Flushing Meadows Corona Park

NYC PARKS TURNS ON THE LIGHTS AT FLUSHING MEADOWS CORONA PARK’S ICONIC NYS PAVILION TOWERS AND TENT OF TOMORROW

First major effort to preserve the structures since their construction for the 1964 World’s Fair is now complete

On Saturday, NYC Parks announced that the first phase of structural repair work on the NYS Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pavilion has been completed. To mark the occasion, Parks showcased the newly added dynamic architectural lighting, illuminating the iconic NYS Pavilion Tent of Tomorrow and Towers “Parks Green.” First lit on Saturday, April 15, the new architectural lights on the Towers and Tent will be lit every night, seven days a week, and follow a specific schedule for holidays and special events.

“Perhaps the most iconic landmark in our parks system, the NYS Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a reminder of our city’s historic past, and a beacon towards the future,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “As we light the Towers and Tent of Tomorrow “Parks Green” in celebration of the completion of this stabilization and lighting work, we look forward to further renovations on the Pavilion to help ensure this landmark continues to inspire and delight visitors for decades to come.”

“This is a major milestone in the effort to once again make the NYS Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pavilion a popular public space,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Along with brightening our skies, the lighting of the Pavilion will brighten the hearts of Queens residents both young and old, especially those who have fond memories of attending the 1964 World’s Fair. Thanks to this important restoration work, new generations of residents and visitors will be able to make memories when they visit this iconic and brilliantly illuminated structure.”

“Well-deserved congratulations and recognition to everyone involved in the repair of the NYS Pavilion Towers. This masterful piece of architecture is a public space that was kept closed for so long, but this renovation will keep it moving forward and will definitely help our community.” Said Councilman Francisco Moya.

“For nearly 60 years the NYS Pavilion’s Tower and Tent of Tomorrow has stood tall above Queens’ beloved jewel, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, representing hope during challenging and changing times,” said Anthony Sama, the NYC Parks FMCP Administrator and the Alliance for Flushing Meadows Corona Park Executive Director. “Now, decades later, it illuminates our skyline once again, shining brightly on our vibrant and thriving park, welcoming its more than 10 million annual visitors. We congratulate NYC Parks on this great achievement.”

The completed project, based on comprehensive structural studies of the Pavilion, included a complete stabilization of the towers and installation of architectural lighting on the Tower and Tent of Tomorrow. Specific structural work included:

• Replacement of deteriorated suspension cables at all levels, and the tower stairs to provide access for maintenance

• Repair of concrete towers to address spalling, and of historic concrete piers

• Full electrical upgrade to towers (including replacement of all conduits installed in the 1960’s) and installation of new electrical equipment for an NYPD Mobile Command Center for vehicles

• Restoration of original blue globe lighting at the Towers

• Installation of new architectural lighting at Towers and Tent of Tomorrow

The $24 million project is funded by a $13.1 million allocation from the Office of the Queens Borough President, $9 million from the Office of the Mayor, and $1.9 million from the NYC City Council. Phase II of the project is currently in the planning stages, which would bring increased stability to the structures and allow for limited guided tours of the towers in the future.

The New York State Pavilion was constructed for the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Designed by Philip Johnson, the “Tent of Tomorrow” measures 350 feet by 250 feet, with sixteen 100-foot columns suspending a 50,000 square-foot roof of multi-colored panels. The popular exhibit also held three towers, measuring 60 feet, 150 feet, and 226 feet. The two shorter towers held cafeterias for the fair, and the tallest tower, as the highest point of the fair, held an observation deck. The New York State Pavilion also included the adjacent “Theaterama,” which exhibited pop art works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The space was converted to the Queens Playhouse in 1972 and continued to operate until 1985.

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