The Panorama of the City of New York
The Panorama is the jewel in the crown of the collection of the Queens Museum of Art. Built by Robert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair, in part as a celebration of the City’s municipal infrastructure, this 9,335 square foot architectural model includes every single building constructed before 1992 in all five boroughs; that is a total of 895,000 individual structures.
The Panorama was built by a team of 100 people working for the great architectural model makers Raymond Lester Associates in the three years before the opening of the 1964 World’s Fair. In planning the model, Lester Associates referred to aerial photographs, insurance maps, and a range of other City material; the Panorama had to be accurate, indeed the initial contract demanded less than one percent margin of error between reality and the model. The Panorama was one of the most successful attractions at the ‘64 Fair with a daily average of 1,400 people taking advantage of its 9 minute simulated helicopter ride around the City.
After the Fair the Panorama remained open to the public, its originally planned use as an urban planning tool seemingly forgotten. Until 1970 all of the changes in the City were accurately recreated in the model by Lester’s team. After 1970 very few changes were made until 1992, when again Lester Associates changed over 60,000 structures to bring it up-to-date.
In 2006 an up-grade of the lighting system - the first change to the model since 1992 - allowed for the Panorama to be displayed in different light conditions; highlight different buildings or areas of the City; and even recreate the sounds of the city. And, in the Spring of 2009 the Museum launched its Adopt-A-Building program with the installation of the Panorama’s newest addition, Citi Field, to continue for the ongoing care and maintenance of this beloved treasure.
The Queens Museum of Art has launched a new program giving you the opportunity to “purchase” NYC real estate on The Panorama of the City of New York for as low as $50. To learn how you can become involved click here.
We hope that you will take time to enjoy the Panorama of the City of New York.
The Panorama of the City of New York is sponsored by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Assembly members Mike Gianaris, Mark Weprin, Audrey Pheffer, Nettie Mayersohn and Ivan Lafayette, The New York Mets Foundation and the supporters of the Adopt-A-Building Program.
View pictures of the Panorama on its Flickr page
Add your own pictures to our Panorama Flickr Group!
[...] — has the probably the coolest exhibit of all time: a 9335-sq-ft mini New York called the Panorama, with each building in the city shown. You walk in to one side, and go up a ramp encircling the [...]
Pingback by NYC with kids? Get thee to the Boroughs - Lonely Planet blog — Thursday, August 6, 2009
[...] — has the probably the coolest exhibit of all time: a 9335-sq-ft mini New York called the Panorama, with each building in the city shown. You walk in to one side, and go up a ramp encircling the [...]
Pingback by Lonely Planet « Blog-Feast.com Blog Collection — Thursday, August 6, 2009
FIRST TIME ON YOUR SITE, LIKE THE IDEA OF BUYINY NYC REALESTATE. TELL ME IF 21ST STREET BETWEEN 8TH AND 10TH AVE IS AVAILABLE, 34TH STREET BETWEEN 2ND AVE AND THE EAST RIVER, AND FINALLY THE WHOLE OF BREEZY POINT.
THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR RESPONSE.
J.C.P.
Comment by john paino — Saturday, November 28, 2009
Hi John, please contact Debra Wimpfheimer at dw@queensmuseum.org to adopt on the Panorama. We look forward to hearing from you!
Comment by ngomez — Monday, November 30, 2009
I am interested in bringing my class to see the panorama this winter or spring. I’ve done it each or the last three years. How do I go about doing it this year?
Comment by Tommy Brunhuber — Monday, January 4, 2010
Hi Tommy, please visit our “Trips” page for more information. http://www.queensmuseum.org/events/school/prek-12-trips
You may also reach the education department at 718.592.9700 x132.
Comment by ngomez — Monday, January 11, 2010
Wow! This is amazing to me even now! I visited the Queens Museum…many times as a child and we always loved to look at this exibit. I am so glad to know children are still getting this “view” of the city!
When we visit NYC next I will be certain to bring my
kids there…..thanks for some fantastic memories…keep up the GREAT work!
Comment by JanP — Thursday, March 18, 2010
Great view of the city.
Comment by new york real estate — Thursday, March 25, 2010
Is there a digital recreation of the Panorama of the entire city that can be purchased anywhere ??
Comment by Ian — Monday, May 10, 2010
Wasn’t there a similar model in the same building for the 1939/40 fair?
Does the updated model show the rail lines such as the els in the outer boroughs?
Comment by Samuel R. Ganczaruk — Monday, May 10, 2010
My dad says that I can view New York City from New Jersey.
Comment by Jeremiah L Clemente — Thursday, June 10, 2010
New York. The greatest city in the world. ‘Nuff said.
Comment by j.c. mc guire — Friday, July 9, 2010
Viví hace seis años, en NY… y ver esta panorámica revivió mi memoria. Adoro NY. Es lo mejor que pudo pasarme en la vida! Desde la Mitad del Mundo mi saludo cariñoso.
Comment by Rosa Ponce — Saturday, July 10, 2010