View source for United States Pavilion

{{Short description|Building in Queens, New York (1964–77)}}
{{About|the 1964 New York World's Fair pavilion|the Epcot pavilion also called the "United States Pavilion"|The American Adventure (Epcot)|the Expo 67 pavilion|Montreal Biosphere|the Expo 2010 pavilion|USA pavilion at Expo 2010}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox building
| name                = United States Pavilion
| alternate_names     = U.S. Pavilion, Federal Pavilion
| image               = United States Pavilion.jpg
| caption             = Exterior of the United States Pavilion
| coordinates         = {{Coord|40.749407|-73.847067|type:landmark_region:US-NY|format=dms|display=it}}
| architectural_style = 
| address             = [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]]<br/>[[Queens]], New York
| map_type            = New York City#New York#United States
| map_alt             = <!-- Alternative text for map image, see WP:ALT for details -->
| map_caption         = Location in New York City##Location in New York##Location in the United States
| years_built         = 1962–1964
| groundbreaking_date = December 14, 1962
| topped_out_date     = August 23, 1963
| completion_date     = 
| opened_date         = April 23, 1964
| inauguration_date   = 
| relocated_date      = 
| renovation_date     = 
| closing_date        = October 18, 1965
| demolition_date     = 1977
| cost                = {{US$|10,500,000|1964|round=-2}}
| owner               = 
| height              = {{convert|84|ft}}
| material            = 
| size                = 
| floor_count         = 2
| floor_area          = 
| architect           = Leon Deller
| architecture_firm   = [[Charles Luckman]] Associates
| parking             = 
| public_transit      = 
| website             = <!-- {{URL|example.com}} -->
| references          = 
| footnotes           = 
}}
The '''United States Pavilion''' (also known as the '''U.S. Pavilion''' and '''Federal Pavilion''') was a [[pavilion]] at [[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]] in [[Queens]], New York City, United States. Themed to the "challenge to greatness", it was designed for the [[1964 New York World's Fair]] by Leon Deller of the architectural firm [[Charles Luckman]] Associates. The building was a hollow square surrounding a garden court. Inside the building were two auditoriums, a [[dark ride]]–style attraction, several exhibit spaces, and a library. In addition, the pavilion had a hall of presidents during the 1965 season.

The United States Pavilion was first proposed in January 1960, but the [[United States Congress]] did not provide an appropriation for the project for two years. The U.S. government hired Luckman for the project in 1962, and U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] attended the building's [[groundbreaking ceremony]] on December 14, 1962. It opened on April 23, 1964, and operated for two seasons of six months each, attracting five million visitors during its first season alone. The structure became part of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in 1967, but it remained abandoned for several years due to a lack of upkeep. The building was extensively vandalized, and numerous attempts to renovate and restore the pavilion proved unsuccessful. The [[United States Department of Commerce]] (DOC) proposed demolishing the building in 1974; following protracted disputes, it was ultimately razed in 1977. [[Arthur Ashe Stadium]] was built on the pavilion's site in 1996.

The structure was {{Convert|84|ft|4=}} tall, standing upon four stilts, with a [[frontage]] of {{Convert|330|ft}} on each side. The structure had a translucent facade of multicolored plastic panels, and it was accessed by pyramidal staircases leading into the garden court. The exhibit spaces contained objects relating to American history and culture; they included the Challenge to Greatness, the Exhibit Hall of the Great Society, and two scientific-exhibit halls. The hall of presidents displayed artifacts from 13 U.S. presidents, while the library had study areas and numerous activities. The basement included a 600-seat theater that screened a short film, as well as a 200-seat multipurpose auditorium. Occupying the second floor was the American Journey ride, where visitors watched a short [[Cinerama]] film from slow-moving vehicles. Luckman's initial design for the pavilion was not well-received, but the final design and the exhibits themselves received positive reviews.

==Development==
[[Flushing Meadows–Corona Park]], a former ash dump in the [[Borough (New York City)|New York City borough]] of [[Queens]], was used for the [[1939 New York World's Fair|1939/1940 New York World's Fair]]. At the conclusion of the fair, it was used as a park.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 15, 1940 |title=Ready to Turn Fair Into Park; Moses Tells Mayor His Plans Are Set |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132724/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940%20a%20-%204231.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=[[The Sun (New York City)|The Sun]] |page=14 |via=[[fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=July 13, 1949 |title=Flushing Meadow |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204917.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222858/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949/Long%20Island%20%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949%20-%204917.pdf |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |page=4 |via=[[fultonhistory.com]]}}</ref> The Flushing Meadows site was selected in 1959 for the [[1964 New York World's Fair]].<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ruI0AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA1-PA10 |title=La Guardia International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Airport Access Program, Automated Guideway Transit System (NY, NJ): Environmental Impact Statement |date=June 1994 |publisher=[[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey]], [[United States Department of Transportation]], [[Federal Aviation Administration]], [[New York State Department of Transportation]] |pages=1.11 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222858/https://books.google.com/books?id=ruI0AQAAMAAJ&pg=SA1-PA10 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Gilmore David Clarke]] and Michael Rapuano, designers of the original World's Fair layout, were retained to tailor the original 1939 park layout for the new fair.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2015 |title=Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Historic Preservation Studio |url=https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145529/https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |publisher=[[Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation]] |page=16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1925.pdf |title=The Unisphere |date=May 16, 1995 |publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] |page=3 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104175718/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1925.pdf |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> New York City parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]] was president of the World's Fair Corporation, which leased the park from the city until 1967, after the fair's completion.<ref name="Schumach 1967">{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=June 4, 1967 |title=Moses Gives City Fair Site as Park; Flushing Meadows in Queens Becomes the 2D Biggest Recreation Area Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407072907/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

=== Early plans and funding ===
When the fair was announced, the New York state government had pledged not to request federal funds for the fair.<ref name="Scheibel 1961">{{Cite news |last=Scheibel |first=Kenneth |date=October 10, 1961 |title=President Supports World's Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ithaca-journal-president-supports-wo/152951449/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Ithaca Journal |pages=14 |agency=Gannett News Service |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140534/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ithaca-journal-president-supports-wo/152951449/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Samuel p. 106">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=106}}</ref> As early as June&nbsp;1960, [[United States Congress]] members from New York had proposed legislation to allow the U.S. government to host an exhibit at the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 3, 1960 |title=Bill Provides For U.S. Role In N. Y. Fair: Aim Is 'Visual And Ideological Impact' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327064757}}}}</ref> That December, Moses proposed constructing a science center at the fair, which would be maintained by the U.S. government and known as the Franklin National Center.<ref name="The New York Times 1960">{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1960 |title=U.S. Science Site Urged at '64 Fair; Exhibition Asks Government to Sponsor a $30,000,000 Permanent Building |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/05/archives/us-science-site-urged-at-64-fair-exhibition-asks-government-to.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607221502/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/05/archives/us-science-site-urged-at-64-fair-exhibition-asks-government-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Newsday 1960">{{cite news |date=December 5, 1960 |title=Ask Permanent Center For Science at '64 Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-ask-permanent-c/152946063/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=20 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898994988}}}}</ref> This exhibit would have been located near the center of Flushing Meadow and would have cost {{US$|30,000,000|1960|round=-3|long=no}}.<ref name="Newsday 1960" /> [[Wallace Harrison]] drew up plans for the structure,<ref name="The New York Times 1960" /><ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|page=1033}}</ref> a hemispherical building with glass arcs and rectangular annexes around it.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /> Another proposal, drawn up by the engineer Theodore J. Kauffeld based on a New Jersey teenager's idea, called for a {{convert|180|ft|m|-diameter|adj=mid}} sphere atop a series of [[Pier (architecture)|piers]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 8, 1961 |title=Plan for Fair Pushed; Drawing of Building Based on Youth's Idea to Be Studied |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/08/archives/plan-for-fair-pushed-drawing-of-building-based-on-youths-idea-to-be.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809163408/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/08/archives/plan-for-fair-pushed-drawing-of-building-based-on-youths-idea-to-be.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Had the Franklin National Center been built, it would have remained in the park as a permanent structure,<ref>{{cite news |date=May 9, 1961 |title=Fair Expected To Bring City $53,000,000: Estimate Submitted To Board by Moses |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=30 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325421048}}}}</ref> but plans for the Franklin National Center were canceled in 1961.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /> Even though the U.S. government had not committed to a pavilion, Moses wanted the federal government to construct a structure that "compel[s] the respect and even the admiration of mankind".<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=May 23, 1961 |title=Moses Asks a U.S. Fair Exhibit That All Mankind Will Admire; Urges Government to Shun 'Shopworn Stereotypes' in Its Pavilion, Not Even Planned Yet by Administration |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/23/archives/moses-asks-a-us-fair-exhibit-that-all-mankind-will-admire-urges.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809151305/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/23/archives/moses-asks-a-us-fair-exhibit-that-all-mankind-will-admire-urges.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[United States House of Representatives]] passed a bill in mid-1961 to appropriate $300,000 for a U.S. government pavilion at the fair.<ref name="Shuster 1961">{{Cite news |last=Shuster |first=Alvin |date=September 23, 1961 |title=Senators Shelve U.S. Role in Fair; But Javits and Keating Plan Steps to Obtain Funds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/23/archives/senators-shelve-us-role-in-fair-but-javits-and-keating-plan-steps.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809163410/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/23/archives/senators-shelve-us-role-in-fair-but-javits-and-keating-plan-steps.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Former U.S. president [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]] expressed support for the appropriation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hinden |first=Stan |date=September 22, 1961 |title=Ike Likes Plan for Fair But It's Not Unanimous |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898982313}}}}</ref> The [[United States Senate]] next had to pass the bill, but U.S. Senator [[Frank J. Lausche]] of Ohio opposed the appropriation because he did not want to use any federal money to finance the 1964 fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 13, 1961 |title=Moses Urges U. S. To Join the Fair; Denies a Federal Building, Paid for by Government, Would Breach Any Pact |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/13/archives/moses-urges-us-to-join-the-fair-denies-a-federal-building-paid-for.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809151306/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/09/13/archives/moses-urges-us-to-join-the-fair-denies-a-federal-building-paid-for.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=September 13, 1961 |title=Moses, Lausche Spar On U.S. Role in 64 Fair |work=Newsday |page=102 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898308797}} |agency=The Associated Press}}</ref><ref name="Tirella p. 7">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=7}}</ref> [[J. William Fulbright]], who chaired the [[United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations|Foreign Relations Committee]], refused to consider the appropriation,<ref name="Tirella p. 7" /> and the bill died in committee in September 1961.<ref name="Shuster 1961" /><ref>{{cite news |date=September 23, 1961 |title=World's Fair Bill Makes No Progress: Lausche Keeping It Out of Committee |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=4 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1342323019}}}}</ref> The ''[[The Standard-Star|Standard-Star]]'' criticized the "know-it-all way" of Fulbright's decision,<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1961 |title=Too Big for His Britches |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-standard-star-too-big-for-his-britch/152953270/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The Standard-Star |pages=6}}</ref> and the ''[[New York Herald Tribune]]'' called Lausche's and Fulbright's behavior "petty".<ref>{{cite news |date=September 22, 1961 |title=The World's Fair Deserves Better |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=24 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326087963}}}}</ref> Moses, similarly, thought there would be "irreparable damage" to the fair's reputation if the U.S. had no exhibit at the fair.<ref name="Tirella p. 7" /> At the time, the United States' geopolitical rival, the Soviet Union, was planning to host an exhibit there.<ref name="Samuel p. 106" /><ref name="Tirella p. 8">{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=8}}</ref>{{Efn|The Soviet exhibit was canceled before the fair opened.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cashman |first=John |date=October 3, 1962 |title=New Soviet Walkout Looms-- From Fair |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899194206}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Frankel |first=Max |date=October 3, 1962 |title=Soviet Pulls Out of World's Fair; Asserts U.S. Insists on Own Exhibition in Russia, but Capital Sees Pretext |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/03/archives/soviet-pulls-out-of-worlds-fair-asserts-us-insists-on-own.html |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529001737/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/03/archives/soviet-pulls-out-of-worlds-fair-asserts-us-insists-on-own.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}}

