City Kicks Off $10 Million Renovation for Queens County Farm Museum

NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa and NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura announced the start of a $10 million upgrade and accessibility project for the Queens County Farm Museum's barn and garage building. The historic structure is a designated New York City Landmark, on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the Historic House Trust of New York City.

"The Queens County Farm Museum tells a story of New York City's agricultural past, and this project affirms the museum can continue to do so well into the future," said Dep. Mayor, Operations Julia Kerson. "By improving accessibility, restoring the historic barn, and delivering essential upgrades to the museum's electrical, plumbing, and fire safety systems, we are ensuring this local landmark can continue to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors each year."

“We are lucky to have a legen-dairy site like the Queens County Farm Museum in New York City where guests, entire families and students can have a great time and learn about agriculture and the history of the land," said Ochoa. "With this $10 million project, we will make the upgrades needed so it can continue to serve visitors for many more years. The overall restoration will repair the roof and upgrade the facade, windows and other interior spaces of the museum's historic barn house and garage. We will also install a new ADA-accessible ramp for a more welcoming entrance, as well as a new road, sidewalk and additional greenery outside the building.”

"This $10 million renovation will help the Queens County Farm Museum continue to serve as a gateway into New York City's past, connecting New Yorkers over our shared history and inspiring generations to come," said Shimamura. "We're proud to work with our partners at the Historic House Trust to care for the 23 historic houses throughout the five boroughs and make sure all New Yorkers can visit, enjoy and learn from these sites."

The Queens County Farm Museum will receive a new ADA-accessible ramp and other exterior and interior upgrades under the $9.7 million project funded by NYC Parks and completed by DDC.

A groundbreaking ceremony with the museum, NYC Parks, DDC and local elected officials was held on October 15, 2026.

Located at 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, the Queens County Farm Museum occupies the City's largest remaining tract of undisturbed farmland. The 47-acre site, which dates back to 1697, includes historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, farm vehicles and includes planting fields, an orchard and herb garden. The museum, built in the 1920s, sees 600,000 visitors annually and educates visitors on various topics, including biodiversity, nutrition, climate change and preserving local history. The barn/admin building was destroyed by a fire in the 1960s and was reconstructed in 1992. Over the years, the building's roof and facade have deteriorated, and the project will also address water infiltration and other structural issues.

Work will include the restoration of the museum's historic barn and garage, which are connected in a single building and are used for administrative and public gathering purposes. Upgrades will include a new HVAC system and building envelope improvements for better insulation and energy efficiency. A new boiler will be installed, and electrical, plumbing, fire alarm and sprinkler systems will all be upgraded. The barn's roof and skylight will be restored, replicating the previous look of the historic building. Work will also include structural changes and the stabilization of the building. The faux garage doors and windows will be restored. Exterior work will include painting, the installation of a new ADA-accessible entry ramp, asphalt paving and sidewalk restoration. The project will also add a new tree, shrubs, grass, ferns and over 140 new perennials.

Temporary trailers are being provided for the museum to use as office and classroom spaces during construction. Work is expected to be completed in spring of 2027.