Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, New York
Tel:
(718) 592-9700
The Queens Museum of Art showcases the local New York metropolitan area art. With memorabilia from two World's Fairs, a glorious glass collection, a massive 9,335 square foot architectural model of New York City, and exclusive exhibits on the fine talent New York City has to offer. This museum truly stands as a tribute to the culture and way of life of New York City.
The Panorama of the City of New York is the museum's jewel in the crown. Built by Robert Moses for the 1964 World's Fair, this model includes every building built before 1992 in all five boroughs of New York. It will leave quite an imprint on your memory.
The museum's gorgeous Tiffany glass collection includes two windows, eleven lamp shades, and more than 200 pieces of sheet glass showcasing remarkable patterns, colors, and textures. A first of its kind exhibit, it focuses on the beauty and diversity in mosaics creating marvelous glass windows and lamps.
Temporary exhibitions at the Queen's Museum of Art change monthly and include fascinating exhibits on the work of local artists. The museum chooses pieces and artists to reflect the diverse ethnic culture found in New York, while keeping with the local flair. For example, "Generation 1.5" focuses on immigrant teens and the artists this group produced.
Also housed in the 1939 built museum is the World fair archive with over 6,500 items including memorabilia, photographs, and audio and video tapes. The archives are available to researchers by appointment only, but many of the items are available in the museum's store, featuring memorabilia from 1939 and the 1964 World's Fairs. Jewelry, glasses, ceramic plates, and salt & pepper shakers, this store has something for everyone and is sure to bring back old memories.
Get to the Queen's Museum of Art by taking the 7 train to 111th St. station. Walk south past the Hall of Science and head left on 49th Ave. into the park. Continue past the fountain over the Grand Central Parkway Bridge and you'll see the museum on the right, next to Unisphere. By bus take Q48 and head south through the park or take Q23, Q58 to Corona Ave. and 51st Ave. and walk east through the park.
From Queens Museum of Art - New York:
The Queens Museum of Art is dedicated to presenting the highest quality visual arts and educational programming for people in the New York metropolitan area, and particularly for the residents of Queens, a uniquely diverse ethnic, cultural and international community.