After the congressional appropriation failed, New York City Mayor [[Robert F. Wagner]] asked U.S. President [[John F. Kennedy]] to endorse the U.S. government's involvement in the fair.<ref name="Samuel p. 106" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hunt |first=Richard P. |date=October 2, 1961 |title=Kennedy to Back '64 World's Fair; President Plans Statement Expressing U.S. Interest at Request of Wagner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/02/archives/kennedy-to-back-64-worlds-fair-president-plans-statement-expressing.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809151305/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/02/archives/kennedy-to-back-64-worlds-fair-president-plans-statement-expressing.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Moses also encouraged Kennedy to appoint a presidential committee to develop a U.S. pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 7, 1961 |title=U.S. Prodded on Fair; Moses Asks for Presidential Unit to Plan Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/07/archives/us-prodded-on-fair-moses-asks-for-presidential-unit-to-plan.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809173242/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/07/archives/us-prodded-on-fair-moses-asks-for-presidential-unit-to-plan.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Moses and Kennedy talked about the fair,<ref name="Tirella p. 8" /> Kennedy pledged support for U.S. involvement in the fair in October 1961, though he did not explicitly approve funding for a pavilion.<ref name="Scheibel 1961" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Robert |date=October 6, 1961 |title=President Backs Fair and Hopes for Dough |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-president-backs-fair-and-hope/152953159/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=2 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140622/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-president-backs-fair-and-hope/152953159/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Kennedy also agreed to establish a committee to discuss the U.S. government's involvement with the fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 28, 1961 |title=President Gives 'Enthusiastic' Backing to Wagner |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/28/archives/president-gives-enthusiastic-backing-to-wagner-president-backs.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809173241/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/10/28/archives/president-gives-enthusiastic-backing-to-wagner-president-backs.html |url-status=live }}</ref> No progress occurred for several months, and, at a speech in March 1962, Moses expressed concerns about delays in the U.S. Pavilion's development.<ref name="Tirella p. 8" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1962 |title=U.S. Scored on Fair; Moses Urges Faster Planning for Government Exhibit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/11/archives/us-scored-on-fair-moses-urges-faster-planning-for-government.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809173242/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/11/archives/us-scored-on-fair-moses-urges-faster-planning-for-government.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following Moses's speech, Kennedy requested that Congress provide $25 million for the pavilion.<ref name="Tirella p. 8" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 14, 1962 |title=President Urges U.S. Role at Fair; Asks 25 Millions for Federal Area at Exposition Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/14/archives/president-urges-us-role-at-fair-asks-25-millions-for-federal-area.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809173241/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/14/archives/president-urges-us-role-at-fair-asks-25-millions-for-federal-area.html |url-status=live }}; {{cite news |date=March 14, 1962 |title=Washington at Work: White House |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=13 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132817325}}}}</ref> This included $10.1 million for the pavilion itself, $13.7 million for the exhibits, and $1.2 million for the pavilion's programs.<ref name="nyt-1962-03-31">{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1962 |title=House Unit Backs U.S. Role in Fair; But Urges an Expenditure of 17 Millions, Not 25 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/31/archives/house-unit-backs-us-role-in-fair-but-urges-an-expenditure-of-17.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140540/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/31/archives/house-unit-backs-us-role-in-fair-but-urges-an-expenditure-of-17.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The House of Representatives voted in late March 1962 to provide $17 million for the pavilion.<ref name="nyt-1962-03-31" /><ref>{{cite news |date=March 31, 1962 |title=Back U.S. Role in World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=44 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913729300}}}}</ref> The Senate was then asked to consider the appropriation, but Fulbright and Lausche indicated that they would approve it only if the New York City government reimbursed the federal government after the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 7, 1962 |title=Senate View: Pay U. S. Back For Fair Money |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326298790}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite magazine |date=April 11, 1962 |title=Miscellany: Senate Snag Hits JFK's Pitch for $25,000,000 Pavilion at '64 N.Y. Fair |magazine=Variety |pages=2, 86 |volume=226 |issue=7 |id={{ProQuest|962756867}}}}</ref> That April, the Senate approved $15 million<ref>{{cite magazine |date=April 18, 1962 |title=Miscellany: Senate Votes $15,000,000 For N.Y. World's Fair |magazine=Variety |pages=2, 71 |volume=226 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|962758663}}}}</ref> at the recommendation of the Senate [[United States Senate Committee on Appropriations|Appropriations Committee]].<ref>{{cite news |date=April 11, 1962 |title=Senators Slash World's Fair Sum |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=25 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326173215}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 12, 1962 |title=Senate Committee Asks 15 Million for '64 Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/04/12/archives/senate-committee-asks-15-million-for-64-fair.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140624/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/04/12/archives/senate-committee-asks-15-million-for-64-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Discussions about how to resolve the discrepancy were delayed due to disagreements over who should lead the discussions.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1962 |title=Congress Delays U.S. Fair Exhibit; Fails to Vote Needed Funds Officials Are Worried |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/06/26/archives/congress-delays-us-fair-exhibit-fails-to-vote-needed-funds.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809215722/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/06/26/archives/congress-delays-us-fair-exhibit-fails-to-vote-needed-funds.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=June 24, 1962 |title=Congress: Two-Bit Feud Ties Up $560 Million in Federal Funds |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-congress-two-bit-feud-ties-u/152975185/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=70 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-congress-two-bit-feud-ties-u/152975185/ |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. Senator [[Jacob Javits]] introduced an amendment to a foreign-aid bill in June 1962, allowing the U.S. government to provide financial support to the fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1962 |title=Senate Drops Ban on U.S. Aid to Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/06/08/archives/senate-drops-ban-on-us-aid-to-fair.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809215723/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/06/08/archives/senate-drops-ban-on-us-aid-to-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The next month, the House and Senate agreed on a $17 million appropriation, and they agreed to hire a commissioner to oversee the pavilion's development.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 21, 1962 |title=$17 Million OK'd for Fair Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-17-million-okd/152955426/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=Democrat and Chronicle |pages=5 |agency=The Associated Press |postscript=none |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824140546/https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-17-million-okd/152955426/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 21, 1962 |title=17 Million Allotted For U.S. Pavilion At '64 World Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/21/archives/17-million-allotted-for-us-pavilion-at-64-world-fair.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 }}</ref> The Senate also voted to approve the revised appropriation.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 24, 1962 |title=17 Million to Erect Fair Pavilion Here Voted by Congress |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/24/archives/17-million-to-erect-fair-pavilion-here-voted-by-congress.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809230002/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/24/archives/17-million-to-erect-fair-pavilion-here-voted-by-congress.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=July 24, 1962 |title=Fair Pavilion Up to JFK |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-pavilion-up-to-jfk/152977138/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=150 }}</ref> Around $3 million from the appropriation was allocated to the interior design.<ref name="Hendrick 1963">{{cite news |last=Hendrick |first=Kimmis |date=December 13, 1963 |title=U.S. Fair Pavilion: Exciting Project Takes Form |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=13 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510590370}}}}</ref> The appropriation did not include funding for the Space Park (now part of the [[New York Hall of Science]]), which was also sponsored by the U.S. government.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 9, 1964 |title=U. S. To Show Rockets and Space Vehicles at Fair; Collection Will Be Largest Outside Cape Kennedy—Cost to Be Shared |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/09/archives/u-s-to-show-rockets-and-space-vehicles-at-fair-collection-will-be.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203640/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/09/archives/u-s-to-show-rockets-and-space-vehicles-at-fair-collection-will-be.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Design ===
Kennedy appointed [[Norman K. Winston]] as the U.S. Pavilion's commissioner during the first week of August 1962,<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 2, 1962 |title=Winston Gets 19Gs Post as Fair Comish |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-winston-gets-19gs-post-as-fai/152976509/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=274 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141221/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-winston-gets-19gs-post-as-fai/152976509/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Winston was sworn in to his position that week.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1962 |title=Builder Appointed to Represent Federal Interests at 1964 Fair; Norman K. Winston Sworn In as U.S. Commissioner to Serve in Liaison Post |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/08/archives/builder-appointed-to-represent-federal-interests-at-1964-fair.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809230001/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/08/archives/builder-appointed-to-represent-federal-interests-at-1964-fair.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=August 8, 1962 |title=Winston In As Fair Aid |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-winston-in-as-fair-aid/152976242/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=16 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141107/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-winston-in-as-fair-aid/152976242/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same month, [[Charles Luckman]] Associates was hired to design a {{convert|190,000|ft2|adj=on}} pavilion for the fair, themed to the "challenge to greatness".<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1962">{{cite news |date=August 9, 1962 |title=Luckman Firm To Design Fair's U. S. Pavilion |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=9 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325956780}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 9, 1962 |title=Luckman Is Given World's Fair Job |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-luckman-is-given-worlds-fair/152976637/ |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=280}}</ref> U.S. commerce secretary [[Luther H. Hodges]] appointed an advisory committee to pick out the theme, which was inspired by a quote from [[Archibald MacLeish]], the Librarian of Congress.<ref name="Hornaday 1964">{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=March 19, 1964 |title=U.S. Heritage Accented: What to Expect at the Fair—7 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510585216}}}}</ref> The [[General Services Administration]] (GSA), [[United States Department of Commerce]] (DOC), and World's Fair Corporation (WFC) all had to review Luckman's design.<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1962" /> Luckman had already begun working on the plans before his firm was formally selected,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /><ref name="AF 1962-09">{{cite magazine |date=Sep 1962 |title=U.S. Architecture and the 1964 Fair |url=https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1962-09.pdf |magazine=Architectural Forum |pages=77 |volume= |access-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141112/https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1962-09.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> and the U.S. government decided to use his designs due to time constraints.<ref name="nyt-1962-11-11">{{Cite news |last=Huxtable |first=Ada Louise |date=November 11, 1962 |title=Federal Pavilion for New York World's Fair Is Nearing a Decision; Practice Is Questioned Advisers Are Summoned Four Choices Studied |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/11/11/archives/federal-pavilion-for-new-york-worlds-fair-is-nearing-a-decision.html |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> His initial plan, consisting of three spheres suspended from a central core,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /> was criticized extensively.<ref name="AF 1962-11">{{cite magazine |date=Nov 1962 |title=Latest Word on the Federal Pavilion |url=https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1962-11.pdf |magazine=Architectural Forum |pages=7 |volume= |access-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810000940/https://usmodernist.org/AF/AF-1962-11.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="nyt-1962-11-14">{{Cite news |date=November 14, 1962 |title=U.S. Adopts Design for Fair Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/11/14/archives/us-adopts-design-for-fair-pavilion.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141631/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/11/14/archives/us-adopts-design-for-fair-pavilion.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the artist [[William Walton (painter)|William Walton]] showed the designs to Kennedy, the president asked other architectural advisers to review Luckman's other proposals.<ref name="nyt-1962-11-11" /> Luckman drew up 28 alternate plans,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /><ref name="nyt-1963-01-22">{{Cite news |date=January 22, 1963 |title=U.S. Pavilion at N.Y. Fair Will 'Float' on 4 Columns |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/01/22/archives/us-pavilion-at-ny-fair-will-float-on-4-columns.html |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810002753/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/01/22/archives/us-pavilion-at-ny-fair-will-float-on-4-columns.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963">{{Cite news |date=July 13, 1963 |title=Preview: The U.S.A.. At the World's Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ithaca-journal-preview-the-usa/153561335/ |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The Ithaca Journal |pages=15}}</ref> which the U.S. government eventually whittled down to four finalist designs.<ref name="nyt-1962-11-11" /><ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1962a">{{cite news |date=November 14, 1962 |title=World's Fair U. S. Pavilion Design Approved |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326293969}}}}</ref>

