Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Park

Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Park exhibits art by local and international artists. The Museum hosts permanent exhibits on the two World's Fairs held in the Park and also has the Panorama of NYC, a giant, highly detailed diorama of all five New York City boroughs.

The Queens Museum of Art opened in 1972 to serve as a cultural center for the borough. It only occupies part of the New York City Building, but plans for a renovation will expand it into the rest of the building.

The Panorama of New York City at the Queens Museum of Art: The Panorama must be seen to be believed. This huge diorama of NYC depicts all five boroughs and their parks, streets, buildings, airports, and more. Visitors walk above the diorama on a ramp that circles it. The lighting changes to show the progress of "day to night."

Originally built for the 1964 World's Fair, the Panorama was refurbished in 1993. Since 9/11 the Twin Towers have been swarthed in the red, white, and blue ribbons, but they will soon be replaced by a memorial.

Queens Museum of Art - Exhibits and Events: Queens Museum of Art regularly exhibits the work of local Queens artists. A list of exhibits and events is at the Museum's website.

The Museum is undergoing a renaissance. The range and quality of art displayed has grown steadily since the early 2000s.

Permanent exhibits include the Panorama, the 1939 amd 1964 World's Fairs, and the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Art.

Queens Museum of Art - Hours and Admission:
Museum Hours:

• September to June
  • Wednesday to Friday: 10 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Summer (July 18 - September 5)
  • Wednesday to Sunday: 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Admission

• The suggested donation is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children and seniors.

Queens Museum of Art - Address and Directions: The Queens Museum of Art is in Flushing Meadows Park, right next to the Unisphere.

• Subway/LIRR: The 7 subway or LIRR train to Willet's Point/Shea Stadium and walk south toward the Museum (look for the Unisphere).
• Car: Exit #9P (or #9E) from Grand Central and turn right. Van Wyck exit #11 southbound only.
• Bus:
  • Q48 to Roosevelt Avenue and 111th Street, then walk south into the park.
  • Q23 or Q58 to Corona and 51st avenues, and walk east into the park.
• There are more entrances for pedestrians.

Queens Museum of Art - Food and Drink: There is a cafe on the second floor of the Museum.

Also nearby in the park, there are plenty of vendors with everything from Peruvian BBQ to ice cream.

Or head over to nearby Flushing by car or subway for great Asian restaurants.

Queens Museum of Art - Shopping: The Queens Museum of Art gift shop in the lobby is excellent and should not be missed. For sale are antiques and reproductions from the 1938 and 1964 World's Fairs, including books, videos, posters, stamps, ceramics, and other memorabilia.

There are books and photographs on Queens and art. The shop is a great place to find a gift for someone who grew up in Queens — or visited the World's Fairs.

History: The New York City Building was built for the 1939 World's Fair, and is the only remaining structure from that Fair.

It served as the headquarters of the United Nations from the end of World War 2 until 1951. It was in this building that delegates voted on the partitions of Palestine and Korea.

In 1964, the building again served as a pavilion for the World's Fair. A permanent exhibit documents both World's Fairs.

Queens Museum of Art - Education and More: The Museum runs educational events for children and adults, including art workshops, film series, and tours. Contact the Museum for more information:

Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Queens, NY 11369
718-592-9700
www.queensmuseum.org