A Unique Tribute to NYC: Upstate Trucker's Scale Model Set for Museum Showing
A life-long love affair with New York City has resulted in a monumental scale model of the five boroughs built by 63-year-old trucker Joe Macken. The colossal, 50-by-30-foot model took 22 years and over two decades to complete using just balsa wood, Elmer's glue, and Styrofoam.
The model was initially constructed on separate panels, making it easier to disassemble when needed, with its completion marked by a moment of pure elation for Macken - "I jumped outta my chair and I cheered." It remained in storage until his kids encouraged him to share it online.
The model's online presence soon caught the attention of a work client, who invited Macken to display it at a local fairgrounds near Albany. The exhibit proved just as successful in person as it was on social media platforms.
Museum officials were quick to take notice and, under the new leadership of Chief Curator Elisabeth Sherman, formalized Macken's exhibit. According to Sherman, Macken's model is more than just a tribute to NYC - it's an "artistic vision" that highlights lesser-celebrated works.
While comparisons have been drawn between Macken's model and the Queens Museum's famous "Panorama", Sherman believes they differ significantly in their presentation: the Panorama offers a more institutional view of New York, whereas Joe's Model reflects his personal connection to the city.
"We are honored to debut this remarkable work at the Museum," said Stephanie Hill Wilchfort, Director and President of MCNY.
Macken plans to transport his masterpiece to its eventual home in the museum, albeit slowly - using a rented 25-foot U-Haul to navigate the route without too much movement. He managed similar logistics for the display at Cobleskill Fairgrounds with only one casualty - the Throggs Neck Bridge.
As he prepares for the big show, Macken remains focused on sharing his work and is not planning to retire anytime soon: "I think it's gonna work out really well."
A life-long love affair with New York City has resulted in a monumental scale model of the five boroughs built by 63-year-old trucker Joe Macken. The colossal, 50-by-30-foot model took 22 years and over two decades to complete using just balsa wood, Elmer's glue, and Styrofoam.
The model was initially constructed on separate panels, making it easier to disassemble when needed, with its completion marked by a moment of pure elation for Macken - "I jumped outta my chair and I cheered." It remained in storage until his kids encouraged him to share it online.
The model's online presence soon caught the attention of a work client, who invited Macken to display it at a local fairgrounds near Albany. The exhibit proved just as successful in person as it was on social media platforms.
Museum officials were quick to take notice and, under the new leadership of Chief Curator Elisabeth Sherman, formalized Macken's exhibit. According to Sherman, Macken's model is more than just a tribute to NYC - it's an "artistic vision" that highlights lesser-celebrated works.
While comparisons have been drawn between Macken's model and the Queens Museum's famous "Panorama", Sherman believes they differ significantly in their presentation: the Panorama offers a more institutional view of New York, whereas Joe's Model reflects his personal connection to the city.
"We are honored to debut this remarkable work at the Museum," said Stephanie Hill Wilchfort, Director and President of MCNY.
Macken plans to transport his masterpiece to its eventual home in the museum, albeit slowly - using a rented 25-foot U-Haul to navigate the route without too much movement. He managed similar logistics for the display at Cobleskill Fairgrounds with only one casualty - the Throggs Neck Bridge.
As he prepares for the big show, Macken remains focused on sharing his work and is not planning to retire anytime soon: "I think it's gonna work out really well."
. And the fact that he was doing it all in his free time is even more impressive. I mean, who has the patience to spend 22 years working on something like that? 
The guy's passion for NYC really shows through in this massive tribute and it's awesome that he's finally getting the recognition he deserves 
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. Seriously though, it's amazing to see how something so personal can resonate with people like it did with Macken's kids and then the museum crowd. The way Sherman describes it as an "artistic vision" is spot on - it's not just about recreating NYC but also about sharing a piece of the creator's soul. Can't wait to see it in person! 
How did he even start it? Was there a particular moment that made him think 'you know what, I'll spend the next two decades on this'? 
... does that mean people will be able to see it in person now? Are they gonna have little Joe Macken giving tours or something? 
And isn't it kinda cool that the curator says it's an 'artistic vision' rather than just some random model of NYC? Does that mean there's more to it than meets the eye?
. I'm so down for this exhibit at the museum, I need to see it in person ASAP! The fact that they're saying it's more than just a tribute, but an "artistic vision" is giving me life. And can we get some behind-the-scenes pics of Joe moving his baby out of the U-Haul 
? This is literally the best news I've heard all week! 
this is AMAZING!!! Joe Macken's scale model of NYC is literally jaw-dropping! I mean, can you believe he spent 22 years working on it?! It's like a whole other world in balsa wood and Styrofoam 
. I'm so stoked that his kids shared it online and it ended up in the museum 
. And I love how the curator, Elisabeth Sherman, says it's more than just a tribute to NYC - it's like a personal connection to the city 
. Can't wait to see it in person!
It's amazing how one person's passion project can make such a big impact and now it's getting the recognition it deserves. I mean, I've seen some cool art pieces in my time but this is on another level 
. The fact that the museum is showcasing it as more than just a tribute but an 'artistic vision' really speaks to Macken's connection with the city 
The fact that he put in 22 years to create it is a testament to his passion. 
It's all about perspective, you know? Joe's model shows us the personal side of NYC – his connection to the city is what makes it special. 
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The fact that the museum is giving it a proper showing is awesome, and it's dope that they're highlighting lesser-known works. I'm low-key jealous of the scale model though 