In October, the GSA hired Del E. Webb as the United States Pavilion's [[general contractor]].<ref>{{cite news |date=October 12, 1962 |title=Del E. Webb to Construct U.S. Pavilion for '64 Fair |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=3 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132711613}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 16, 1962 |title=U.S. Awards Job for Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/16/archives/us-awards-job-for-fair.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810000908/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/10/16/archives/us-awards-job-for-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The U.S. government decided not to select a contractor through [[competitive bidding]] because of the limited time available for construction.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=U.S. Contract Explained |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/us-contract-explained.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141718/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/us-contract-explained.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The original plans provided {{Convert|20,000|ft2}} for contemporary American art galleries run by the Committee of Artists' Societies,<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Doherty |first=Brian |date=June 28, 1963 |title=Artists Pressing Pavilion at Fair; Committee Urges Moses to Back Art Exhibition |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/28/archives/artists-pressing-pavilion-at-fair-committee-urges-moses-to-back-art.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824141641/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/28/archives/artists-pressing-pavilion-at-fair-committee-urges-moses-to-back-art.html |url-status=live }}</ref> though the committee had requested twice that floor area.<ref name="O'Neill 1963">{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=November 19, 1963 |title=Artists Loft Appeal From Moses Attic |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-artists-loft-ap/153603978/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=44 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913642244}} |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824142151/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-artists-loft-ap/153603978/ |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. Representative [[Benjamin Rosenthal]] also proposed adding a hall of human relations in accordance with the pavilion's "challenge to greatness" theme.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 14, 1962 |title=Wants Human Relations Hail At World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=14 |id={{proQuest|2293392667}}}}</ref> The U.S. government tentatively approved an alternate plan for the United States Pavilion in November 1962,<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1962a" /><ref name="nyt-1962-11-14" /> which called for a hollow square on stilts.<ref name="AF 1962-11" /><ref name="nyt-1962-11-14" /> ''[[The New York Times]]'' said that the revised design resembled "a rectangle on a squat pyramid".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doty |first=Robert C. |date=September 9, 1963 |title=World's Fair Gains Impetus Despite Snubs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155801/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |url-status=live }}</ref>  The planned contemporary art galleries were canceled after the building was redesigned, as the new designs would have provided only {{Convert|3000|ft2}} of art exhibition space, which the Committee of Artists' Societies felt was too small.<ref name="O'Neill 1963" />

=== Construction ===
[[File:The United States Pavilion (14322297215).jpg|thumb|Color photo of the pavilion]]

Kennedy attended the building's [[groundbreaking ceremony]] on December 14, 1962.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=December 15, 1962 |title=Fair Prospects Reverberate: Building Under Way |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510401349}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=December 15, 1962 |title=JFK Visits Site for World's Fair |work=The Hartford Courant |page=19 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|547942578}}}}</ref><ref>{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=3}}</ref> At the ceremony, Kennedy described the pavilion as presenting "a picture of democracy—its opportunities, its problems, its inspiration and its freedoms".<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1964 |title=Biggest Exposition In History Will Mirror Peace and Progress |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|371601239}}}}</ref><ref name="Alpert 1964">{{Cite magazine |last=Alpert |first=Hollis |date=Jul 1964 |title=Guide to the New York World's Fair: There's Something for Everyone in the Family at the 1964–'65 New York World's Fair |magazine=Woman's Day |pages=22–23 |issue=7 |id={{ProQuest|1815457600}}}}</ref> A final model for the United States Pavilion was displayed the next month.<ref name="nyt-1963-01-26">{{Cite news |last=Huxtable |first=Ada Louise |date=January 26, 1963 |title=A Fair U.S. Pavilion; Controversy Over Exhibit Building Ends With Selection of Happy Design Matter Under Study Dignity Is Stressed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/01/26/archives/a-fair-us-pavilion-controversy-over-exhibit-building-ends-with.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809141809/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/01/26/archives/a-fair-us-pavilion-controversy-over-exhibit-building-ends-with.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Kenney 1963">{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=January 23, 1963 |title=U.S. Launches 'Floating' Pavilion for N.Y. Fair: Theme Described Freedom Keys Theme |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510402447}}}}</ref><ref name="Los Angeles Times 1963">{{cite news |date=January 22, 1963 |title=World's Fair U.S. Pavilion Design Shown |work=Los Angeles Times |page=B6 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168226200}}}}</ref> Concurrently, the U.S. government began developing exhibits for the fair, in conjunction with 200 educators from across the nation.<ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /><ref name="The Reporter Dispatch 1963">{{Cite news |date=January 23, 1963 |title=U.S. Unveils Pavilion Design for 1964–1965 World's Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-us-unveils-pavil/152984507/ |access-date=August 10, 2024 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |pages=41 |agency=The Associated Press |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824142153/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-us-unveils-pavil/152984507/ |url-status=live }}</ref>  Workers were constructing the pavilion's foundations by April 1963,<ref>{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=April 19, 1963 |title=World's Fair Woes: With New York Start Only Year Away, Many Exhibitors Drag Feet |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132860330}}}}</ref> and the first steel pier for the pavilion, weighing {{convert|55|ST|LT t}}, was bolted into place that June.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 8, 1963 |title=55 Tons of Steel Anchored at Fair For U.S. Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/08/archives/55-tons-of-steel-anchored-at-fair-for-us-pavilion.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818212748/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/08/archives/55-tons-of-steel-anchored-at-fair-for-us-pavilion.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During the building's construction, civil rights groups claimed that the United States Pavilion was discriminating against African American construction workers,<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 13, 1963 |title=JFK Urges To Act Against Job Bias At World's Fair |work=Atlanta Daily World |page=2 |id={{ProQuest|491288365}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Perlmutter |first=Emanuel |date=June 19, 1963 |title=Democrats in State Press Bid For a Session on Civil Rights; Work on Annex Halted Picketing Threatened |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/19/archives/democrats-in-state-press-bid-for-a-session-on-civil-rights-work-on.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Federal authorities ultimately negotiated with the Union League of Greater New York to prevent the league from protesting outside the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 1, 1963 |title=Parley Today May End Threat of World's Fair Bias Protest |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-parley-today-m/153567954/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=21}}</ref> In addition, one worker died during construction after falling off the second floor.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 17, 1963 |title=Worker at Fair Dies in Fall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/17/archives/worker-at-fair-dies-in-fall.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

The pavilion's steel [[superstructure]] topped out on August 23, 1963.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 23, 1963 |title=Frame of U.S. Fair Pavilion 'Topped Out' by Steel Beam |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/23/archives/frame-of-us-fair-pavilion-topped-out-by-steel-beam.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818230710/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/23/archives/frame-of-us-fair-pavilion-topped-out-by-steel-beam.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Cinerama]] Camera Corporation received a $2.25 million contract that month to design a film for the pavilion.<ref name="Janeway 1963">{{Cite news |last=Janeway |first=Michael |date=August 14, 1963 |title=Cinerama History Show Planned by U.S. At Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-cinerama-histor/153551207/ |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=99}}</ref><ref name="Boxoffice 1963a">{{cite magazine |date=August 26, 1963 |title=Cinerama to Operate U.S. Exhibit at Fair |magazine=Boxoffice |pages=SE.6 |volume=183 |issue=18 |id={{ProQuest|1670977450}}}}</ref> Work was slightly delayed that October due to a [[labor strike]] involving many of the pavilion's concrete workers.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 10, 1963 |title=Wildcat Strike by Drivers Ends; Walkout Had Threatened to Halt All Work at Fair 6 Hours of Negotiations Trucks Are Halted |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/wildcat-strike-by-drivers-ends-walkout-had-threatened-to-halt-all.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819182319/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/wildcat-strike-by-drivers-ends-walkout-had-threatened-to-halt-all.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following a discussion with U.S. assistant commerce secretary [[Herbert W. Klotz]],<ref name="Eagle 1965">{{cite news |last=Eagle |first=George |date=April 12, 1965 |title=Rare U.S. Documents To Go to World's Fair |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=A1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142673252}}}}</ref> Kennedy approved plans for a hall of presidents at the pavilion in November 1963, shortly before [[Assassination of John F. Kennedy|he was assassinated]].<ref name="nyt-1964-02-27" /><ref name="Samuel pp. 126–127">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=126–127}}</ref> The federal government hired George Nelson to design the hall of presidents,<ref name="nyt-1964-02-27">{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1964 |title=Fair Will Exhibit Documents of U.S.; Display Will Also Include the Personal Belongings of 13 Selected Presidents; Lincoln's Stovepipe Hat and Washington's Sword to Be Among Memorabilia |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/27/archives/fair-will-exhibit-documents-of-us-display-will-also-include-the.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and a group of 75 historians created a list of 11 "great" and "near-great" presidents who should be featured in the hall.<ref name="Samuel pp. 126–127" /> After Kennedy's death, his successor [[Lyndon B. Johnson]] added Kennedy to the hall of presidents.<ref name="Samuel p. 127">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=127}}</ref> The U.S. government had planned a 600-seat [[performing arts]] theater in the building,<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18">{{Cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Philip |date=December 18, 1963 |title=U.S. Unveils Plan for Fair Pavilion; $17-Million Exhibit to Offer Ride That Shows a Film Live Peace Corpsmen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/18/archives/us-unveils-plan-for-fair-pavilion-17million-exhibit-to-offer-ride.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819013558/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/18/archives/us-unveils-plan-for-fair-pavilion-17million-exhibit-to-offer-ride.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but these plans were canceled in December 1963 because the congressional appropriation did not cover the theater's cost.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-06">{{Cite news |last=Calta |first=Louis |date=December 6, 1963 |title=Federal Theater at Fair Canceled; Cost of Building a Playhouse for the Performing Arts Called 'Too Prohibitive' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/06/archives/federal-theater-at-fair-canceled-cost-of-building-a-playhouse-for.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819013559/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/06/archives/federal-theater-at-fair-canceled-cost-of-building-a-playhouse-for.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="New York Daily News 1963">{{Cite news |date=December 6, 1963 |title=U.S. Cancels Plan for Fair Theatre |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-us-cancels-plan-for-fair-th/153566976/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=755}}</ref> There were also plans for a sculpture show at the pavilion, sponsored by the [[Museum of Modern Art]], but these were also canceled.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Glueck |first=Grace |date=October 18, 1964 |title=Art Notes; A Sacred Cow as a Scapegoat |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/18/archives/art-notes-a-sacred-cow-as-a-scapegoat.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821021909/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/18/archives/art-notes-a-sacred-cow-as-a-scapegoat.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The U.S. government unveiled a scale model of the pavilion in late 1963 and provided further details about the exhibits.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18" /><ref name="Hornaday 1963">{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=December 18, 1963 |title=History to Parade In U.S. Fair Exhibit: Film and Ride |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=5 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510536047}}}}</ref> By early 1964, the pavilion's estimated construction cost had increased to $10.5 million; this left only $4 million for exhibits and $2.5 million for operating costs. Accordingly, Klotz asked individuals and companies to donate money, artifacts, and decorations for the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 1, 1964 |title=U.S. Fair Pavilion Helped by Gifts; Fund Voted by Congress Too Small to Meet the Cost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/01/archives/us-fair-pavilion-helped-by-gifts-fund-voted-by-congress-too-small.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203641/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/01/archives/us-fair-pavilion-helped-by-gifts-fund-voted-by-congress-too-small.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The dramatist [[Jean Dalrymple]] was hired as the pavilion's performing-arts consultant.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Osadca |first=Tania |date=March 24, 1964 |title=City Center Director Tells Life Story |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-city-center-dir/153614822/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=35 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824142845/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-city-center-dir/153614822/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=March 5, 1964 |title=Jean Dalrymple in New Post |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/05/archives/jean-dalrymple-in-new-post.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203641/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/05/archives/jean-dalrymple-in-new-post.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Two films were produced for the pavilion itself.<ref name="nyt-1964-04-23" />  As late as April 1964, the facade of the building was still surrounded by [[scaffolding]],<ref>{{cite news |last=Aronson |first=Harvey |date=April 7, 1964 |title=Building's Done, But View Isn't |work=Newsday |page=7 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913586518}}}}</ref> and workers were planting [[dogwood]] around the pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doughtery |first=Philip H. |date=April 15, 1964 |title=Alaskan Pavilion Will Open Late; Quake Delays Shipments for Igloo of Tomorrow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/15/archives/alaskan-pavilion-will-open-late-quake-delays-shipments-for-igloo-of.html?searchResultPosition=5 |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820005648/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/15/archives/alaskan-pavilion-will-open-late-quake-delays-shipments-for-igloo-of.html?searchResultPosition=5 |url-status=live }}</ref> To expedite the pavilion's construction, the federal government paid construction workers $100,000 in [[overtime]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tolchin |first=Martin |date=April 17, 1964 |title=Workmen Accused Of Lagging at Fair To Raise Overtime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/workmen-accused-of-lagging-at-fair-to-raise-overtime.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601041848/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/workmen-accused-of-lagging-at-fair-to-raise-overtime.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

