2021 Arlington House Rehabilitation

The National Park Service completed a major rehabilitation effort in the summer of 2021, including artifact conservation, facilities restoration, and the installation of new interpretive exhibits. The rehabilitation, which began in 2018, was made possible through a $12.35 million donation by philanthropist David M. Rubenstein to the National Park Foundation.

NPS curators worked to conserve or restore more than 1,000 historic objects and acquired 1,300 antiques or reproductions, including several artifacts associated with African American history which are on display for the first time.

The project stabilized the foundation of Arlington House, restored exterior finishes and hardware, recoated decorative masonry faux-marble finishes, completed interior painting, repaired plaster, rehabilitated windows and doors, and reset the brick portico floor. The work also included new or improved electrical, lighting, security, climate management and fire suppression systems. The historic grounds and kitchen gardens were realigned to allow for accessibility.

Arlington House Before/After Restoration