What's Happening?
Joe Macken, a truck driver, spent over two decades constructing a massive scale model of New York City using balsa wood and foam board. This intricate creation, encompassing over 800,000 structures across all five boroughs and parts of New Jersey and Long
Island, has now become a museum exhibit titled “He Built This City” at the Museum of the City of New York. The model, which is 50 feet long and nearly 30 feet wide, gained viral attention on TikTok after Macken's daughter shared videos of it. Notably, Macken's model includes the old Twin Towers of the World Trade Center alongside One World Trade Center and other post-2001 skyscrapers, reflecting his personal touches and a desire to preserve certain historical elements of the city. He also recreated his favorite childhood diner in Queens and the old Kosciuszko Bridge, which was demolished in 2017, rather than their modern replacements. Macken, who has no background in architecture or model building, was inspired by an elementary school trip to see the Panorama of the City of New York at the Queens Museum.
Why It's Important?
This exhibit offers a unique perspective on urban development and personal dedication, showcasing how an individual's passion can lead to a significant cultural contribution. The inclusion of the Twin Towers in the model alongside newer structures provides a poignant visual representation of New York City's history and resilience, particularly in the context of the 2001 terror attacks. It allows visitors to reflect on the city's past while acknowledging its present. The model's appeal to both social media audiences and traditional museum-goers highlights a growing trend in how art and historical representations are consumed and appreciated in the digital age. For New Yorkers and those with a connection to the city, it offers a nostalgic journey through familiar landmarks and personal memories, fostering a sense of community and shared history. The exhibit also underscores the value of self-taught artistry and the power of individual projects to capture collective imagination.
What's Next?
The “He Built This City” exhibit is scheduled to run through October 12. Following its conclusion at the Museum of the City of New York, Macken hopes to display his model elsewhere, indicating potential future exhibitions in other locations. He also plans to continue expanding the model by adding more than 50 new buildings and extending it further into New Jersey and Long Island. This ongoing development suggests that the model will remain a dynamic and evolving representation of the metropolitan area. The success of the exhibit may also inspire other individuals to pursue large-scale personal projects and encourage museums to seek out and showcase unique, community-driven artistic endeavors that resonate with a broad audience. The continued public interest, fueled by its viral social media presence, could lead to further opportunities for Macken and his creation.
Beyond the Headlines
The model's deliberate inclusion of the Twin Towers, despite their absence in the current skyline, speaks to a deeper cultural and emotional significance. It serves as a tangible memorial, preserving the memory of a pivotal architectural and historical landmark for future generations. This artistic choice highlights the role of art in processing collective trauma and maintaining historical consciousness. Furthermore, Macken's project, born out of personal nostalgia and a desire to recreate his city, touches upon themes of identity, memory, and the human need to connect with one's roots. The model is not merely a physical representation but a narrative in itself, telling the story of a city through the eyes of someone who deeply cherishes its past. It also exemplifies how passion projects, even without formal training, can achieve significant recognition and contribute to cultural discourse, challenging traditional notions of who can be an artist or historian.