== World's Fair use<span class="anchor" id="Operation"></span> ==
{{OSM Location map
| coord          = {{coord|40|44|40|N|73|50|46|W}}
| zoom           = 15
| float          = right
| width          = 240
| height         = 360
| title          = 1964 New York World's Fair grounds
| shape1         = n-circle
| shape-color1   = black
| shape-outline1 = white
| mark-size1     = 16
| mark-coord1    = {{coord|40.748586|-73.846286}}
| mark-title1    = '''United States Pavilion'''
| shape-color2   = hard blue
| mark-coord2    = {{coord|40.745887|-73.846670}}
| mark-title2    = [[New York City Pavilion]]
| shape-color3   = hard blue
| mark-coord3    = {{coord|40.743782|-73.844441}}
| mark-title3    = [[New York State Pavilion]]
| shape-color4   = hard blue
| mark-coord4    = {{coord|40.746395|-73.845077}}
| mark-title4    = [[Unisphere]]
| shape-color5   = hard blue
| mark-coord5    = {{coord|40.744475|-73.846053}}
| mark-title5    = [[Wisconsin Pavilion]]
| caption        = Location of the United States Pavilion and selected other structures in the Federal and State Area during the 1964 World's Fair
| auto-caption   = 1
}}

=== 1964 season ===
The World's Fair formally opened on April 23, 1964,<ref name="Samuel p. 32">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=32}}</ref> and President Johnson dedicated the United States Pavilion the same day.<ref name="Samuel p. 32" /><ref name="The Sun 1964" /> During the opening ceremony, hundreds of civil rights activists organized a [[sit-in]] at the pavilion and were arrested.<ref name="The Sun 1964">{{Cite news |date=April 23, 1964 |title=World's Fair Opens To Picketing; Stall-In Fails: Johnson Foresees Global Peace Soon Rain, Racial Troubles Keep Crowd To 90,000; More Than 290 Integrationists Seized |work=The Sun |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|540050678}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Thomas A |last2=Aronson |first2=Harvey |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Vow More Protests at Fair: Threaten More Protests; 200 Jailed |work=Newsday |page=1 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913631689}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Rain Soaks Crowd; Sit-Ins Mar Festivities at Some Pavilions—Attendance Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/rain-soaks-crowd-sitins-mar-festivities-at-some-pavilionsattendance.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514000810/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/rain-soaks-crowd-sitins-mar-festivities-at-some-pavilionsattendance.html |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> When the fair opened, Moses indicated that the United States Pavilion might be preserved after the fair.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1964 |title=Moses' Proposals for Queens Park Still Opposed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/moses-proposals-for-queens-park-still-opposed.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516012902/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/moses-proposals-for-queens-park-still-opposed.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The hall of presidents was not complete at the time, and the pavilion's operators had not even decided what to display in the hall of presidents.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=April 22, 1964 |title=A Moses Tradition—The Show Goes On |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914371175}}}}</ref> The American Journey attraction was also not ready for the fair's opening,<ref name="nyt-1964-04-23">{{Cite news |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |date=April 23, 1964 |title=The Screen: Creative and Exhilarating; Movie Exhibits at Fair Leave Viewers Agape |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/the-screen-creative-and-exhilarating-movie-exhibits-at-fair-leave.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> and it was dedicated on May 5, 1964.<ref name="nyt-1964-05-06">{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Walter |date=May 6, 1964 |title=U.S. Exhibit Opens Historical Ride; Visitors Cover 400 Years on Cinerama Journey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/06/archives/us-exibit-opens-historical-ride-visitors-cover-400-years-on.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203639/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/06/archives/us-exibit-opens-historical-ride-visitors-cover-400-years-on.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Mathieu 1964">{{Cite news |last=Mathieu |first=Richard |date=May 6, 1964 |title=At U.S. Pavilion: Walk With History |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-us-pavilion-walk-with-h/153620887/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=87 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824142732/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-at-us-pavilion-walk-with-h/153620887/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the pavilion's prominent location and large size, it was initially unpopular among guests. The building had relatively few exhibits on opening day, and the pavilion's design created a severe [[Bottleneck (production)|bottleneck]].<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 13, 1964 |title=Vaudeville: Not-Ready-At-Opening Sites Crane Alive; Reps Shape Up As World's Fair Into 3Rd Week |magazine=Variety |pages=53, 56 |volume=234 |issue=12 |id={{ProQuest|1014833354}}}}</ref> By July, though, it was one of the fair's most popular pavilions.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=July 21, 1964 |title=News Analysis; Fair's Halfway Mark; Attendance Is Below Expectations but Visitors and Bondholders Are Happy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/21/archives/news-analysis-fairs-halfway-mark-attendance-is-below-expectations.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194358/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/21/archives/news-analysis-fairs-halfway-mark-attendance-is-below-expectations.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

A bust of John F. Kennedy was installed at the pavilion in July 1964,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Walter |date=July 10, 1964 |title=Bronze Likenesses of Kennedy Placed on View at U.S. Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/10/archives/bronze-likenesses-of-kennedy-placed-on-view-at-us-pavilion.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819230759/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/10/archives/bronze-likenesses-of-kennedy-placed-on-view-at-us-pavilion.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Paul von Ringelheim]]'s sculpture ''World Peace Screen'' was dedicated at the pavilion that month.<ref name="nyt-1964-07-12">{{Cite news |date=July 12, 1964 |title=Art Notes; Love Culture, Will Travel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/12/archives/art-notes-love-culture-will-travel.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203642/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/12/archives/art-notes-love-culture-will-travel.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Dalrymple hosted fashion shows at the pavilion during mid-1964,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bender |first=Marylin |date=April 18, 1964 |title=Haute Couture Coming to Fair In Abundance of Varied Shows |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/18/archives/haute-couture-coming-to-fair-in-abundance-of-varied-shows.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516004843/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/18/archives/haute-couture-coming-to-fair-in-abundance-of-varied-shows.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and librarians also told stories to children at the pavilion's library every day.<ref name="nyt-1964-08-23">{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=August 23, 1964 |title=Story Hour Wins Children at Fair; Some Are Even Sidetracked From Big Exhibits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/23/archives/story-hour-wins-children-at-fair-some-are-even-sidetracked-from-big.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819230759/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/23/archives/story-hour-wins-children-at-fair-some-are-even-sidetracked-from-big.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The pavilion also hosted special events such as a party for its sponsors,<ref name="nyt-1964-05-012">{{Cite news |last=Doughtery |first=Philip H. |date=May 1, 1964 |title=250 Sponsors of Federal Pavilion Attend Buffet and Tour Exhibit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/01/archives/250-sponsors-of-federal-pavilion-attend-buffet-and-tour-exhibit.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819212738/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/01/archives/250-sponsors-of-federal-pavilion-attend-buffet-and-tour-exhibit.html |url-status=live }}</ref> a press conference by Johnson,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Wicker |first=Tom |date=May 10, 1964 |title=President Holds Hot News Parley; But He Coolly Skirts Politics in Ovenlike U.S. Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/10/archives/president-holds-hot-news-parley-but-he-coolly-skirts-politics-in.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819212737/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/10/archives/president-holds-hot-news-parley-but-he-coolly-skirts-politics-in.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and an [[Independence Day (Armenia)|Armenian Independence Day]] celebration.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Richard J. H. |date=September 21, 1964 |title=Lithuanian Day Is Noted at Fair; Hundreds Attend Program Dedicated to Freedom |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/21/archives/lithuanian-day-is-noted-at-fair-hundreds-attend-program-dedicated.html |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820004538/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/21/archives/lithuanian-day-is-noted-at-fair-hundreds-attend-program-dedicated.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Toward the end of the 1964 season, a scale model of the [[John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts]] in Washington, D.C., was displayed at the United States Pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Tania |date=October 7, 1964 |title=Hall of Science Studies Lighting; Daytims Effect Is Sought After Dusk at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/07/archives/hall-of-science-studies-lighting-daytims-effect-is-sought-after.html |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609170243/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/07/archives/hall-of-science-studies-lighting-daytims-effect-is-sought-after.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The pavilion closed for the season on October 18, 1964.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1964 |title=Young Employes Say Farewells Gather to Reminisce on Six Months at Fair — Few Expecting to Return |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/19/archives/young-employes-say-farewells-gather-to-reminisce-on-six-months-at.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194354/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/19/archives/young-employes-say-farewells-gather-to-reminisce-on-six-months-at.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Cassidy |first=Joseph |date=October 19, 1964 |title=Fair's Last Day Draws Crowd |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-last-day-draws-crowd/147511723/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516195531/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-last-day-draws-crowd/147511723/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=67}}</ref> During the season, the pavilion had received 5.5 million visitors, while the fair as a whole had had 33 million visitors.<ref name="Joseph 1965">{{cite news |last=Joseph |first=Richard |date=January 24, 1965 |title=World's Fair Closed for Winter, But It's Still Busy: Officials Polishing Extravaganza |work=Chicago Tribune |page=H3 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179713143}}}}</ref> The WFC described the U.S. government as one of "four bellwethers" that it wished to attract for the fair's second season.<ref name="nyt-1964-11-17">{{Cite news |last=Fowle |first=Farnsworth |date=November 17, 1964 |title=World's Fair Plans Sportsmens' Show And a Farm Exhibit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/17/archives/worlds-fair-plans-sportsmens-show-and-a-farm-exhibit.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>{{Efn|The other three "bellwethers" were General Motors, the Soviet Union (which ultimately did not have a pavilion), and the Vatican.<ref name="nyt-1964-11-17" />}}

=== 1965 season ===
Between the 1964 and 1965 seasons, some of the pavilion's staff members remained at the building.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 20, 1964 |title=Workers at Fair Long for Crowds; Winter Staff Unhappy Over the Interim Serenity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/20/archives/workers-at-fair-long-for-crowds-winter-staff-unhappy-over-the.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821010207/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/20/archives/workers-at-fair-long-for-crowds-winter-staff-unhappy-over-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As part of a renovation of several federal and state pavilions,<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Frederick |first=Robert B. |date=October 21, 1964 |title=N.Y. World's Fair: Hibernating N. Y. Fair Eyes Finale Anni; Seeks New Face for Fun Area |magazine=Variety |pages=62 |volume=236 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|962978940}}}}</ref> a hall of presidents was to be added to the United States Pavilion.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phalon |first=Richard |date=October 14, 1964 |title=Fair's 1964 Profit Below Estimate; Costs Found High; Attendance Also Cuts Net to Indicated $12.6 Million—Moses Is Hopeful |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/14/archives/fairs-1964-profit-below-estimate-costs-found-high-attendance-also.html |access-date=August 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162258/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/14/archives/fairs-1964-profit-below-estimate-costs-found-high-attendance-also.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Spagnoli 1964">{{Cite news|first=Eugene|last=Spagnoli|date=October 14, 1964|title=Fair to End Season in the Money & Do Better in '65, Moses Says|via=newspapers.com|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-to-end-season-in-the-mon/153633916/|access-date=August 20, 2024|work=New York Daily News|issn=2692-1251|pages=39|archive-date=August 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824142734/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-to-end-season-in-the-mon/153633916/|url-status=live}}</ref> The U.S. government appointed a committee to curate the displays in the hall of presidents,<ref name="Spagnoli 1964" /> and an exhibit about "the challenges and opportunities facing the American people" was also added.<ref name="Joseph 1965" /> In addition, Winston selected 184 groups from across the U.S. and Canada to perform at the pavilion during 1965, and dancing and music programs were also presented.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1965 |title=U. S. Pavilion Slates New Events For Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=52 |id={{proQuest|226747601}}}}</ref>  Moses wrote to the Mayor's Committee on the Future of Flushing Meadow in early 1965, asking them to retain two pavilions after the fair ended, but no decision on the United States Pavilion was made at that time.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 4, 1965 |title=Moses Taps 2 Pavilions for Long Run |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-taps-2-p/147513573/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194356/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-taps-2-p/147513573/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914411421}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=March 5, 1965 |title=Pavilions Listed for Future Uses; Moses Suggests Demolition of Many Noted Structures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/05/archives/pavilions-listed-for-future-uses-moses-suggests-demolition-of-many.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/05/archives/pavilions-listed-for-future-uses-moses-suggests-demolition-of-many.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The building's preservation depended on whether the federal government was willing to pay for its upkeep.<ref name="Hornaday 1965">{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 23, 1965 |title=What Happens When the Fair Is Over?: Demolition Set Buildings to Remain Monorail Considered Space Subsidy Sought |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=5 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510706863}}}}</ref> The trustees of the nearby [[New York Hall of Science]] wanted to convert the Ford and United States pavilions into additional space for the Hall of Science, which was being converted into a museum.<ref>{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=192}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1965-01-26">{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=January 26, 1965 |title=Science Museum May Be Expanded; Use of Ford Rotunda and the U.S. Pavilion Studied |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/26/archives/science-museum-may-be-expanded-use-of-ford-rotunda-and-the-us.html |access-date=June 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609170242/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/26/archives/science-museum-may-be-expanded-use-of-ford-rotunda-and-the-us.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The museum did not know how much the United States Pavilion's conversion would cost,<ref name="nyt-1965-01-26" /> and the plan was ultimately rejected.<ref name="Ferretti 1965">{{Cite news |last=Ferretti |first=Fred |date=July 11, 1965 |title=Big Park To Follow The Fair |work=Boston Globe |page=31 |id={{ProQuest|366542044}}}}</ref>

