York Mansion House will reopen soon after a £1.3 million restoration – and city residents can get a free tour (if you’re quick).
City of York Council has made 90 free tickets available for residents to explore the newly-restored areas via behind the scenes tours.
The Mansion House reopens on 6 August, with the free tours on the 12 August. You can book a free tour here. They’re suitable for anyone 14 years old or older, the council says.
Led by Hannah Bellerby of Buttress Architects and Richard Pollitt, Mansion House manager and curator, the tours will guide visitors through the building’s most significant spaces and will explain more about the repair work undertaken.
Most of the restoration has focused on protecting the fabric of the building following a comprehensive inspection, as well as external repairs.
The Mansion House is now more accessible and the experts will explain further what has been improved and restored behind the scenes.
The tours will start in the state room before taking in the Lord Mayor’s drawing room, the principal staircase, the dining room, the butler’s pantry, the historic kitchen, the basement vault, external passageway, courtyard, and both the rear and front elevations.
One of the most exciting discoveries during the restoration was made in the Lord Mayor’s drawing room, where seven layers of historic wallpaper were uncovered dating back to the 1700s.
These layers, found on a narrow strip of wall, were then carefully removed and separated by wallpaper conservator Allyson McDermott.
They’ve been magnified to reveal the evolving decorative styles of the room over the centuries – providing invaluable insight for the restoration team.
The Lord Mayor of York Cllr Martin Rowley said: “Work to build the house began in 1725 and was completed in 1732, making it one of the earliest civic buildings in England in the classical style.
“As city’s civic hub, the Mansion House holds and displays an important collection of items which tell York’s history and we’re delighted to welcome you back.”
Buttress Architects was appointed in October 2024 to lead the restoration. The second phase of works is expected to conclude in December 2025.