Unisphere

Unisphere is a steel sculpture in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York, designed as a freestanding Earth sphere with three orbital rings. The construction shows the outlines of continents in pierced metal and rests on a circular base surrounded by water basins and fountains.

The structure was created for the 1964 World's Fair and was meant to symbolize the space age and international connections. After the fair ended in 1965 the sculpture remained as a permanent landmark in the park.

The name refers to the concept of universal unity and cooperation among nations during the World's Fair. Today the site serves as a meeting point for families and visitors who walk through the park or take photos in front of the large Earth sphere.

The best time to visit is during the warm months when the water features operate and the weather is comfortable for lingering. The sculpture sits centrally in the park and is easily visible and accessible from many pathways.

The surface of the sphere shows only the landmasses while the oceans appear as empty spaces in the steel grid. At night the sculpture is lit up making the continents stand out against the dark sky.

Location: Queens

Inception: 1964

Architects: Gilmore David Clarke

Creator: Gilmore David Clarke, Peter Muller-Munk Associates

Made from material: stainless steel

Website: https://nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12761

GPS coordinates: 40.74639,-73.84500

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:31