The Queens Museum of Art is a cultural institution located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, New York. The museum features collections of contemporary art, as well as exhibitions and educational programs. It is one of the largest art museums in the city and is renowned for its focus on community engagement and outreach.
The Queens Museum of Art’s Beginnings
The Queens Museum of Art was established in 1972, but its roots go back to the 1939 World’s Fair, which was held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The museum was originally called the Queens Museum of Art and Science, and its mission was to promote science education and cultural understanding through art. In the early years, the museum was housed in the New York City Building, which had been constructed for the World’s Fair.
The New York World’s Fair
The New York World’s Fair was a major cultural event that took place in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in 1939 and 1940. The fair attracted millions of visitors from around the world and showcased the latest scientific and technological advancements, as well as cultural and artistic achievements. Many of the buildings and structures built for the fair still stand today, including the Unisphere, the New York State Pavilion, and the Queens Museum of Art building.
The Museum’s First Home
The Queens Museum of Art was originally housed in the New York City Building, which had been constructed for the 1939 World’s Fair. The building was designed in the Art Deco style and featured a 100-foot-tall rotunda that housed a large-scale model of the city of New York. The Queens Museum of Art occupied the second floor of the building and used the large exhibition space to showcase both art and science exhibits.
The Name Change
In 1995, the museum changed its name to the Queens Museum of Art to reflect its focus on contemporary art and to distinguish it from other science-focused museums in the area. The museum also began to expand its programs and exhibits, with a particular emphasis on engaging with the diverse communities of Queens.
Reopening in the New Millennium
The Queens Museum of Art underwent a major renovation and expansion in the early 2000s, which included adding new exhibition space, educational facilities, and a café. The museum officially reopened its doors in 2013, with a renewed commitment to community engagement and outreach.
The Museum’s Current Location
The Queens Museum of Art is currently located in the same iconic building that was constructed for the 1939 World’s Fair. The building has been renovated and expanded several times over the years, but it still retains its original Art Deco design and many of its historic features.
Museum’s Collection Highlights
The Queens Museum of Art’s collection includes over 10,000 works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a focus on contemporary art from around the world. Some of the museum’s most notable works include the Panorama of the City of New York, which is a large-scale model of the city that covers over 9,335 square feet, and the Neustadt Collection of Tiffany Glass, which is one of the largest collections of Tiffany glass in the world.
Community Engagement and Educational Programs
The Queens Museum of Art is committed to engaging with the diverse communities of Queens through a range of educational programs and outreach initiatives. The museum offers hands-on workshops, lectures, and tours, as well as partnerships with local schools and community organizations. The museum also hosts a range of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including the popular Passport Fridays series, which features live music, dance performances, and food from around the world.
The Museum’s Impact on the Community
The Queens Museum of Art has had a significant impact on the cultural life of Queens and the wider New York City community. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and outreach initiatives, the museum has helped to promote cultural understanding and appreciation, as well as to foster a sense of community and connection.
Conclusion
The Queens Museum of Art is a vital cultural institution that has played an important role in promoting the arts and culture in Queens and beyond. From its beginnings as a science-focused museum to its current focus on contemporary art and community engagement, the museum has remained committed to its mission of promoting cultural understanding and education through art.
References and Further Reading
- Queens Museum of Art website: https://queensmuseum.org/
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park website: http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park
- New York World’s Fair website: http://www.nywf64.com/
- "Queens Museum of Art: From Science to Art to Community Engagement," The New York Times, March 21, 2013.