The artifacts for the hall of presidents were transported from [[Washington, D.C.]], to New York City in April 1965 via armored trucks.<ref name="Eagle 1965" /><ref name="nyt-1965-04-11">{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 11, 1965 |title=Historic U.S. Documents To Be Displayed at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/11/archives/historic-us-documents-to-be-displayed-at-fair-fair-will-show.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821023354/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/11/archives/historic-us-documents-to-be-displayed-at-fair-fair-will-show.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The items were stored in a bank vault before being shown at the fair.<ref>{{cite news |date=April 12, 1965 |title=Presidential Papers In the Bank for Fair |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915182712}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 17, 1965 |title=Historic U.S. Documents Put on Display at the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/17/archives/historic-us-documents-put-on-display-at-the-fair.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821024456/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/17/archives/historic-us-documents-put-on-display-at-the-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The pavilion reopened at the beginning of the fair's second season on April 21, 1965.<ref name="Samuel pp. 126–128" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 22, 1965 |title=158,000 Open the Fair's Second Year; Paid Admissions Are 3 Times More Than First Day's in '64 158,000, Half of Them Children, Attend World's Fair on Crisp, Sunny Opening Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/22/archives/158000-open-the-fairs-second-year-paid-admissions-are-3-times-more.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213745/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/22/archives/158000-open-the-fairs-second-year-paid-admissions-are-3-times-more.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=April 22, 1965 |title=The Natives Return—They're Hardy Lot |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-the-natives-re/147516845/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-the-natives-re/147516845/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=91 |issn=2574-5298}}</ref> The hall of presidents was receiving its finishing touches at the time,<ref name="nyt-1965-04-20">{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=April 20, 1965 |title=Fair Made Ready for Its Reopening; Noted Displays Prepared for the Event Tomorrow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/20/archives/fair-made-ready-for-its-reopening-noted-displays-prepared-for-the.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1965 |title=Show's Ready—Except for New Exhibits |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-shows-ready/153757898/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-its-almost-re/153757850/ 106] |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143246/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-shows-ready/153757898/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and it opened a few days later.<ref name="Newsday 1965">{{cite news |date=August 13, 1965 |title=Hofstra Among Bidders For U.S. Pavilion at Fair |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915323526}}}}</ref> During the 1965 season, the hall of presidents attracted many visitors who came to see the historical documents and other artifacts there.<ref name="Samuel p. 127" /> Among the visitors was Eisenhower,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 10, 1965 |title=Eisenhower on Generals: Don't Become One; Ex-President Offers Friendly Warning at Visit to Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/10/archives/eisenhower-on-generals-dont-become-one-expresident-offers-friendly.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822010520/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/10/archives/eisenhower-on-generals-dont-become-one-expresident-offers-friendly.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=May 10, 1965 |title=Ike's Visit to Fair Recaptures Past |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ikes-visit-to-fair-recapture/153783737/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=72 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143416/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-ikes-visit-to-fair-recapture/153783737/ |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as Vice President [[Hubert Humphrey]] and the daughters of presidents Eisenhower and Johnson.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=June 12, 1965 |title=Lynda Johnson Finds Ms. At Fair; She Is Surprised on a Visit to Hall of Presidents |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/12/archives/lynda-johnson-finds-ms-at-fair-she-is-surprised-on-a-visit-to-hall.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The building also hosted events like a chess tournament.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1965 |title=First Citywide Chess Finals Planned Tuesday at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/08/archives/first-citywide-chess-finals-planned-tuesday-at-fair.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In addition, as part of a five-month pilot program, two [[New York City Police Department]] officers used the pavilion's computers to retrieve information about vehicles that had been [[Traffic stop|pulled over]] throughout the city; this information helped other officers arrest 165 people for various traffic violations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pascal |first=John |date=December 9, 1965 |title=NY Fair Computer 'Unfair,' To Some |work=The Austin Statesman |page=A16 |id={{ProQuest|1522244269}}}}</ref> Further artifacts were added to the hall of presidents during August 1965.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 8, 1965 |title=JFK Exhibit Expanded at Fair |work=Boston Globe |page=22 |id={{ProQuest|366898506}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 8, 1965 |title=Add JFK Mementos to Exhibit at Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-add-jfk-mementos-to-exhibit-a/153788553/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=6 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143417/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-add-jfk-mementos-to-exhibit-a/153788553/ |url-status=live }}; {{cite web |date=August 8, 1965 |title=Kennedy Exhibit at Fair Increased; Coconut Shell With Plea for Aid in War Included |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/08/archives/kennedy-exhibit-at-fair-increased-coconut-shell-with-plea-for-aid.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |website=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822171340/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/08/archives/kennedy-exhibit-at-fair-increased-coconut-shell-with-plea-for-aid.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Mayor's Committee on the Future of Flushing Meadow had recommended in mid-1965 that the United States Pavilion be razed after the fair, citing the high cost of renovations,<ref>{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=81}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brief |first=Kenneth H. |date=July 24, 1965 |title=Fair's Future Grounds for New Argument |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-fairs-future-g/147521510/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215356/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-fairs-future-g/147521510/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915542900}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=July 24, 1965 |title=City Asked to Raze State, U.S. Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/24/archives/city-asked-to-raze-state-us-pavilions-panel-for-razing-states.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213744/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/24/archives/city-asked-to-raze-state-us-pavilions-panel-for-razing-states.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> though Winston supported its preservation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=July 12, 1965 |title=Want to Buy a Pavilion? |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=13 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510761559}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 13, 1965 |title=Spanish Pavilion, 'Jewel' of Fair, To Be Razed When Run Is Over; Moving Building or Keeping It at Flushing Meadow Too Costly, Admirers Find |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/13/archives/spanish-pavilion-jewel-of-fair-to-be-razed-when-run-is-over-moving.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215243/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/13/archives/spanish-pavilion-jewel-of-fair-to-be-razed-when-run-is-over-moving.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref name="Newsday 1965" /> By that August, several organizations had proposed preserving the building,<ref name="Newsday 1965" /> and the Queens Federation of Civic Council launched a fundraiser to preserve the structure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1965 |title=Save State Pavilion Is Civic Council Cry |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-save-state-pavilion-is-civic/147521297/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215355/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-save-state-pavilion-is-civic/147521297/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=639}}</ref> The New York Criminal and Civil Courts Bar Association proposed converting the building into a law school.<ref>{{cite news |date=July 26, 1965 |title=Bar Group Seeks Use Of U.S. Pavilion at Fair |work=Newsday |page=17 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914450175}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Cassidy |first=Joseph |date=July 26, 1965 |title=Bar Group Urges U.S. Pavilion at Fair Be Kept as Law School |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bar-group-urges-us-pavilion/153787685/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=70}}</ref> [[Hofstra University]] and the [[Center for Applied Linguistics]] also made bids for the pavilion,<ref name="Newsday 1965" /> and there were also proposals to give the structure to a city government agency.<ref name="Ferretti 1965" /> A month before the fair ended, there was still no decision on the building's future.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 26, 1965 |title=World's Fair Arranging Super Rummage Sale |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=E8 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|155262802}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 4, 1965 |title=No Commitment Yet on U.S. Pavilion Use |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-no-commitment-y/153788826/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=23 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143320/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-no-commitment-y/153788826/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The federal government was considering converting the building into a university library, linguistics library, job-training center, [[Student exchange program|student exchange]] center, or training center for high school dropouts,<ref name="Schram 1965" /><ref name="Feinstein 1965">{{cite news |last=Feinstein |first=Selwyn |date=October 14, 1965 |title=Wreckers to Enter World's Fair Monday In Smashing Finale to Controversial Show |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=32 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133005094}}}}</ref> but Moses opposed the training center plan.<ref name="Schram 1965" /><ref name="Poughkeepsie Journal 1965">{{Cite news |date=October 6, 1965 |title=Moses Opposes Retention of U.S. Pavilion at Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-moses-opposes-reten/153790672/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |pages=56 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143935/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-moses-opposes-reten/153790672/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The U.S. Department of Commerce estimated that demolition would cost $250,000,<ref name="Schram 1965">{{cite news |last=Schram |first=Martin |date=October 6, 1965 |title=U.S. Tells Moses To Be Patient On Its Pavilion |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914419838}}}}</ref> while Javits placed the demolition cost at $2 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 12, 1965 |title=Eye U.S. Pavilion as Job Corps Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-eye-us-pavilion-as-job-corp/153789779/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=255 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143806/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-eye-us-pavilion-as-job-corp/153789779/ |url-status=live }}</ref> When the fair's second season ended on October 18, 1965,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Abrams |first1=Arnold |last2=Smith |first2=Edward G. |date=October 18, 1965 |title=Drunks and Vandals Close the Fair: They Dig the World's Fair on Its Last Day |work=Newsday |page=1 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914444914}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 18, 1965 |title=Vandalism Mars Last Day Of the Two-Year Exposition; Weeping Children, Sad Employes and Vandalism Abound as World's Fair Closes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/18/archives/vandalism-mars-last-day-of-the-twoyear-exposition-weeping-children.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215354/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/18/archives/vandalism-mars-last-day-of-the-twoyear-exposition-weeping-children.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the pavilion was closed with a flag-lowering ceremony.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=October 18, 1965 |title=It Was Great Fun, But Not for Investors |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914444455}}}}</ref>

