Restoration: A Townhouse Reborn

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Discover the remarkable story of how Fairfax House was brought back to life, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of its visionary restoration.

40 years ago, Fairfax House sat unloved and forgotten. Its once-legendary splendour as one of the finest 18th-century townhouses was hidden underneath thick layers of dust and paint.

The future of the building was uncertain, until York Civic Trust invested over £2,000,000 in today’s money in a groundbreaking transformation that required incredible artistry, ingenuity and resilience.

This exhibition tells the history of Fairfax House as you’ve never seen it before. Journeying through the museum you’ll step back in time and witness how the house changed from a damp and decaying shell to the magnificent architectural gem you see today.

You will learn more about what it takes to conserve and restore a historic house, the challenges and surprises, with each room offering a fascinating and immersive snapshot in time. You’ll hear the stories of the craftsmen, artists, and architects intimately involved in its restoration to discover how this townhouse went from luxurious residence to an almost derelict ruin – and then back again.

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Practical Information

This exhibition is included with general admission tickets. Tickets are £8 for adults, £7.50 for students and people aged 65 and over, and FREE for children aged 16 and under. Your ticket allows you free entry to Fairfax House for a year!

You can pre-book your tickets by clicking here.

Restoration: A Townhouse Reborn opens on Saturday 22nd June 2024 and runs until Sunday 20th October 2024. Fairfax House is open from 10am-5pm Saturday-Thursday, with last admission at 4:15pm. On Friday we run guided tours only. You can find out more about Friday guided tours by clicking here.

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