New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel to close for years as weather-worn exterior gets major makeover
Since 1907, the Plaza Hotel has served as an iconic fixture of New York City, facing Central Park along Fifth Avenue.
Iconic Plaza Hotel closing for renovations for at least 4 years
New York City's most iconic hotel is closing for four years in 2027 for exterior renovations. The hotel has weathered a lot of storms over the last several decades. To talk more about the Plaza's legacy, Julie Satow, author of "The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel" and an award-winning journalist and historian, met with FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar.
NEW YORK, N.Y. – After more than a century of weathering New York City's harsh winters, scorching summers and powerful storms, the iconic Plaza Hotel is preparing for a major makeover.
In mid-October, officials announced the historic landmark would close for at least four years beginning in 2027 to restore its exterior facade.
Since 1907, the Plaza Hotel has served as an iconic fixture of New York City, facing Central Park along Fifth Avenue.
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It's been a location for weddings and other major events and has been featured in many movies and television shows.
Plaza Hotel, New York, New York, 1895. Statue of Sherman at 59th Street and the entrance to Central Park visible.
(Geo. P. Hall & Son/The New York Historical / Getty Images)
In January 2027, the Plaza is set to close its doors for at least four years, so the work on its exterior can be completed safely.
"Understanding the unique place in New York City’s architectural heritage and cultural history it holds, The Plaza Hotel is advancing plans for repair and restoration works to its landmark-protected façade," a news release announcing the closure said. "The scope and complexity of the façade works require detailed planning and coordination with relevant stakeholders, alongside adherence to applicable historic preservation requirements."
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The Plaza has endured many weather events in the last nearly 120 years.
NEW YORK, NY - MAY 21: The entrance of International Hotel The Plaza is seen shuttered during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic on May 21, 2020 in New York City.
(Eduardo MunozAlvarez/VIEWpress / Getty Images)
FOX Weather Meteorologist Jane Minar spoke to Julia Satow, award-winning journalist, historian and author of "The Plaza: The Secret Life of America's Most Famous Hotel," about the hotel's closure.
"If you look at the facade, the first three stories are made of marble," Satow said.
Legendary iconic Plaza Hotel, a landmark 20-story luxury hotel and condominium apartment during a blue sky day.
(Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto / Getty Images)
Marble is not ideal for weathering the elements, being extremely porous. So extreme cold and heat, rain and even the sun, can wear down the stone drastically.
Most of the rest of the building's exterior is made of glazed terracotta brick, which also tends to need replacements and repairs after many decades.
The Plaza Hotel is seen in New York City, United States, on August 6, 2026.
(Marcin Golba/NurPhoto / Getty Images)
"I'm excited for what it will look like when it's fully renovated," Satow said. "I'm sure it will be beautiful."
The Plaza did not specify how much of the building would undergo renovations, but said the planning and execution of the work is still under review.