appearing more uniform in tone. Officials suggest the goal is to ensure the statue looks well-maintained without losing the aesthetic of its age. The project is expected to conclude by the end of July.