About The Largest Globe In America
The largest representation of the earth ever made
The Unisphere is a famous landmark in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York City. It is located at the center of the radial pathways in the northern half of Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The globe is a very large stainless steel representation of the Earth and is one of the most recognizable symbols of the historic 1964-1965 New York World's Fair.
The Unisphere is described as the world’s largest model world by Smithsonian. It is defined as the biggest world on Earth by Internet Archive. The Queens Museum recognizes the Unisphere as the largest representation of the earth ever made. American Institute of Steel Construction acknowledges it as the world’s largest geographical globe.
The Unisphere was donated by U.S. Steel, constructed by the American Bridge Company and designed by the American landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke. It was dedicated on April 22, 1964 and commissioned to symbolize the theme of the World's Fair, "Peace Through Understanding."
The globe-shaped structure measures 120 feet (37 meters) in diameter and weighs 700,000 pounds (317,515 kilograms or 350 tons). It stands 140 feet tall. It features a detailed map of the continents and major geographic features, including mountain ranges and bodies of water.
Surrounding the Unisphere are multiple fountains, which were originally designed to shoot water up to 150 feet (46 meters) in the air. These fountains added to the spectacle of the Unisphere during the World's Fair and remain a striking feature of the monument.
Its spherical shape represents the Earth, while the three rings surrounding it symbolize the orbits of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space; John Glenn, the first American to orbit the Earth; and Telstar, the first active communications satellite. These rings also serve as symbolic orbits for visitors to walk around the Unisphere.
It is not a perfectly accurate representation of the Earth. Instead, it depicts continents and major landmasses without many smaller geographical features like rivers and mountains. This was done to simplify the design and make it visually appealing from a distance.
Over the years, the Unisphere has become an iconic symbol of Queens and is frequently featured in photographs, films, and television shows. It serves as a gathering spot and a backdrop for various events and activities in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
The Unisphere is illuminated at night, making it visible from miles away. The lighting enhances its visibility and adds to its dramatic appearance, especially against the backdrop of the New York City skyline.
The structure stands as a testament to the optimism and ambition of the 1960s, as well as a reminder of the importance of international cooperation and understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
After the conclusion of the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair, there was some uncertainty about the future of the Unisphere. However, it quickly became a beloved landmark in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and has remained a popular attraction ever since.
The Unisphere underwent restoration work in 2010 to repair and clean the structure. It remains a prominent attraction, drawing both locals and tourists who visit Queens to admire its grandeur and historical significance.