Preserving a Historic Icon

The mission of the City of Long Beach, California for the RMS Queen Mary, berthed in Long Beach Harbor since 1967, is to serve the community of Long Beach by providing for the sustainable operation of the ship as a hotel while also acting to preserve and conserve the RMS Queen Mary and her valuable historic assets and cultural significance as one of the finest and oldest surviving luxury ocean liners. The RMS Queen Mary is listed in the National Register and houses an extensive collection of fine art, decorative arts, maritime equipment and other artifacts that are on exhibit as well as integrated into the public and private areas of the ship, largely in their original locations...read more (PDF)

Recently completed phase II Observation Bar Restoration program includes the restoration and installation of the original ceiling fixtures (etched light glass to be installed mid February), the reproduction of installation of the original Back Bar Door, the repair of the original red and green lantern back bar light fixtures, the painting of the interior columns, the repair and cleaning of the clocks and the reproduction of the 7 original bar stools to be installed late February 2013.

Life boat assessment, stabilization and preservation programming planning underway.

Ongoing Teak Deck assessment, stabilization, preservation survey and programming planning underway.

Located on a Promenade Deck, the First Class Children’s Playroom was a convenience coffee and beverage shop. In 2011, the area was vacated and archive toys and related items were reprogrammed into this original space. In addition to archived items, the painting ‘Sinbad the Sailor” from the 3rd class Children’s Playroom was reposition into this space. This exhibit continues to be curated as items are restored and recovered.

• Project Objective Currently Underway: Additional items from children’s playroom under review for installation October 2012. Additional wood veneer and metal refinishing to be completed in 2012.

The “OB” is currently in the third phase of restoration. The original bar stools are being reproduced for installation. The unique round “eye-ball” ceiling light fixtures are under restoration for installation as well. Flooring options are also under evaluation. Soon, the original employee back-bar door will be reinstalled, lighting contained in the recessed cornice will be installed, and refinishing of the 4 pylons will be completed.

• Completed Project Objective: Four pylons refinished and installed. August 2012.

Currently the wood railings have been reconstructed and refinished. The walls beneath the railings are also being repaired including wood work related to the interior wall sections.

• Completed Project Objective: Wood railings have been reconstructed and refinished. The walls beneath the railing have been repaired including wood work related to the interior wall sections. July 2012.
• Completed Project Objective: Exterior doors refinished. August 2012.
• Project Objective Currently Underway: Teak deck entry refinished in October 2012.

All original clocks aboard the Queen Mary are undergoing repair and cleaning.

• Completed Project Objective: Clocks in Observation Bar, Main Hall, Royal Salon, Grand Salon and those above the Hotel Check-in Desk have been cleaned and restored. July 2012.

Located on the Promenade Deck. This exhibit of items from the First Class Music Room and furniture familiar to the Main Hall is ongoing in archive research and restoration. An interpretive program has been created.

• Project Objective Currently Underway: Restoration of various original music stands.

Efforts to enhance and improved the interpretive groupings from our archives are ongoing and have improved this educational and historical element of the Queen Mary. Pictured is a recent display exhibiting the original art screen “Mediterranean Harbor Scene” which housed the “Madonna of the Atlantic” from the original First Class Drawing Room, both painted by Kenneth Shoesmith complete with an interpretive program. Our efforts to properly group, place and reposition archives aboard in the Queen Mary Story is ongoing.

Recently, the flooring of the Main Hall was stripped of wax and retreated. Along with the flooring, the Port and Starboard exhibit display cases were reprogrammed with items from our archives along with interpretive programming.

Located on Main Deck, this well curated exhibit was completed in 2011. Many original and similar furnishings and accessories were reprogrammed from the archives to fully realize this interpretive program. This space was not open to the public as part of the tour route but now remains open during tour hours.

• Completed Project Objective: Clock in map of world restored. July 2012.

In 2011, the Queen Mary was added to the list of the National Trust for Historic Preservation Historic Hotels site.

Be sure to check back frequently for ongoing updates for new preservation and restoration projects and programs!

You can support these preservation efforts by becoming an annual member. You will receive admission plus perks including discounts and free parking. Click to learn more about Membership. E-mail us at preservation@queenmary.com if you have specific questions.