== After the fair ==

=== 1960s ===

==== Preservation agreement ====
When the fair ended, Moses was skeptical about the idea of preserving the building,<ref name="Feinstein 1965" /> since he wanted to redevelop the site immediately after the fair ended.<ref name="Schram 1965" /><ref name="Poughkeepsie Journal 1965" /> The World's Fair Corporation mandated that most exhibition buildings in Flushing Meadows Park be demolished within 90 days of the fair's closure,<ref name="Hornaday 1965" /><ref name="Knowles 1965">{{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Clayton |date=October 19, 1965 |title=City May Get U.S. And State Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/city-may-get-us-and-state-pavilions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518173504/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/city-may-get-us-and-state-pavilions.html |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> although the U.S. Pavilion would not have to be razed until September 1966 if officials had decided to demolish it.<ref name="Poughkeepsie Journal 1965" /> The U.S. government had already spent the funds that had been allocated for the pavilion's demolition,<ref name="O'Neill 1965">{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=November 24, 1965 |title=More Leftovers on the Menu for Lindsay |work=Newsday |page=21 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914406393}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 19, 1965 |title=Moses Gives Plan on Fair Site Work; He Tells Executive Board Triborough Authority Will Undertake Revamping |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/19/archives/moses-gives-plan-on-fair-site-work-he-tells-executive-board.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/19/archives/moses-gives-plan-on-fair-site-work-he-tells-executive-board.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and city officials were negotiating to preserve the New York State and U.S. pavilions.<ref name="O'Neill 1965" /><ref name="nyt-1965-10-20">{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 20, 1965 |title=Fair Faces Lag in Demolitions; Fears Many Exhibitors Will Default on Restorations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/20/archives/fair-faces-lag-in-demolitions-fears-many-exhibitors-will-default-on.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/20/archives/fair-faces-lag-in-demolitions-fears-many-exhibitors-will-default-on.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> As such, the demolition contracts for the pavilions were postponed.<ref name="nyt-1965-10-20" /> If the United States Pavilion were to be retained, it would have to be upgraded to meet New York City [[building code]]s,<ref name="Knowles 1965" /> and a heating system would have been needed.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /> Mayor-elect [[John V. Lindsay]] supported the building's preservation,<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=December 2, 1965 |title=New City Parks Boss Spins Some Plans |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-new-city-parks/153796225/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=21 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914434144}}}}</ref> and the DOC also agreed to retain the building.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1965 |title=Mayor in Capital on City Problems; He Says Cabinet Post for Him Wasn't Discussed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/06/archives/mayor-in-capital-on-city-problems-he-says-cabinet-post-for-him.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822200940/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/06/archives/mayor-in-capital-on-city-problems-he-says-cabinet-post-for-him.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Wagner traveled to Washington, D.C., in November 1965 to discuss the building's preservation with federal officials.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1965 |title=Mayor in Capital on City Problems; He Says Cabinet Post for Him Wasn't Discussed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/06/archives/mayor-in-capital-on-city-problems-he-says-cabinet-post-for-him.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822200940/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/06/archives/mayor-in-capital-on-city-problems-he-says-cabinet-post-for-him.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=November 6, 1965 |title=In the Nation |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-in-the-nation/153795595/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=126 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143936/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-in-the-nation/153795595/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following January, city and federal officials announced that the United States Pavilion would be preserved and would likely become an educational center.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 21, 1966 |title=Lasting Use Considered for Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-lasting-use-consid/153808286/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |pages=19 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143944/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-lasting-use-consid/153808286/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Steven V. |date=January 21, 1966 |title=Federal Pavilion Will Be Retained; Mayor Says It May Be Used as an Educational Center |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/21/archives/federal-pavilion-will-be-retained-mayor-says-it-may-be-used-as-an.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143814/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/01/21/archives/federal-pavilion-will-be-retained-mayor-says-it-may-be-used-as-an.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Newsday 1966a">{{cite news |date=January 21, 1966 |title=The U.S. Pavilion Will Survive |work=Newsday |page=27 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915532122}}}}</ref> Moses, who had previously supported the building's demolition, was indifferent toward the new plans.<ref name="Newsday 1966a" /> Engineers had determined that the building's foundation was stable enough to accommodate a more permanent use.<ref name="nyt-1975-12-14" /> Discussions over the future use of the United States Pavilion continued for months after the World's Fair closed.<ref name="Newsday 1966">{{cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Moses Shapes Promise Out of World's Fair Past |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-moses-shapes-pr/153798807/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=27 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915075446}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=May 18, 1966 |title=Park Plans Blazed in Fair Ruins: Park Grows in Fair Ruins |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510930416}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Porterfield |first=Byron |date=February 20, 1966 |title=Wreckers Press Fairgrounds Job; Deadline Extended to Dec. 31 – Landmarks Vanish |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/20/archives/wreckers-press-fairgrounds-job-deadline-extended-to-dec-31.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516225112/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/20/archives/wreckers-press-fairgrounds-job-deadline-extended-to-dec-31.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The United States Pavilion was one of 18 structures that remained from the fair by mid-1966.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Moses Shapes Promise Out of World's Fair Past |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-shapes-p/148976740/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=25 |postscript=none |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824143818/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-shapes-p/148976740/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Park on Fair Site Due in December; Last 23 Doomed Buildings to Be Torn Down by July |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/04/archives/park-on-fair-site-due-in-december-last-23-doomed-buildings-to-be-to.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726015226/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/04/archives/park-on-fair-site-due-in-december-last-23-doomed-buildings-to-be-to.html |url-status=live }}</ref> An unidentified demolition contractor had offered to raze the building for $116,000, but their bid was rejected.<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1974">{{cite news |date=July 8, 1974 |title=World Fair Tarries at New York Park Site: Fixtures Torn Out |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3B |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|511663957}}}}</ref>

Moses wanted the structure to become "a cultural feature" of Flushing Meadows Park.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=October 27, 1968 |title=Moses Helps to Open First Queens Zoo |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/27/archives/moses-helps-to-open-first-queens-zoo.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230919163701/https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/27/archives/moses-helps-to-open-first-queens-zoo.html |url-status=live }}</ref> City officials proposed converting Flushing Meadows into a "sports park" in 1966 and converting the pavilion into a sports venue,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lissner |first=Will |date=August 22, 1966 |title=City Considering a Sports Park Over Most of World's Fair Site; Modeled on Center in Tokyo, It Would Be Adaptable for Future World Olympics |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/08/22/archives/city-considering-a-sports-park-over-most-of-worlds-fair-site.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516225106/https://www.nytimes.com/1966/08/22/archives/city-considering-a-sports-park-over-most-of-worlds-fair-site.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> but this never happened.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|page=1056}}</ref><ref name="Jackson 1970">{{cite news |last=Jackson |first=Brooks |date=January 5, 1970 |title=N.Y. Fair Site May Bloom Anew: Restaurant Planned |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=7 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|147883794}}}}</ref> There were other proposals for the pavilion in the decade afterward, none of which came to fruition.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056" /> In the late 1960s, these included suggestions to convert the building into an art museum,<ref name="Rice 1967" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Cohn |first=Al |date=June 24, 1967 |title=What Ever Happened to the World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=14W |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915293358}}}}</ref> a cultural center,<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 29, 1967 |title=Conversion of Pavilion Proposed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/star-gazette-conversion-of-pavilion-prop/153799296/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Star-Gazette |pages=6}}</ref> a visual research center,<ref name="Newsday 1966" /> or a library for the [[City College of New York]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bigart |first=Homer |date=November 6, 1969 |title=C.C.N.Y. Alumni Head Charges Board Is Abetting Black Racism |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1969/11/06/archives/ccny-alumni-head-charges-board-is-abetting-black-racism.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822200939/https://www.nytimes.com/1969/11/06/archives/ccny-alumni-head-charges-board-is-abetting-black-racism.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] (NYC Parks) ultimately dedicated the pavilion as part of Flushing Meadows Park in June 1967.<ref name="Schumach 1967" /><ref name="Rice 1967">{{Cite news |last=Rice |first=William |date=June 4, 1967 |title=World's Fair Park Is a Dream Come True for Moses |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-worlds-fair-park-is-a-dream/153799161/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=91 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144328/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-worlds-fair-park-is-a-dream/153799161/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The same year, the [[New York State Legislature]] passed a bill to allow the city to acquire the building,<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /><ref name="Duncan 1971">{{Cite news |last=Duncan |first=Stephan |date=March 22, 1971 |title=Group Wants Fair Building Saved |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-group-wants-fair-building-sav/153805702/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=298 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144330/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-group-wants-fair-building-sav/153805702/ |url-status=live }}</ref> but the U.S. government ultimately retained control over the structure.<ref name="Cubbison 1971">{{Cite news |last=Cubbison |first=Chris |date=September 7, 1971 |title=Backs a Fair Shake on 'Ghost' Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-backs-a-fair-shake-on-ghost/153807123/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=278 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144332/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-backs-a-fair-shake-on-ghost/153807123/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The federal government at first employed police officers to guard the building,<ref name="nyt-1976-07-29">{{Cite news |last=Saxon |first=Wolfgang |date=July 29, 1976 |title=Last Round for U.S. World's Fair Pavilion? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/29/archives/last-round-for-us-worlds-fair-pavilion.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823000334/https://www.nytimes.com/1976/07/29/archives/last-round-for-us-worlds-fair-pavilion.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but it failed to maintain the structure.<ref name="Edmonds 1976">{{Cite news |last=Edmonds |first=Richard |date=February 18, 1976 |title=Fair's U.S. Pavilion to Come Tumbling Down |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-us-pavilion-to-come/153814159/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=549 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144334/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-us-pavilion-to-come/153814159/ |url-status=live }}</ref> NYC Parks, which faced fiscal issues over the next decade, was also unable to keep the pavilion in good shape.<ref name="Edmonds 1976" />

==== Deterioration ====
[[File:Arthur Ashe Stadium, July 7, 2018.jpg|thumb|Arthur Ashe Stadium stands on the site of the United States Pavilion.|alt=Arthur Ashe Stadium, which stands on the site of the United States Pavilion]]
Federal and city officials had still not agreed on how the building should be used by late 1967.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=November 2, 1967 |title=Science Museum Called Unworkable |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/02/archives/science-museum-called-unworkable.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609194845/https://www.nytimes.com/1967/11/02/archives/science-museum-called-unworkable.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Various proposals for the pavilion's reuse were canceled due to the high cost of renovations.<ref name="Newsday 1969">{{cite news |date=June 20, 1969 |title=Farewell Slated For U.S. Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-farewell-slate/153803437/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915568770}} |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144505/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-farewell-slate/153803437/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The pavilion's roof began to decay,<ref name="Poughkeepsie Journal 1969">{{Cite news |date=November 4, 1969 |title=They Can't Give Away Fair Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-they-cant-give-awa/153800620/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Poughkeepsie Journal |pages=3 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144340/https://www.newspapers.com/article/poughkeepsie-journal-they-cant-give-awa/153800620/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the building was extensively vandalized.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lisker |first=Jerry |date=July 15, 1973 |title=Seeds of a Future in Ailing Park? |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-seeds-of-a-future-in-ailing-p/147581134/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517222812/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-seeds-of-a-future-in-ailing-p/147581134/ |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=62, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-seeds-of-a-future-in-ailing-p/147581235/ 63]}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1975-12-14">{{Cite news |date=December 14, 1975 |title=New Plan for U.S. Pavilion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/12/14/archives/brooklyn-pages-new-plan-for-us-pavilion-building-deteriorating.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240809141809/https://www.nytimes.com/1975/12/14/archives/brooklyn-pages-new-plan-for-us-pavilion-building-deteriorating.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During one visit to the building, City Council member [[Emanuel R. Gold]] (who supported the building's renovation<ref name="Duncan 1971" />) reported seeing evidence of [[marijuana]] use.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /><ref name="Duncan 1971" /> According to Flushing Meadows Park Action Committee chairman Al Mauro, several small fires were set inside, and there was evidence of [[squatting]] on the property.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252">{{Cite news |date=April 25, 1971 |title=U.S. Pavilion's Use Is Issue in Queens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/25/archives/us-pavilions-use-is-issue-in-queens.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818212747/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/25/archives/us-pavilions-use-is-issue-in-queens.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

By 1969, the building still had not been upgraded to meet city building codes, which mandated that temporary structures be torn down after five years. NYC Parks announced in 1969 that the building would be razed at an estimated cost of $500,000.<ref name="Newsday 1969" /> At the time, the city government estimated the cost of renovation at millions of dollars.{{Efn|The cost has been variously cited as $1–4 million,<ref name="Duncan 1971" /> $2 million<ref name="Newsday 1969" /> or $7 million.<ref name="Jackson 1970" />}} Supporters of the pavilion's preservation claimed that the building could be restored for much less;<ref name="Duncan 1971" /> they estimated the cost of renovations at $750,000.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /><ref name="Ain 1970">{{Cite news |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=January 4, 1970 |title=World Culture Center Plan Hits Simple $ Snag |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-world-culture-center-plan-hit/153807434/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=221 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144343/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-world-culture-center-plan-hit/153807434/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 1969, a bill was introduced in the U.S. Senate to provide $350,000 for the pavilion's demolition.<ref name="Poughkeepsie Journal 1969" /><ref>{{cite news |date=November 5, 1969 |title=No One Wants Fair Pavilion |work=Chicago Tribune |page=3 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179713143}}}}</ref> A fence was built around the dilapidated pavilion.<ref name="Jackson 1970" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 28, 1971 |title=City to Repair Old Singer Bowl on Fair Grounds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/28/archives/city-to-repair-old-singer-bowl-on-fair-grounds.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=September 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904222734/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/02/28/archives/city-to-repair-old-singer-bowl-on-fair-grounds.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Congress rejected the appropriation after the Committee for the Establishment of the International Cultural Complex proposed renovating the building. The committee's plans entailed converting the United States Pavilion into a 500-seat art school with a student exchange program.<ref name="Ain 1970" />

