A monumental artwork that has been a fixture of a Crown Heights public-housing complex for 80 years has been restored. Created by Harlem Renaissance artist Richmond Barthé , “Exodus and Dance” is an 80-foot cast-stone frieze depicting biblical scenes and Black figures dancing that has been on display at the city’s Kingsborough Houses since 1941. Eight decades of exposure to the elements caused the stone to crack and crumble, requiring a major restoration to preserve the public artwork. After an 18-month conservation project, officials on Thursday cut the ribbon on the rehabilitated “Exodus and Dance” sculpture, which once again stands as a community landmark.

Born and raised in Mississippi, Barthé moved to New York City during the height of the Harlem Renaissance. He was hired through t

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