MANHATTAN — Workers started dismantling the statue of President Theodore Roosevelt from outside the American Museum of Natural History on Tuesday and continued their efforts Wednesday.

The "Equestrian Statue of Theodore Roosevelt" was commissioned in 1925 and unveiled to the public in 1940. 

It depicts Roosevelt on a horse with a Native American man and an African man on foot at his side, and has been criticized for years by some as a symbol of colonialism and racism.

The New York City Public Design Commission voted last June to remove it.

In a statement, the American Museum of Natural History said restoration of the site will continue through the spring.

“The process, conducted with historic preservation specialists and approved by multiple New York City agencies, will include restoration of the plaza in front of the Museum, which will continue through the spring,” the statement reads. “The Museum is proud to continue as the site of New York State's official memorial to Theodore Roosevelt.”

It's new home will be at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.