New York Public Library – Astor Hall Benches

In 2023, Rugo Stone was hired to reproduce two historic carved marble benches for Astor Hall at the New York Public Library. The project required a high level of technical precision and craftsmanship to ensure the new benches faithfully matched the historic originals while integrating seamlessly into one of New York’s most iconic interior spaces.

Rugo Stone was responsible for the digital documentation, fabrication, and carving of the replacement benches. The existing benches were scanned in situ using advanced 3D scanning technology. A key challenge was the tight proximity of the benches to surrounding walls, which prevented a complete 360-degree scan. As a result, certain carved elements could not be captured directly.

To overcome this limitation, Rugo Stone’s team developed detailed 3D models using the partial scan data and supplemented missing information through digital sculpting, informed by symmetry, historical detailing, and visual references. These refined models were then translated into CNC programs for fabrication.

Bianco Carrara marble from Italy was hand selected to simulate the existing marble in both color and character. Following CNC machining, Rugo Stone’s master carvers completed the benches by hand, meticulously refining the carved details, particularly on the bench legs, to achieve an accurate match with the existing historic benches.
The reproduced benches fit perfectly within Astor Hall and blended seamlessly with the historic architecture, preserving the aesthetic integrity of the space.

This project demonstrates how advanced digital technologies, combined with traditional hand carving, can be effectively used to reproduce complex historic stone elements. The new marble benches now enhance Astor Hall and will continue to serve and decorate this landmark space for generations to come.