We’re going to venture a guess that even the NYC Parks Department was unprepared for the sheer number of people excited to catch a glimpse of the long-closed, and deteriorating New York Pavilion from the 1964 World’s Fair today. While press got early access (the only time we gladly relished the opportunity), the public lines stretched around the pavilion, across the elevated walkway over Grand Central to the Queens Zoo.

Thus far, we’ve been privy to Abandoned NYC’s haunting photos of the Philip Johnson structure, vintage photos that brought us back to the future, and a great mash-up of then & now images. Stepping into the space today, we were reminded of the more mundane things that have been left behind: signage reproduced from the time when it was a very active space for a short period of time.

Skate rental sign, painted onto the recently repainted walls:

Sign for the restaurant with a New York State symbol:

Sign to access the mezzanine tour:

Texaco sponsored the world map floor, made of terrazzo that is currently being recovered.

In the current rehabilitation, they were able to take out 14 pieces of the floor, of which 4 are on display at the site showing parts of Long Island:

Doors opening for the press viewing:

Lines stretching across Grand Central Parkway:

A good number of folks dressed in 1960s era clothing. This lady was carrying a TWA bag:

Read more about the 1964 World’s Fair on Untapped Cities! Get in touch with the author @untappedmich.

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