The Unisphere

The Unisphere is an iconic, huge stainless steel sculpture from the 1964 – 65 World’s Fair. It’s located in Flushing Meadows-​Corona Park. In the summer, it’s surrounded by a stunning fountain, but it’s emptied in the winter.
It’s the world’s largest world at 12 stories tall and weighs 700,000 pounds. I love that you can see it from the highway and all around Queens. It’s just a classic, enduring symbol for Queens.
It’s pretty cool to see, as you might remember it from Men in Black, but it’s not likely worth going out of your way to see if you’re a tourist with limited time and no car.
It’s very easy to drive here if you’re a local. You can park for free at the Queens Museum parking lot.

Good place to practice using that fancy new camera you picked up for Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Make sure to hold you hands up like your holding the thing up like Hercules, or pinching it between your fingers.

Queens iconic symbol!
Peaceful and relaxing, a great place to meditate and think, and to have recreation time along the grassy meadows of the Flushing Meadows Park it belongs in.

The grounds are beautiful and the Unisphere is impressive. It’s smack dab in the middle of Flushing Meadows Park in close proximity to the Arthur Ashe Tennis Stadium. My advise is not to come near here during the U.S. Open Tennis match that takes place every year in late August into early September. The crowds and the security are insane. Come any other time though and you’ll be glad you did because pictures just don’t do it proper justice. Definitely one of the iconic places to visit in NYC.

This is not Universal Studios! Way more beautiful. I never walked so much in my life! It was all worth it once I saw it! It was amazing! Definitely a place you should check out if you’re ever in NY! Got here on a Tuesday and it was not packed. I couldn’t find a bathroom near by though. I had to walk all the way to Queens Zoo. They had a free petting zoo where the bathroom was located. Btw the zoo was on the other side of the overpass. I didn’t think I was going to make it.

So beautiful and unique to have at a park. This landmark is next to the queens museum. It is a gem in Flushing Meadows. Great place to take pics or cool off in the heat with the fountains spraying.

The magnitude of this site can only be appreciated in person. Walking past Billy Jean King Stadium, through the trees you start to see bits of the Unisphere poking through. Then BAM, there it is. It is quite a site to behold. It may seem like a silly thing to trek all the way to Flushing to see this, but I am telling you it is worth it. On a cloudy day, on a sunny day, snowing it really is a beautiful site. When the fountains are going, it is truly spectacular. Unfortunately, when I went, the reflecting pools were not filled. I was surprised by this because the US Open was occurring and it was still a very hot time of year. But, regardless, it was beautiful to see this enormous remanent of the World’s Fair in all of it’s glory.

Queens iconic symbol!
So grand, so marvelous, so unique.
See it by car or public transportation.
There are several free parking lots in the park if you plan to drive.
The closest parking lot is the one located next to the newly renovated Queens Museum.
The #7 subway and LIRR stops at the Mets-​Willets station and it is a).5 mile walk to the Unisphere.

The Unisphere. Doesn’t get more iconic NYC that than. Summer time is the best time to visit as the fountains are on. Frolic in the water and marvel in the beauty of the sphere and the surrounding part. Pick up an icey treat from a local vendor and enjoy the people watching.

