The Panorama of the City of New York

The first book to celebrate the miniature-scale model The Panorama of the City of New York.

An awe-inspiring metropolis in miniature, The Panorama of the City of New York has achieved cult-like status with New Yorkers and serves as a locus of memory for visitors from around the globe. This is the first book to fully celebrate The Panorama, featuring accessible text and photographs of its conception, creation, and enjoyment.

The Panorama was one of the most successful attractions at the 1964–65 World’s Fair, with millions enjoying what was billed as an indoor helicopter tour of New York. Comprising an area of 9,335 square feet and built to a scale of 1:1200 (where one inch equals 100 feet), the original 1964 mini city was updated multiple times before its last renovation in 1992. Within the 320 square miles of New York City represented on The Panorama, you can find 850,000 buildings, more than 100 bridges, and almost all of the city’s parks and streets.

Now part of the permanent exhibition at the Queens Museum, the Panorama brings the magic of New York to life to thousands of visitors each year.