=== 1970s ===
[[St. Francis College]] students David Oats and Eric Ierardi organized the Flushing Meadows Corona Park World's Fair Association in 1970, proposing that the building be converted into a cultural center in advance of the 1976 [[United States Bicentennial]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Abelman |first=Lester |date=November 23, 1970 |title=Students: Save U.S. Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-students-save-us-pavilion/153807706/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=316 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144851/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-students-save-us-pavilion/153807706/ |url-status=live }}</ref> At that point, the interior was in an advanced state of disrepair, with broken glass, tangled wires, missing fixtures, and dirt everywhere.<ref name="McMorrow 1970">{{Cite news |last=McMorrow |first=Tom |date=June 7, 1970 |title=U.S. Pavilion 'Haunted' |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-us-pavilion-haunted/153808017/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=100}}</ref><ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1974" /> A squatter had replaced the padlocks, stolen a power transformer, and piled up garbage to block off access to parts of the building.<ref name="McMorrow 1970" /> There was graffiti on the facade,<ref name="nyt-1973-10-21">{{Cite news |last=Peck |first=Richard |date=October 21, 1973 |title=In Flushing Meadows The Glitter Is Gone But Hope Still Flourishes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/in-flushing-meadows-the-glitter-is-gone-but-hope-still-flourishes.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517001020/https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/in-flushing-meadows-the-glitter-is-gone-but-hope-still-flourishes.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Moritz 1974">{{Cite news |last=Moritz |first=Owen |date=April 7, 1974 |title=The Shame of Flushing Meadow |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-shame-of-flushing-meadow/153810941/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=127 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824144857/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-the-shame-of-flushing-meadow/153810941/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the pools around the pavilion had long since run dry.<ref name="nyt-1973-10-21" /> By 1971, several local community groups had submitted proposals for the reuse of the United States Pavilion.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /> One proposal would have converted the building into the [[Queens Museum]], but the museum instead moved into the nearby [[New York City Pavilion]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=James |first=George |date=June 1, 1977 |title=World's Fair Site, 10 Yrs. Old, Bouncing Back After All |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-worlds-fair-site-10-yrs-ol/153630080/ |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=484}}</ref> Other proposals for the building included an art museum operated by the Queens Art Council;<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1056" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Taubman |first=Howard |date=April 4, 1971 |title=Queens Arts Council Busy Despite Shortage of Funds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/04/archives/queens-arts-council-busy-despite-shortage-of-funds.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822204250/https://www.nytimes.com/1971/04/04/archives/queens-arts-council-busy-despite-shortage-of-funds.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> an art complex with a museum, theater, and classrooms operated by the Catan-Rose Art Institute;<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" /> a children's shelter;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ross |first=Frank |date=May 18, 1971 |title=Potoker Asks York College to Keep SPCC |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-potoker-asks-york-college-to/153808738/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=299 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824145409/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-potoker-asks-york-college-to/153808738/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and a recreational and cultural hub.<ref name="Cubbison 1971" /> Oats also circulated a petition to save the United States Pavilion, receiving 20,000 signatures.<ref name="Rabin 1972">{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=February 14, 1972 |title=Charge City Parked 2 Pavilion Plans |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-charge-city-parked-2-pavilion/147575386/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240517203858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-charge-city-parked-2-pavilion/147575386/ |archive-date=May 17, 2024 |access-date=May 17, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=294}}</ref><ref name="Nolan 1973">{{cite news |last=Nolan |first=Kenneth P. |date=May 6, 1973 |title=Students Make History in Gravesend: Local History Ignored Used Their Own Funds |work=The New York Times |page=151 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|119616236}}}}</ref>

The ''New York Daily News'' wrote in 1972 that architects and engineers had determined that the building did not have structural issues.<ref name="McLaughlin 1972">{{Cite news |last=McLaughlin |first=Peter |date=July 5, 1972 |title=Want Flushing Park for the Bicentennial |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-want-flushing-park-for-the-bi/149066585/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=206 |archive-date=June 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610170106/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-want-flushing-park-for-the-bi/149066585/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Nonetheless, the city government took no action on any of these proposals, and Ierardi and Oats accused Lindsay of letting the pavilion decay.<ref name="Rabin 1972" /> Later the same year, the Mid-Queens Community Council proposed reusing the building as the National Hall of Health, which would have contained exhibits and programs about health.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 6, 1972 |title=Health Center Backed on U.S. Pavilion Site |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-health-center-backed-on-us/153809200/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=419 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824145411/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-health-center-backed-on-us/153809200/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There were also discussions about using the U.S. Pavilion as an exhibit hall during the bicentennial celebrations.<ref name="McLaughlin 1972" /> The Flushing Meadows Park Action Committee's records indicate that the city government may took over the building in 1973, though city officials denied that they wanted the structure.<ref name="Meserole 1976">{{Cite news |last=Meserole |first=Bernard |date=May 5, 1976 |title=GSA, Civics Split on Demolition of Federal Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-gsa-civics-split-on-demoliti/153815307/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=544}}</ref> That year, Queens borough president [[Donald Manes]] recommended that the building be used as a bicentennial exhibit hall.<ref name="Nolan 1973" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 5, 1973 |title=Bicentennial Hope: Polish Park 'Gem' |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bicentennial-hope-polish-par/153810542/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=417 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824145416/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-bicentennial-hope-polish-par/153810542/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The decrepit structure was a popular hangout for drug users,<ref name="Moritz 1974" /> and people continued to trespass despite the presence of the chain-link fence.<ref name="Edmonds 1976" /> The ''New York Daily News'' reported in 1974 that "it looks like a bomb hit" the interior,<ref name="Medina 1974">{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=March 17, 1974 |title=Spirited '76 Aim for Bicentennial at Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spirited-76-aim-for-bicenten/149071700/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=146 |archive-date=June 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610165745/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-spirited-76-aim-for-bicenten/149071700/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and the pavilion was also described as "not usable for anything".<ref>{{cite web |date=May 3, 2015 |title=Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Historic Preservation Studio |url=https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145529/https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |publisher=[[Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation]] |page=71 |via=Issuu}}</ref> By then, the cost of demolition was estimated at $2 million, while renovation costs were estimated at $8 million.<ref name="Medina 1974" />

Manes requested in March 1974 that the U.S. government either refurbish or raze the pavilion,<ref name="Medina 1974" /> and the DOC requested $800,000 for the building's demolition from the U.S. [[Office of Management and Budget]] in mid-1974.<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1974" /><ref name="Medina 1974a">{{Cite news |last=Medina |first=David |date=June 2, 1974 |title=Defends U.S. Pavilion to Last |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-defends-us-pavilion-to-last/153811201/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=161}}</ref> Supporters of the building's preservation said at the time that the building still did not have any structural issues.<ref name="Medina 1974a" /> Marshall Lee of World Festival Associates proposed converting the building into an international festival structure in 1975 at a cost of $6 million.<ref name="nyt-1975-12-14" /> That December, the DOC allocated $530,000 to the GSA to pay for the building's demolition.<ref name="Toedtman 1976">{{cite news |last=Toedtman |first=Jim |date=February 15, 1976 |title=U.S. Pavilion Gets a Demolition Order |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-us-pavilion/153816558/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=7 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|923355500}}}}</ref><ref name="Edmonds 1976" /> U.S. Representative [[Benjamin Rosenthal]] requested that the DOC delay the demolition in March 1976 so preservationists could find a tenant for the building,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Thomas |date=March 3, 1976 |title=Delay Sought in Razing of U.S. Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-delay-sought-in-razing-of-us/153815178/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=585}}</ref> but the DOC rejected his request.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Thomas |date=March 5, 1976 |title=U.S. Demolishes Hope for Pavilion & Angers Civics |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-us-demolishes-hope-for-pavi/153816251/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=578}}</ref> Mauro suggested that the building could be added to the [[Gateway National Recreation Area]], which, at the time, mostly consisted of beaches and wetlands.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 31, 1976 |title=Urge Feds to Expand National Park |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-urge-feds-to-expand-national/153815999/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=554}}</ref> Despite efforts from preservationists,<ref name="Meserole 1976" /> the GSA began requesting bids from demolition contractors in mid-1976.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Meserole |first=Rick |date=July 4, 1976 |title=U.S. Pavilion: Going, Going (Almost) Gone to Wrecker |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-us-pavilion-going-going/153816122/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=538}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1976-07-29" /> Eleven companies bid for the contract.<ref name="Ain 1976">{{Cite news |last=Ain |first=Stewart |date=August 25, 1976 |title=Suit to Keep Pavilion Rebuffed |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-suit-to-keep-pavilion-rebuffe/153816742/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=472 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824145938/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-suit-to-keep-pavilion-rebuffe/153816742/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In a final attempt to prevent the demolition, Kathy Friedman of the Mid-Queens Community Council filed a lawsuit that July.<ref name="nyt-1976-07-29" /> Federal judge [[John Francis Dooling Jr.]] dismissed Friedman's lawsuit, saying the group had no [[Standing (law)|standing]] to oppose the demolition.<ref name="Ain 1976" /><ref>{{cite news |date=August 25, 1976 |title=Metropolitan Briefs: Court Declines to Halt Pavilion Razing |work=The New York Times |page=33 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|122581888}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 25, 1976 |title=Judge dismisses anti-razing suit |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-item-judge-dismisses-anti-razi/153816635/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The Daily Item |pages=2 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824150050/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-item-judge-dismisses-anti-razi/153816635/ |url-status=live }}</ref> U.S. Representative [[Mario Biaggi]] requested that the DOC delay the building's destruction while Congress voted on whether to add part of Flushing Meadows Corona Park to the Gateway National Recreation Area.<ref name="Lane 1976">{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Robert |date=October 19, 1976 |title=Commerce Dept. Bars Delay in Razing U.S. Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-commerce-dept-bars-delay-in/153813970/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=353}}</ref> The DOC denied Biaggi's request in October 1976,<ref name="Lane 1976" /> and it awarded a $147,000 demolition contract that month.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Robert |date=October 8, 1976 |title=Feds OK Wrecking of U.S. Pavilion |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-feds-ok-wrecking-of-us-pavi/153816500/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=618 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824145942/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-feds-ok-wrecking-of-us-pavi/153816500/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The P. J. Maffei Construction Corporation began wrecking the building in January 1977,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Browne |first=Arthur |date=January 31, 1977 |title=Pavilion Razing Still Raising Static |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-pavilion-razing-still-raising/153817186/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=294}}</ref> and the structure caught fire that March while it was being torn down.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 11, 1977 |title=Goodby at the Fair |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-goodby-at-the-fair/153817300/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=427}}</ref> After demolition was completed in mid-1977,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rabin |first=Bernard |date=July 19, 1977 |title=Tennis Complex Proposal Nets Volley of Support |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-tennis-complex-proposal-nets/153817427/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=321}}</ref> the site was landscaped and flattened to make way for an expansion of the [[USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center|USTA National Tennis Center]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shaman |first=Diana |date=December 3, 1978 |title=In Corona, They Look for a Lift From Tennis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/03/archives/in-corona-they-look-for-a-lift-from-tennis-corona-looks-for-a.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726170228/https://www.nytimes.com/1978/12/03/archives/in-corona-they-look-for-a-lift-from-tennis-corona-looks-for-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Arthur Ashe Stadium]] was built on the pavilion's site, opening in 1996.<ref name="CY p. 114">{{Harvnb|ps=.|Cotter|Young|2014|page=114}}</ref>