If you are at a University that is struggling to pay its overheads, then that «Uni’s Fear» is going bankrupt and ceasing to exist. It’s a «Unique Fear» because there is in fact only one college that does not have wealthy benefactors, and therefore no other Uni is in this sort of peril. As for the word «peril», then if you add an «n» it becomes «Pernil», which is delicious Latin Caribbean Roast Pork. And it’s interesting that just 1 letter can separate something so bad from something so good. Now what was this review supposed to be about?
The Unisphere is simply one of the most stunning things I’ve ever seen. To many, it’s «that place from Men In Black», but to me, I don’t even think of that particular Tommy Lee Jones movie (I can’t remember who else was in it, I just marvel (not comics) in the spectacular beauty of this stunning landmark.
And if Britney had gone to college instead of becoming rich and famous, then she would have been Unispears.
It’s actually my favourite place in all of NYC. More so than any of the bridges or sweeping views of the city. Right here sandwiched between Corona on the west side and Flushing on the east. With freeways (not called freeways in NYC) criss crossing the landscape on every side. It’s not particularly peaceful here and the jets thunder overhead towards LaGuardia just to the NW, while the tourists come and go, in large numbers — especially during the day. And despite all of this, it remains one of the loveliest places I’ve ever been.
And if you had saved the unicorns before they became extinct, they would have given you a very loud, enthusiastic Unicheer.
I think perhaps because it’s so unusual, so original, so unique and so striking. Or perhaps because I am a massive fan of travel and Geography. Indeed, on all of my quiz teams (geek alert) I am the resident «global expert» at everything from capitals to mountains to rivers to foods to flags. So seeing a massive metallic upside-​down globe is a huge thrill to someone like me.
And when you join the real world, you tend to prefer lagers and bitters that actually taste good. As opposed to the watered-​down, anything-​goes crap you drank in college, also known as Unibeer.
Or it may be the surroundings. With BJK (ooh) Tennis Center on one side, and a very weird towering something (I’m not even sure what it is… it looks abandoned… it reminds me of Montréal’s Olympic Stadium a little bit… or something from another planet… it may be some kind of theater… I’m not going to look it up because I want to always wonder what the hell it is) on the other side… this place is even more special than if it were «just a globe in a park.» I also love the fact that when I come here at night (and I’ve been several dozen times), I’m often the only one here. At least for awhile.
Also, it’s the lighting. During the day, this monument is impressive. But at night, it becomes truly breathaking and haunting. It’s lit up in such a pronounced way, that even from the highway but especially up close, it literally shines in the night, like the moon at its brightest but so much bigger and closer. It glows an eerie, luminous white. It provokes gasps in all that I take to see it. It’s a «wowwwwwww» sort of place. And an unexpected wow, too, because nobody really expects to say «wow» to something in Queens.
If you were unpopular in high school, now hated in the real world, but during those college days you were adored and beloved, then the term for that is «uni-​revered.» And I’m sorry.
And if you’re mortally afraid of Unibrows, then you have an uncontrollable (but understandable) «Unifear.»
And if you can successfully prognosticate exactly which college someone will go to, then you’re a «Uni-​seer.» And you could make money from that. But not as much as the Skipped-​Uni-​Spears did. Oops. You think she’s in love.
Speaking of Queens. Tourists don’t rate Queens the way those of us that really know Queens rate Queens. It’s just that place you fly in and out of. Now finally, it’s becoming that place where you get the very best and very cheapest authentic ethnic food (of any kind) in New York City.
But more than that, Queens also has one of the most amazing and underrated tourist attractions in all of NYC. And that is The Unisphere. It’s utterly spectacular, and is one of my 5 favourite «tourist attractions» in America, hands down, and easily my favourite in NYC. But then I have a massive «pro Queens» bias because all of my favourite food places are in Queens. However if you know me well you know that getting naked with me is always, always a good idea.
Oh wait, sorry I got distracted. I meant to say, if you know me well, you know that a big shiny sparkly illuminated globe in the middle of a park in the night time in a dramatic concrete jungle urban city scape right next to an imposing sports arena and an abandoned looking monolithic weird thing that makes no sense to me, is always going to massively appeal to me. And speaking of massive…

In the middle of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, this is a great place to stop by to cool off.
In the center of a water fountain with the fountains circling the globe.
Technically, you are not supposed to go in and play but on a hot day, everyone does it anyway. Or you can stand by the edge and the water will spray on you, cooling you off.

Perfect place to be on a scorching day in NYC. Kids playing, Mister Softee, and lots of dogs! You might get the whistle blown if you try to dip in the fountain, but most people risk it anyway. Only in New York, you gotta love it!

Another one of those landmarks that’s good for a photo opp then move on. Built for the 1964 – 1965 World’s Fair, it seems stuck in time. Located in Flushing Meadows park in Corona Queens I don’t see the need for tourists to make the long trip on the 7 train to see it. If you’re planning on visiting the Queens Museum in the same park, then definitely walk over to check it out.

Love this place, brings back memories of when I was a kid and having family BBQ’s all summer long while playing softball and volley ball. Love when the sprinklers are on which is usually around the US Open.

A Queens must see!
The globe actually has different layers and shows the topography of certain areas which I thought was very interesting.
A lot of open park spaces around the Unisphere for a nice stroll. There are playgrounds near by as well for kids to play in.
The Unisphere is a bit far from any nearby street or parking. It is pretty deep within Flushing Meadows Park so bring your walking shoes!

