Richard Driehaus, a wealthy and influential lover of the lush neo-Classicism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is doing what he can to counteract a viewpoint he thinks is leading to a less interesting city. Left, the front parlor of the Driehaus Mansion as seen from the entry hall. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

A three-story entry hall and grand staircase with Hector Guimard-designed chandeliers. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

In the living room, a silver and bronze bust of the 19th-century French actress Rachel as Phedre, one of her most popular roles. The bust is by Jean Baptiste Clesinger and dates from 1860. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

The dining room, which features Tiffany windows, circa 1898, flanking the fireplace. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

A Baccarat chandelier, circa 1900, in the front parlor of the mansion. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

A Tiffany window, circa 1898, that was originally used as sales piece by Tiffany's traveling sales force. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

The two-story Art Deco living room. The bottom painted panels, by Josef Urban, circa 1927, are from the now demolished Ziegfeld Theater in New York. The panel in the top-left corner is from "The Birth of Aphrodite," a mural designed by Jean Dupas for the Grand Salon of the Normandie ocean liner. The top-right panel is by Jean Dunand and is an artist's proof for a mural for the Normandie's smoking lounge. Through the doorway is a staircase leading to the second floor. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

One of the panels from the living room. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times

Another view of the living room. The fireplace mantle is made of onyx and nickel-plated steel. The wrought iron grill is by Andre Arbus and Raymond Subes, circa 1939. Mr. Subes also designed the torchiere, circa 1937. Photo: William Zbaren for The New York Times