The Panorama model was commissioned by Robert Moses for the 1964 World's Fair and features over 895,000 individual structures.
The United Nations General Assembly met within this building while debating the site for their permanent headquarters.
The New York City Building was the only permanent structure from the 1939 World's Fair that remained in use for the 1964 event.
The Panorama includes a lighting system that simulates a full 24-hour day-night cycle every 15 minutes.
The museum holds an extensive collection of Tiffany glass, reflecting the industry of the Corona neighborhood in the late 19th century.
Visitors can request to have their own buildings or private homes added to the Panorama during periodic updates.
The Queens Museum is globally renowned for housing the Panorama of the City of New York, a massive 9,335-square-foot architectural model depicting every building in the five boroughs as they existed in 1964. Located inside the historic New York City Building, the museum occupies a structure originally built for the 1939 World's Fair. It subsequently served as the home of the United Nations General Assembly from 1946 to 1950. The institution focuses on contemporary art and social engagement, reflecting the cultural diversity of the surrounding borough. Its permanent collection emphasizes the history of Queens and the legacies of the two World's Fairs held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Galleries feature rotating exhibitions by international and local artists. The museum also provides educational workshops and community-focused public programming throughout the year.
The elevated walkway surrounding the Panorama of the City of New York.
Combine your museum visit with a walk through the surrounding park to see the Unisphere and other remaining 1964 World's Fair installations.
Check the museum's website for rotating exhibition calendars, as the contemporary gallery spaces change frequently.
Take advantage of the museum's free shuttle if you are connecting from nearby major transit hubs.
Do not overlook the smaller galleries tucked away behind the main Panorama hall, which often house the most cutting-edge temporary installations.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
