The lights at Flushing Meadows Corona Park’s famous NYS Pavilion are shining through the night, and they will continue to do so from now on!
On Saturday, April 15, NYC Parks announced the completion of the first phase of structural repair work of the iconic Pavilion, and what better way to celebrate than by lighting that baby up?!
The addition of new dynamic architectural lighting is part of the $24 million restoration project, and the lights on the Pavilion’s Tent of Tomorrow and Towers “Parks Green” will continue to be lit each night. A specific schedule for holidays and special events will also be implemented.
“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 [it] 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.”
Designed by Philip Johnson, the “Tent of Tomorrow” is a concrete and steel structure that measures 350 feet by 250 feet, with sixteen 100-foot columns suspending a 50,000 square-foot roof of multi-colored panels.
Three towers also make up the structure, the two shorter which held cafeterias for the fair and the tallest which held an observation deck. The towers measure 60 feet, 150 feet, and 226 feet. An adjacent “Theaterama,” which exhibited pop art works by Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, also made up part of the Pavilion.
The New York State Pavilion was constructed for the World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and operated as the Queens Playhouse from 1972 to 1985.
In addition to the dynamic architectural lighting, the Pavilion also underwent a complete stabilization of the towers and various structural work, including:
- Replacement of deteriorated suspension cables and tower stairs
- Repair of concrete towers and piers
- Full electrical upgrade to towers
- Restoration of original blue globe lighting at the Towers
Phase two, which aims to bring increased stability to the structures and allow for limited guided tours of the towers in the future, is currently in the planning stages.
“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,” Sama added.