Giant Model of New York City Unveiled

A new exhibition set to open will feature an impressive wooden model of New York City, making its debut at the museum. This creation, sparked by Joe Macken, an upstate truck driver turned TikTok sensation, has gained considerable attention, especially after being showcased at the behest of his daughter.

Starting Wednesday, the Museum of the City of New York will host “He Built This City: The Joe Macken Model,” which will run through the summer. This project, initiated by Macken in 2004, draws inspiration from a childhood trip to the Queens Museum of Art, where he first encountered a panoramic model of the city.

“This hobby has really taken on a life of its own,” Macken, now 63, shared, recalling how he decided to craft his own model after being inspired by that childhood visit. The journey began with a model of Rockefeller Center, slowly expanding into a sprawling representation of the city, reaching an astonishing 50 feet, complete with around 800,000 detailed structures.

He utilized simple materials like balsa wood, Styrofoam, and glue, often referencing books and his old photographs of Manhattan. Before the days of Google Maps, Macken relied on these resources to bring his vision to life.

Interestingly, in areas familiar to him, like Middle Village in Queens, he didn’t require much guidance. “Building Queens was my favorite,” he remarked, “because I know it so well.” Still, he admits that, while aiming for accuracy, his imagination took some liberties along the way.

Post-exhibition plans are already forming, as Macken hopes to undertake a larger project—creating a 90-foot replica encompassing the tri-state area. “It’s going to take another decade or so,” he estimated, adding that he dedicates about two hours to this endeavor daily. “It’s not work for me; it’s a way to relax.” After finishing up with daily tasks, he finds himself heading to his basement to unwind with his project.

However, museum curators have noted that Macken’s installation isn’t precisely architecturally or historically accurate. There are clear identifiers marking the boundaries of his version of New York City, complete with humorous errors like the misspelled “Verrazanno” bridge. “If everything was perfect, it wouldn’t really be me,” he said, chuckling at the mistakes.

Elizabeth Sherman, deputy director of the Museum of the City of New York, emphasized the importance of human touch in his work. Despite the inaccuracies, she praised how the model speaks to everyone’s experience. It reflects a personal narrative of commitment and creativity over two decades.

The museum became aware of Macken’s work after one of his TikTok videos went viral and eventually tracked him down through an event promotion at a nearby bar. “You can see his personal touch,” Sherman noted, highlighting the emotional resonance of the model.

Macken’s model also serves as a tribute to his childhood memories in Queens, especially the iconic skyline he grew up admiring, including the Twin Towers. “I wanted to keep the World Trade Center in the model because it was such a significant part of my view growing up,” he shared proudly.

Reflecting on his journey, he remarked, “How many kids get to look out at the New York City skyline? It’s something I’m very proud of.”