The Bronx Zoo's historic Lion House, part of the park's original 1897 masterplan, has been closed to the public since the mid 1980's. An innovative animal exhibit in its own time, the specialized interiors have left the building largely unusable for modern zoo exhibits. Currently, however, a variety of new uses are being planned for the space, including an elaborate Madagascar exhibit, a multi-purpose events space with exhibit viewing, a water purification station for the historic quadrant of the zoo, and a public garden with a photo exhibition featuring the site's rich history.