In 2014, Queens Museum underwent a major renovation led by Architectural firms Grimshaw, and Ammann & Whitney which included a spiral glass staircase, supported by a structure that mimics the 1964 World’s Fair Unisphere’s inverted tripod base. The famous Unisphere is located just outside Queens Museum in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens, New York and is the only remaining structure in use from the international fair. The stairs guide the museum visitors up to the mezzanine’s glass bridge where they can observe the real sculpture that was built in 1964.

The stair treads, landings and bridges all consist of low iron, 4-layer, laminated, acid-etched walkable traction-glass. Our technical knowledge, skills and ability to produce large multi-ply laminates and 2 ¼” thick high polish landed us the fabrication project. As a one-stop, full service glass supplier, with state of the art materials (including SentryGlas® and Walker Traction glass), we achieved unprecedented precision, accuracy and efficiencies through 3D measurements (vs traditional wooden templates).

Whether ascending the staircase to take in a bit of history, or watching the light dance from curtain wall to glass fins to galleries, each step is reminiscent of the aspirational energy and hopeful emotion that the World’s Fair embodied.

Learn more about the project here: Architectural Record: Queens Museum