In 1937, the Board of Water Supply (the current Department of Environmental Protection) commissioned a massive 3D relief map of the NYC watershed for the 1939 World’s Fair that measured almost 700 square feet. The work traced the city’s water supply system from the outermost, upstream tributaries of the Delaware River to sea level at the Nassau County line, and identified the various aqueducts, water shafts and drainage basins that feed the city’s water supply. Due to space limitations within the NYC Pavilion, the model was never exhibited in its entirety at the fair.
After being rediscovered after nearly 70 years in storage, the 27 completed panels were in desperate need of conservation. After a year’s restoration work, the model is again ready to be again displayed to the public. In celebration, the Queens Museum of Art and DEP will commemorate the homecoming to the NYC Pavilion with an exhibition featuring the model, historic documentation, and contemporary photographs of the New York City watershed.
A Watershed Moment: Celebrating the Homecoming of The New York City Water Supply Model
June 22 – November 17, 2008
Queens Museum of Art
New York City Building
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Corona, NY 11368
Directions
(718) 592-9700
www.queensmuseum.org
{ 0 comments… add one now }