Living Near Flushing | Queens Museum

Formerly known as the Queens Museum of Art, New York’s Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows-Corona was first founded in 1972. The museum resides within the New York City Building, first built for the 1939 New York World’s Fair. It’s a short walk from many apartments in Flushing, with easy access to the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point or 111th St.

With plenty to offer to both children and adults, there are countless perks of living near the Queens Museum, and the area is growing in popularity with each passing year.

The History of the Queens Museum

After the 1939 New York World’s Fair and between the years of 1946 and 1950, the New York City Building was used to host the United Nations General Assembly, during which time UNICEF was created. From there, the building once again hosted the World’s Fair in 1964 before finally falling into disrepair. 1972 saw alterations on the north side of the New York City Building, which was converted into the Queens Center for Arts and Culture.

It wasn’t until a $69 million expansion project in 2009 that the Queens Museum became what it is today—a thriving institution containing galleries, offices, classrooms and more.

Exhibits

The Queens Museum houses a large permanent collection that consists of over 10,000 objects. Many of these are in the form of documentation and other items related directly to the two World’s Fairs hosted within the building, although works by such artists as Mark Dion and Salvador Dali can be found as well. Political cartoonist William Sharp’s work is also prominently displayed, with over 1,000 of his drawings available for public viewing.

Perhaps the best-known piece at the Queens Museum is The Panorama of the City of New York, a miniature model of New York City conceived by New York City Master Builder Robert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair. At nearly 9,500 square feet in size, the piece contains 895,000 individual structures that represent all five boroughs. It is truly a sight to behold, and one which draws countless visitors each year.

Living Near the Queens Museum

There’s a lot to love about the Queens Museum, and even more to love when you live just a short walk away from this world-renowned center for art and culture. If you‘re looking for the perfect new home in Queens, LeFrak City has apartments for rent in Flushing available now, including studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Contact us or schedule a visit today to learn more about LeFrak City’s beautiful homes!