Corona in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Unisphere
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
The Unisphere, located at the center of the radial pathways in the northern half of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, was commissioned for the New York World's Fair of 1964-65. Designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke (1892-1982) in aluminum with metallic mesh continents, the Unisphere was further refined in stainless steel by industrial designers at Peter Muller-Munk Associates. American Bridge Company, a division of US Steel, engineered, fabricated and erected the 350-ton, 120-foot-diameter globe, which was the centerpiece and icon of the fair.
The sphere features representations of the continents and major mountain ranges in relief, and is encircled by three giant orbital rings that represent the tracks of early satellites. The capital cities of the world were marked by lights. The Unisphere celebrated both the dawn of the space age and the fair's broader theme of "Peace Through Understanding." It has since become a beloved symbol of Queens.
Gilmore D. Clarke was one of the most accomplished landscape architects of the 20th century. In 1934 he was recruited by Parks' Commissioner Robert Moses (1888-1981)
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Clarke and Rapuano created the site plan for the New York World's Fair of 1939-40, transforming former ash heaps into a grand public landscape. Their design—a series of paths and boulevards radiating out from the Trylon and Perisphere, with major axes terminating at pavilions, fountains, and sculpture—was based on Bernini's axial plan for St. Peter's square in Rome. In planning the 1964-65 fair, Clarke recommended to Robert Moses, the fair's president, that as a matter of expediency and economy, the plan follow the general outlines of the earlier fair, and that its central icon make use of the existing foundation and central position of the earlier Trylon and Perisphere.
William Dorwin Teague, a prominent industrial designer, proposed to design the centerpiece, but his helix-like Astrasphere was rejected by Moses. Moses then turned to Clarke,
Over time the Unisphere weathered to such an extent that its raised repoussoir representations of world geography were destabilized, a parks official noting in 1989 that "on windy days the tips of India and Vietnam lift off their mountings." The Unisphere was conserved in 1994 as part of a 15-year, $80 million project to restore Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The structure
In 2010 Parks completed a capital renovation that included rehabilitation of the two 1964 World's Fair pumps, re-sealing of joints, and a fresh coat of paint on the fountain's surface. In addition, part of the plaza around the fountain was re-graded. Storm damage in 2010 and 2012 to structural cables cables and the country of Sri Lanka was also repaired. On May 18th 2014, on the 50th anniversary of the 1964 World's Fair, a ceremony was held at the Unisphere honoring Gilmore D. Clarke's achievement. The Unisphere remains a familiar feature on the city's skyline, a monument to the times and aspirations of the world's fair.
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 300.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Landmarks • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 18, 1964.
Location. 40° 44.819′ N,
Regionally, this marker is in New York City and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Unisphere (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Unisphere (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Unisphere (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Unisphere (about 400 feet away); Welcome to the home of NYC Parks' Retired Playground Animals (about 600 feet away); NYC Bomb and Forgery Squad Explosion Memorial (about 600 feet away); Column of Jerash (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Welcome to the home of NYC Parks' Retired Playground Animals (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 537 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 16, 2024, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
