The Unisphere – Yes, We Are All One

City-Kid Review:

Where are we on that? I need to use the bathroom.

I know, I know, it might seem a little odd to post about, but the Unisphere is great. It is a wonderful metalic globe sitting on an abstract of what could be a hand. Who’s hand is it? Could it be ours? Mother Nature? God? It is a stunning sculpture in a grand circular setting complete with fountains. I have glimpsed the Unisphere from the freeway, but standing next to it? It is magnificent.

Flushing meadows is more than a location for tennis. It is a wide expanse of flat parkland, perfect for any City Kid to run around in, and as you approach the Unisphere, the landscaping grows more complex, designed to lead your eye to the wonderful metal structure.

Coming from the subway, you approach the Unisphere along an avenue of trees. To the right is the splendid Queens Museum who’s friendly staff  belie the ornate and imposing Victorian-inspired architecture. It is, also, a convenient, and rather splendid, place to use the bathroom.

We ran around the Unisphere identifying specific countries, where we currently reside, where friends and family live and where certain animals come from. The plaza around the structure was recently reconstructed, and it is a pleasure for city kids to play there. In the summer, the water fountains burst into life.

The Unisphere was built for the 1964 World’s Fair, the theme of which was ‘Peace through Understanding’,  and the sphere itself represents global interdependence. Over half a century later, this structure could not be more relevant.

Need to Knows:

This is an iconic structure and a fun place to play.
Cost: Free

Location: Inside Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.

Public Transport Directions: Take the 7 to Mets-Willets Point station. There is a wooden walkway which takes you past the tennis stadium and into the park. Walk along the edge of the tennis stadium, until you see the promenade of trees. This will take you straight to the Unisphere.

They do not have any cafeteria or food provision. There is a cafe in the neighboring Queens Museum. A little further away is the New York Hall of Science, which has a basic cafeteria.

Top-Tip

Take a picnic, then go to the Queens Museum, or  New York Hall of Science, which is a short walk away.

If you have access to a car, after spending some fun here, enjoy some delicious South Asian cuisine in Jackson Heights.

Any top tips you can share about the Unisphere? Please post in the comments below.

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