The first phase of structural repair work on the NYS Flushing Meadows Corona Park Pavilion has been completed and to mark the occasion, New York City Parks turned on the new architectural lights on April 15, 2023 to showcase the new illumination of the iconic NYS Pavilion Tent of Tomorrow and Towers “Parks Green.”
This is the first major effort to preserve the iconic structures at Flushing Meadows Corona Park since their construction for the 1964 World’s Fair.
The “Tent of Tomorrow” at the New York State Pavilion was designed by Philip Johnson and 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.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s NYS Pavilion Towers & Tent Of Tomorrow Lights
Now, 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.
The completed project included a complete stabilization of the towers and installation of architectural lighting on the Tower and Tent of Tomorrow.
Structural work that was done included the replacement of deteriorated suspension cables, repair of concrete towers, electrical upgrade to towers and the restoration of original blue globe lighting at the Towers.
“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.”
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