Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion Documentary Film Screening- Jan 19, Paris Cafe, 119 S. Street
Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion
Documentary Film Screening
The Paris Café, 119 South Street (at Peck Slip)
6 pm
Join HDC and director, Matt Silva for a film screening of Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion, a documentary about an abandoned structure designed by modernist icon Philip Johnson for the 1964 World’s Fair.
Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion tells the story of the Pavilion from the glory days of the fair, through the years of neglect, up to present day advocacy. The filmmakers hope this project will be the first step in engaging and informing people about the structure in new and exciting ways. This whimsical, futuristic, and soaring piece of art, constructed for the 1964 fair, has been left abandoned for the greater part of 50 years. “It would be a shame if its story ended in demolition,” says Matthew Silva, “The dreamers see beyond the cracks, rust, and neglect to a thriving community space that will serve New Yorkers for generations.” The film’s goal is to contribute to the re-imagining of Flushing Meadows Corona Park and eventually lead to the repurposing of this great icon.
The New York State Pavilion is on its way to being properly restored and cared for and it is a direct result of this film. Since the movie’s release the Queens borough president Melinda Katz has helped to secure about $8 million in funding for the rehabilitation of the Pavilion. The structure has also recently been repainted with a donation from The New York Structural Steel Painting Contractors’ Association.
Run Time: 80 minutes
This program is free and open to the public, but reservations are required.
The Paris Café
119 South Street (at Peck Slip)
*Food and drinks will be available for purchase