We came here after an evening at the museum of science, since it was so close by and my boyfriend has always wanted to visit. The globe is huge and even more magnificent up close.
I love that it was free to enter the park and view this iconic structure without having to pay or worry about parking (we went around 9:30pm — although there weren’t many, or any if my memory serves me right, road signs letting you know you were headed in the right direction or where you were meant to park. Luckily, our GPS did not lead us astray.
The fountain was off when we went and locals and I suppose guests alike, were using the empty bowl as a skateboarding rink/​park.
After checking out the globe we walked around the park a bit, which is nicely manicured and has beautiful, massive trees, before heading off. It was the perfect impromptu adventure (we spent about 30 minutes total) and would probably make an excellent first or second endcap date destination.

When I saw this bad boy I knew that we were headed in the right direction. The surrounding park is worth a walk through. It was a coolish spring day and there were a few folks out to enjoy it.
If you are in Flushing, it’s a good place to stop and take a few photos. I’d love to see it with the water on. If you are a Mets fan, take a little stroll there between innings. If I am in the area again, it is a place I know how to get to.

Gorgeous, especially when compared to what it was like when I was a kid growing up in Queens. The fountains work and there area around the Unisphere are no longer filled with garbage, dog poop and drug baggies. That alone makes it four stars, but I’m giving it an extra star because the Unisphere itself, the metal structure, appears to have been beautifully maintained, bringing it back to its original glory.
If, by the way, you’re looking for more information about the landmark, as well as the history behind how it came to be a symbol of a bygone era, you might want to check out the book, «Tomorrow-​Land: The 1964 – 65 World’s Fair And The Transformation Of America.»
I cannot wait to go back!

The park itself is beautiful. Well kept & maintain. However, the surrounding areas are on the sketchy side. If you’re from out of town or not familiar with the area, I suggest either going with a local or a buddy & definitely in the day time. Well, I would never suggest that you go visit a park at night any way.
I just moved to Manhattan & took the subway out there. It really wasn’t difficult at all but I was warned that once I get out there, the hood is a bit… unique. So this review is for those tourists who want to see this awesome sight & take the train over. You have been warned.
Best way out there from Manhattan is any train from time square then take the F to 111^th. You’ll be a couple blocks away but it’s awesome seeing the structure from the train as you arrive. Be on the look out. It’s so cool.
If anyone knows of another way to get there that’s easier, please let me know. Thx!

My 1,000^th Unilocal review.
I wanted it to be personal and meaningful. So when I found myself unexpectedly in Queens, I knew what I’d be writing about.
I returned to a place from my childhood to see a sight I last saw fifty years ago. An optimistic place that brought a remarkable sense of awe, majesty, wonder, and hope for a bright future.
This is a review of The Unisphere — on the grounds of the 1964 World’s Fair in Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, New York.
It still stands today– as glorious and majestic as ever.
Flushing Meadows Park is beautiful– with a zoo and kiddie rides and ice cream trucks, groups of young children on school field trips, older kids, laughing on a bench –probably playing hooky from school, oldsters strolling, young lovers wandering around hand in hand.
The Unisphere was built by the US Steel Corporation to represent world peace. It’s the largest globe in the world at twelve stories tall and weighing in at 700,000 pounds.
You can see three rings circling the world, they represent the historic orbits of the satellite Telstar, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, and Astronaut John Glenn.
Made of stainless steel, it will never rust. It looks as glorious today as it did to the fair-​goers in 1964.
It was a very melancholy visit for me — a combination of seeing this beautiful symbol of hope and the glory of man, mixed in with the realization of time’s passage.
In 1964 when I visited (amazingly, I saved my admission ticket fifty years ago, and today I scanned and uploaded it) my family of five was there. There are just 2 of us left. Too bad families are made of flesh and blood instead of stainless steel
There is a plaque at the base of the Unisphere pavilion that reads:
Dedicated toward man’s aspirations to Peace Through Understanding and symbolizing his achievements in an expanding universe. Built and presented by the United States Steel Corporation (USS) to the New York World’s Fair April 22, 1964.
Made of Stainless Steel, the Unisphere is 140′ high, 120′ feet in diameter and weighs 700,000 pounds.