The Pavilion, which is known for its “peace through understanding” motto, was a symbol of change and well being in the United States during a time of uncertainty and political upheaval. Shortly before the 1964 World’s Fair, President John F Kennedy was killed, leaving those who admired and loved him in a state of shock and fear. At the same time, the Civil Rights Movement and Vietnam war were tearing the country apart. Along with these political changes in the United States, and in the world, there were new and different types of technologies, and technological advances that were now playing a large role in the lives of the American people. The computer, for instance, was a new and incredible “art” which took the nation by storm. This structure thus became a symbol of the road ahead for the American people, and for the world.
It was named the “Tent of Tomorrow” and was designed by Philip Johnson for the upcoming World’s Fair. When it was completed, the tallest tower held the only observation deck for the fair, which visitors could only get to through the futuristic sky streak capsule elevators. The smaller structures held cafeterias. During the fair alone approximately 6 million people visited the top observation deck. It held art galleries and a scale replica of the hydroelectric plant. The pavilion’s largest and most visited attraction, however, was its New York State map, which cost one million dollars to build and was detailed enough to show even the smallest roads and counties in New York State.
Unfortunately the map fell to disrepair after the roof of the building nearly collapsed and was deemed unsafe. The roof was then removed and the map was allowed to wither away.
After the fair ended the Pavilion was used for a multitude of different purposes. For instance, it was used as a roller skating rink for a time. It was also a performance space for acting, dancing, and theater for the Council for International Recreation, Culture, and Lifelong Education. It later held a 360-film festival where a film about the wonders of New York could be viewed. Recently the theater was renovated so that more plays could continue to run in a safer and updated environment. The project was funded by the city council and private donors and cost 4 million dollars all together.
