In a remarkable blend of artistry and nostalgia, Joe Macken’s sprawling miniature model of New York City now graces the Museum of the City of New York. This awe-inspiring creation, measuring an impressive 50 by 27 feet, is a testament to Macken’s dedication and ingenuity, crafted meticulously from wood, cardboard, and glue. After two decades of hard work, this iconic representation of the city has found its permanent home, inviting both residents and visitors to explore its intricate details.
A Journey Begins
Macken’s journey into the world of miniature modelling began in 2003 with a humble project: a bridge made from popsicle sticks. Intended to be a hybrid of the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges, the ambitious endeavour met an untimely demise during a move to a small town over 160 miles away from the city. “It got destroyed, and I was kind of bummed,” recalls Macken, now 63. Undeterred by this setback, he resolved to create something even more impressive.
With the ashes of his initial project still fresh in his mind, Macken turned his attention to the landmarks of New York City. He started with a replica of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which sparked a creative flame that led him to model the entirety of Manhattan, and eventually, all five boroughs of New York City.
A City Built One House at a Time
The final product is nothing short of extraordinary. Macken’s masterwork, which took over twenty years to complete, showcases an astonishing level of detail, with each building painstakingly crafted. “This is all about consistency,” he explains. “I just started cutting one little house at a time.” After spending a decade meticulously modelling Manhattan, he dedicated another ten years to encapsulate the rest of New York’s diverse landscape.
Macken’s connection to the city runs deep, rooted in his childhood memories of watching the Twin Towers rise from his bedroom window. “It was my favourite building,” he says, affirming that both the original towers and One World Trade Center, which opened in 2014, would find a place in his model. “No matter what, the former World Trade Center was going to be in there. That was just a personal thing I wanted to do.”
From Storage to Showcase
Before finding a permanent home at the museum, Macken stored his impressive creation in a unit near his house. The logistics of transporting such a fragile piece were not without challenges. “You have a couple casualties here and there, but nothing that can’t be fixed,” he admits. His experience as a former truck driver came in handy as he carefully navigated the streets, ensuring that his masterpiece would arrive intact.
The model is exhibited in a spacious ground-floor gallery, oriented from north to south. Visitors are struck by the sheer size of Manhattan, which appears dwarfed by the outer boroughs, a poignant reminder that the city’s vibrancy extends far beyond its well-trodden tourist paths. Elisabeth Sherman, deputy director and chief curator of the museum, reflects on the model’s significance: “I’ve been thinking a lot about how knowable and unknowable New York City is to all of us… Joe did that in his own way, and now we all get to participate and appreciate it for ourselves.”
Interactive Exploration
To enhance the visitor experience, binoculars are strategically placed around the model, allowing a closer examination of specific neighbourhoods. Locals can easily spot their own streets, creating a sense of personal connection with Macken’s work. “When museum staff first saw the model, we were all standing around squealing, ‘Look, there’s our museum! There’s the Met, there’s the Guggenheim,’” Sherman recalls. The excitement is palpable, as visitors recognise familiar landmarks and witness Macken’s extraordinary ability to transform simple materials into complex architecture.
Macken’s rise to local fame was further propelled by a viral TikTok video last summer, which garnered over 8 million views—an audience almost equivalent to the entire population of New York. The video features Macken proudly showcasing his beloved Twin Towers, and although he admits to being technologically challenged, his daughter’s encouragement helped him share his passion with the world. “It took me longer to download the app than it did to build this whole thing,” he laughs.
Why it Matters
Joe Macken’s miniature New York City is more than just an artistic achievement; it is a poignant homage to the city he loves. This model encapsulates the spirit and diversity of New York, serving as a reminder that every corner and every borough contributes to the rich tapestry that is the city. Through his unwavering dedication, Macken has not only created an impressive work of art but has also invited everyone to reflect on their own connections to this vibrant metropolis. In an age where the grandeur of urban life can often feel overwhelming, Macken’s creation offers a unique lens through which to appreciate the city’s intricate beauty and communal spirit.
