Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel
Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel has long served as a leading voice on the defining urban, cultural, and civic issues of our time. The longest-serving Commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (1972–1987), she later chaired the NYC Landmarks Preservation Foundation, where she created the now-standard street signs, markers, and maps identifying the city’s Historic Districts. As Chair of the Historic Landmarks Preservation Center, she founded the Cultural Medallions program, recognizing notable New Yorkers and historic sites across all five boroughs. A founding director of Friends of the High Line, she has played a pivotal role in preserving and celebrating New York’s architectural and cultural heritage.
As the first Director of New York City’s Department of Cultural Affairs, Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel brought the first public art exhibition to Bryant Park and the first public performance by the Metropolitan Opera to Central Park. She has been appointed to distinguished federal posts by four U.S. Presidents, serving on the Board of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
The Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation, initiated by Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel and Ambassador Carl Spielvogel, advances inclusive, results-driven initiatives in civic leadership, culture, education, and science and medicine. In Brooklyn, the Foundation sponsored a special Chanukah classical music performance at Temple Emanu-El featuring the Brooklyn Youth Chorus, countertenor Anthony Roth Costanzo, and soprano Angel Blue. With the support of a generous innovation grant from The Diamonstein-Spielvogel Foundation, the entire student body of Brooklyn Youth Chorus had the opportunity to interact and work with live composers, learn contemporary performance techniques, and premiere newly commissioned music. In addition, the Foundation was also a lead supporter of the Chorus’ 2025 production of Port(al).
Dr. Diamonstein-Spielvogel holds a doctorate from NYU and is the author of twenty-four books on art, architecture, design, and public policy.