Visiting Deep Space...in Queens

November 7, 2011 1:56 PM

Visiting Deep Space...in Queens This incredible room at the Hall of Science in Queens was originally built for the 1964 World's Fair to give visitors the feeling of being in deep space. Really beautiful, unearthly design. [via mefi projects]

By the excellent explorer Nick Carr AKA Mefi's own nyscout.

posted by bru (19 comments total)

I want to go to there.
posted by eugenen at 2:05 PM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

So, what is IN the great hall? Is it just a big space with those stained-glass windows?

That seems like a prime location to use as a setting for a nightclub/rave scene in a movie.

Hell, fuck the movie and let's just find out what we have to do to hold a rave there.

Although.. it'd have to be a daytime rave, unless the party producers are willing to shine big spotlights at the outside of the building for the duration.

I'm okay with a daytime rave. I'm getting old and staying up all night is difficult anyway.
posted by hippybear at 2:06 PM on November 7, 2011 [4 favorites]

That emergency exit door is aggravatingly incongruous. I suppose they need an emergency exit, and it needs to stand out. Why not redesign it in a way that acknowledges that it is out of place with the design, perhaps as the door to a blue police box.
posted by justsomebodythatyouusedtoknow at 2:23 PM on November 7, 2011 [3 favorites]

This post is useless without Tesla coils!!!!!
posted by phooky at 2:25 PM on November 7, 2011 [3 favorites]

Thanks for this post. I'm looking forward to having the hall open to the public again.

I try to take my kids to that Museum once or twice a month. They have the coolest outdoor playground.
posted by zarq at 2:36 PM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also, they have the best cloud chamber.
posted by phooky at 2:41 PM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

Also, they have a rocket garden in the front yard.

Full size rockets in the front yard!

I've never been more jealous.
posted by Marky at 3:00 PM on November 7, 2011

---wavy lines-----

Leans back in chair. Strokes chin. Pets basilisk. Temples Hands. Issues ultimata.

Makes sure goatee looks suitably dashing in blue light.
posted by lalochezia at 3:17 PM on November 7, 2011 [2 favorites]

Also: bwa ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaa.
posted by lalochezia at 3:18 PM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

I love gigantic models of molecules. There, I have said it. It that so wrong of me?
posted by GenjiandProust at 4:31 PM on November 7, 2011 [1 favorite]

What a neat place.
posted by carter at 5:37 PM on November 7, 2011

It's not actually all that great.
posted by ged at 8:51 PM on November 7, 2011

To me, it has more of an underwater feel. Space is black, no? It does look like a wonderful space. Needs to be available for parties and conventions!
posted by sea at 7:10 AM on November 8, 2011

hippybear, I've long desired that some entrepreneur open a dayclub for fogies like myself who like dancing but can't stay up late.
posted by Rarebit Fiend at 8:07 AM on November 8, 2011

Space is black, no?

FROM THE OUTSIDE, IT'S BLUE.
posted by Faint of Butt at 9:18 AM on November 8, 2011

I remember this from '64!!!! Every time I've seen the building since, it's made me sad that the wonderful interior was inaccessible.

Thanks so much for posting this... forgotten and rediscovered treasures give me hope.

even if very little else does these days...
posted by kinnakeet at 10:37 AM on November 8, 2011

Rarebit Fiend: maybe we've suddenly found our second careers! I'll have my people call your people, and we'll see what we can work out.
posted by hippybear at 1:09 PM on November 8, 2011 [1 favorite]

That thing sitting there in those two photos looks like a TARDIS!
posted by Twang at 3:04 PM on November 8, 2011

It's not actually all that great.

Not all that great!?! Space is the greatest thing there is! Everything else is really small compared to space!
posted by GenjiandProust at 5:34 PM on November 8, 2011