Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
Despite Hefty Price Tag, World's Fair Pavilion Will Likely Be Saved
By
Lauren Evans
Published Feb 18, 2014
Modified Feb 18, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Lauren Evans
Published Feb 18, 2014
Modified Feb 18, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The New York State Pavilion is a sight to behold—not as celebrated as the Unisphere, certainly, but at least as interesting. The three towers afford onlookers a glimpse into the past's vision of the future, like a Stanley Kubrick film you can reach out and touch and possibly contract tetanus from.
There's good reason to demolish the towers; doing so would cost $14 million, but saving them would cost between $43 and $52 million, depending on whether they're restored to the point where visitors could enter. But the towers, erected in 1964 along with the Tent of Tomorrow and the rest of the World's Fair site, has a strong coalition of fans dedicated to preserving this slice of New York City history, even if it's crumbling and apparently overrun by weeds and cats.
The Times reports that there is "overwhelming support" for preserving the Pavilion, based on hundreds of written and public comments, with parks officials going so far as to declare demolition "unlikely." Queens' new borough president, Melinda Katz, has called the site an "architectural marvel," a far cry from her predecessor, Helen Marshall, who called for its demolition.
“We should do whatever it takes to make sure the Pavilion remains standing for future generations to enjoy,” Katz told the Times.
That's easy. "Whatever it takes" is a cool $43 to $52 million. If you've got the kind of money, go ahead and get in touch with the borough president, or, um, send it over to Gothamist—we'll take good care of it.
Tagged
new york state pavilion
queens
world's fair
Lauren Evans
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
A visit to Art of Play, the Brooklyn store in an animatronic bird beef with Kelly Clarkson
"Kelly Clarkson has put us in danger," says the co-owner of Art of Play.
By
Sonia Rao
Published Oct 13, 2026
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Arts & Entertainment
The hottest way to show you're an authentic New Yorker is… riding a Citi Bike?
Thanks to Dua Lipa, Kim Kardashian, Timothée Chalamet and more, the rideshare program is having a moment.
By
Lindsay Lee Wallace
Is NYC’s hottest attraction the free observation deck at 1 Centre Street?
By
James Ramsay
What happens when NYC kids take lessons in rock music? Really good bands.
By
Jayson Greene
Inside a photographer's journey to visit every neighborhood in New York City
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .