Queens' World's Fair Mosaics Face Demolition: A Fight to Save History

The beloved tiled mosaics at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, remnants of the 1939 and 1964 World's Fairs, are facing demolition. These unique artworks, featuring designs from Elsie the Cow to a Warhol portrait of Robert Moses, are considered by many to be irreplaceable cultural treasures.

<figure> <img src="https://example.com/image.jpg" alt="Flushing Meadows Corona Park Mosaics"> <figcaption>The mosaics depict various symbols from the World's Fairs.</figcaption> </figure>

The City's Plan and Preservationists' Concerns

The city plans to remove the mosaics, citing safety concerns due to crumbling tiles and the creation of tripping hazards. However, preservationists argue that the mosaics are historically significant and propose alternatives, such as fundraising for restoration or reinstallation. They believe these artworks, created by artists and architects including Michael Golden, deserve to be treated as landmarks.

A Piece of History

The World's Fairs, celebrated for promoting peace and progress, showcased innovations such as the television's debut in 1939. The mosaics represent a tangible link to this important piece of New York City's past.

The Parks Department claims the decision was made after consultation with specialists and the original designer, stating a desire to preserve the mosaics while ensuring park safety. However, experts believe the mosaics can be saved. Evan Blum of the Architectural Art Reclamation Fund believes the mosaics can be preserved at the same cost as removal.

The Fight Continues

Preservationists are actively seeking solutions and hope to find a compromise with the city to save these significant works of art before it's too late.