==Description==
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park map|highlight=7}}
The United States Pavilion was a boxy structure designed by Charles Luckman Associates.<ref name="nyt-1963-01-26" /><ref name="Kenney 1963" /> Leon Deller of Luckman's firm was the primary architect.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /> Severud-Elstad-Krueger was the structural engineer, while [[Bethlehem Steel]] provided the steel that was used in the building.<ref name="PA 1964-10">{{cite magazine |last1=Perry |first1=Ellen |last2=Burns |first2=James T. Jr. |date=Oct 1964 |title=The Busy Architect's Guide to the World's Fair |url=https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1964-10.pdf |magazine=Progressive Architecture |page=232 |volume=45 |issue=10 |access-date=August 23, 2024 |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519205359/https://usmodernist.org/PA/PA-1964-10.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The building occupied a {{Convert|4.5|acre|adj=on}} site<ref name="New York Herald Tribune 1962" /> in the middle of the fairground's Federal and State area, north of the [[Unisphere]].<ref name="Alpert 1964" /> The building was supposed to have been a permanent structure.<ref name="Newsday 1965" /><ref name="CY p. 114" /> It was supported by 2,300 [[pilings]];<ref name="CY p. 114" /> although early plans called for the building to be supported by temporary wood pilings, these were changed to steel-and-concrete pilings during the development process.<ref name="Meserole 1976" /> WFC officials claimed that the building could stand for a century.<ref name="Leahy 1964">{{Cite news |last=Leahy |first=Jack |date=December 13, 1964 |title=Mainly for Seniors |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-mainly-for-seniors/153695940/ |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |issn=2692-1251 |pages=250}}</ref> Unlike some of the other pavilions that charged an admission fee, the United States Pavilion was free to enter.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stilley |first=Francis |date=April 26, 1964 |title=What Will It Cost to See the New York World's Fair?: Depends on How Much You Want to Spend |work=Chicago Tribune |page=I11 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179423415}}}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=January 21, 1964 |title=New York Report The Fair Becomes Alive |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=14 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510547890}}}}</ref>

=== Exterior ===
The structure was equivalent in height to a {{Frac|8|1|2}}-story building.<ref>{{cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=Tells of U. S. Pavilion Being Built for Fair |work=Chicago Tribune |page=C7 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|182755196}}}}</ref><ref name="Charlton 1964">{{cite news |last=Charlton |first=Linda |date=April 4, 1964 |title=International and State |work=Newsday |page=12W |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913593089}}}}</ref> It measured {{Convert|84|ft}} high and was supported by four stilts measuring {{Convert|18|ft}} tall.<ref name="nyt-1963-01-22" /><ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="Los Angeles Times 1963" /> From above, the building appeared as a hollow square, with a [[frontage]] of {{Convert|330|ft}} on each side.<ref name="AF 1962-11" /><ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="The Reporter Dispatch 1963" />{{Efn|[[Ada Louise Huxtable]] described the sides as measuring {{Convert|300|ft}} long.<ref name="nyt-1963-01-26" />}} The structure had a translucent facade made of plastic panels,<ref name="MA p. 7">{{Harvnb|Mississippi Architect|1963|ps=.|page=7}}</ref><ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /> which were cast in various shades of green and blue.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /><ref name="PA 1964-10" />{{Efn|''The New York Times'' characterized the walls as "green and yellow and blue" at night.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Apple |first=R.W. Jr. |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Exposition After Dark Is an Electrical Fantasy of Glowing, Glittering Colors |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/exposition-after-dark-is-an-electrical-fantasy-of-glowing.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203639/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/exposition-after-dark-is-an-electrical-fantasy-of-glowing.html |url-status=live }}</ref>}} The facade reflected the sunlight during the daytime and were illuminated from inside during the nighttime.<ref name="Alpert 1964" /><ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 7" />  The rear (north) wall of the pavilion contained Paul von Ringelheim's sculpture ''World Peace Screen'',<ref name="nyt-1964-07-12" /> which was commissioned by [[Fairleigh Dickinson University]] and shipped to the university campus after the fair.<ref name="nyt-1964-07-12" /><ref name="Sheword 1964">{{cite news |last=Sheword |first=Virginia |date=April 4, 1964 |title=Don't Forget Art; It's Everywhere |work=Newsday |page=12W |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913586688}}}}</ref> The wall weighed {{convert|9500|lb}}<ref name="Sheword 1964" /> and measured {{convert|35|ft}} wide by {{convert|8.5|ft}} tall.<ref name="nyt-1964-07-12" />

In front of the pavilion was John F. Kennedy Plaza, where work by 19 American sculptors was displayed. Except for [[Jacques Lipchitz]]'s sculpture ''Song of the Vowels'', which was finished in 1932, the plaza's sculptures were all cast between 1958 and 1964.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1964 |title=19 Sculptors' Work to Adorn U.S. Plaza |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/21/archives/19-sculptors-work-to-adorn-us-plaza.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203640/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/21/archives/19-sculptors-work-to-adorn-us-plaza.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The building was accessed by various escalators and stairs around the plaza.<ref name="MA p. 7" /><ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /> The staircases were the largest on the fairground, with 72 steps divided into four flights.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doughtery |first=Philip H. |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Statistics Prove It's a Whopping Spectacle; 40 Miles of Walkways Wind Through City of Enchantment; 114 Restaurants Will Help Feed 250,000 Who Visit Daily |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/statistics-prove-its-a-whopping-spectacle-40-miles-of-walkways-wind.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515232622/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/statistics-prove-its-a-whopping-spectacle-40-miles-of-walkways-wind.html |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> They were shaped like the sides of pyramids,<ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /> narrowing to {{Convert|4|ft}} at their tops.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /><ref name="PA 1964-10" /> There was a secondary wheelchair-accessible entrance.<ref name="nyt-1964-04-26">{{Cite news |last=Rusk |first=Howard A. |date=April 26, 1964 |title=Wheel Chairs at Fair; Many Pavilions Easily Accessible To the Physically Handicapped |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/26/archives/wheel-chairs-at-fair-many-pavilions-easily-accessible-to-the.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530182943/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/26/archives/wheel-chairs-at-fair-many-pavilions-easily-accessible-to-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The structure was surrounded by a moat with fountains,<ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 7" /> which was spanned by four bridges.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" />

At the center of the building was an open-air garden court,<ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 6">{{Harvnb|Mississippi Architect|1963|ps=.|page=6}}</ref> which linked all of the pavilion's exhibits and included shrubs, trees, and sculpture.<ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /><ref>{{Harvnb|Mississippi Architect|1963|ps=.|pages=6–7}}</ref> Luckman intended for the garden court to give visitors an "atmosphere of peaceful relief".<ref name="MA p. 6" /> The garden court contained a quote from Archibald MacLeish, which read: "The American Journey has not yet ended. America is never accomplished. America is always to build."<ref name="Mathieu 1964" /> The building's primary stilts were located at each corner of the court.<ref name="Kenney 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 7" /> The building was cantilevered {{Convert|75|ft}} inward from these stilts.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1033" /><ref name="Kenney 1963" /> At the time of the building's construction, ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' said it was "believed to be the largest building cantilever project ever erected".<ref name="Kenney 1963" /> The inner walls were constructed out of trusses measuring {{Convert|182|ft}} long and {{Convert|57|ft}} high.<ref name="Kenney 1963" /> There were two pairs of trusses along the inner walls and another two pairs on the outer walls.<ref name="PA 1964-10" />

=== Interior ===
Inside the building were two above-ground exhibit floors.<ref name="Alpert 1964" /><ref name="Charlton 1964" />  When the building was under construction, Winston estimated that the United States Pavilion could accommodate 40,000 people per day.<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /> The pavilion not only hosted stationary displays but also employed [[Peace Corps]] volunteers, who talked about their experiences in the Peace Corps.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18" /> Visitors first watched a film in the building's 600-seat theater before they rode the American Journey attraction on the building's second floor. After exiting the American Journey attraction, they could access the rest of the exhibits.<ref name="nyt-1964-05-06" /><ref name="Samuel p. 126">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=126}}</ref><ref name="p1792715032">{{Cite magazine |last=Meek |first=George |date=Aug 1964 |title=World's Fair in New York: a Visit to Nine Latin American Countries in New York |magazine=Americas |pages=12–13 |volume=16 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|1792715032}}}}</ref> The building had elevators and wheelchair-accessible restrooms,<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 2, 1965 |title=Handicapped Get Help at the Fair; Scouts Lead the Blind and Push Wheelchairs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/02/archives/handicapped-get-help-at-the-fair-scouts-lead-the-blind-and-push.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822010521/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/02/archives/handicapped-get-help-at-the-fair-scouts-lead-the-blind-and-push.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the pavilion's staff helped handicapped visitors navigate the pavilion.<ref name="nyt-1964-04-26" /> One source described the spaces as [[Climate control|climate-controlled]],<ref name="Toedtman 1976" /> although the pavilion lacked a heating system.<ref name="nyt-1971-04-252" />

==== Exhibit spaces ====
[[File:New_York_World's_Fair_August_1964.jpeg|alt=View of the Unisphere, with the United States Pavilion visible at left|thumb|In this view of the [[Unisphere]] from the [[New York State Pavilion]], the United States Pavilion is visible at left.]]The first floor had a panorama depicting the United States in the 1960s and the future of the U.S.<ref name="MA p. 7" /> Displayed in the building's foyer was a {{convert|380|lb|adj=on}}, gilded wooden sculpture of an eagle, which was designed by [[United States Navy]] diver Ernst Benson.<ref>{{cite news |last=Landry |first=John |date=April 15, 1964 |title=Eagle Proudly Spreads 12-Foot Wings at Fair |work=The Hartford Courant |page=17B |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548368698}}}}</ref> A quote from Lyndon B. Johnson, "Greatness is a challenge, not a conclusion", was also displayed on the foyer wall.<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1964">{{cite news |date=June 10, 1964 |title=American Films at the Fair |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=6 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510584272}}}}</ref> The Challenge to Greatness exhibit, on the same floor, was divided into three sections about freedom, the history of the land, and "New America".<ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 7" /> There was another exhibit space, the Exhibit Hall of the Great Society, with seven sections about various aspects of American culture, technology, history, and economy.<ref>{{Cite news |date=June 10, 1965 |title=U.S. Advances Exhibited at World's Fair: Half of Great Society Puts Johnson' Plans on Display |work=The Sun |page=3 |issn=1930-8965 |id={{ProQuest|539771011}}}}</ref> In addition, the pavilion had two scientific exhibits: Challenge of Freedom, which was themed to progress, and Challenge of a Peaceful World, which showcased technology.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rusk |first=Howard A. |date=July 18, 1965 |title=Gemini 4 at the Fair; Spacecraft to Join Outstanding List Of Exhibits in Many Fields of Science |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/18/archives/gemini-4-at-the-fair-spacecraft-to-join-outstanding-list-of.html |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609183640/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/18/archives/gemini-4-at-the-fair-spacecraft-to-join-outstanding-list-of.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The pavilion displayed models, paintings, photos, posters, and other objects relating to American history and culture.<ref name="Hornaday 1964" /><ref name="Janeway 1963" /> An interactive chart showed the position of every man-made space object,<ref name="Ryan 1964">{{cite news |last=Ryan |first=Jack |date=April 26, 1964 |title=Wonders of the World's Fair: The Biggest, Smallest, Oldest, Newest, Oddest, Strangest—you'll See Them All at New York's 1964 Extravaganza |work=The Austin American |page=SM18 |id={{ProQuest|1559141940}}}}</ref> and a {{convert|7|by|4|ft|adj=on}} diorama of the [[Morton, Philadelphia|Morton]] neighborhood in [[Philadelphia]] was also on display.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gehret |first=Kenneth G. |date=May 22, 1964 |title=Joint Effort Praised: Objective Stated |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=12 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510588054}}}}</ref> A {{convert|42|by|30|ft|adj=on}} replica of the [[Star-Spangled Banner (flag)|Star-Spangled Banner]] flag was also installed at the U.S. Pavilion; the flag was originally created for the nearby Maryland Pavilion, whose operators could not find space to display the flag there.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1964 |title=Giant Flag Finds Home After All: Fair's U.S. Pavilion Comes to Rescue of Marylanders |work=The Sun |page=48 |issn=1930-8965 |id={{ProQuest|540011545}}}}</ref>

The pavilion also included an {{Convert|8000|ft2|adj=on}} hall of presidents,<ref name="Joseph 1965" /><ref name="The Hartford Courant 1965">{{cite news |date=February 21, 1965 |title=New Exhibits Planned For 1965 World's Fair |work=The Hartford Courant |page=11C |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548711043}}|postscript=none}}; {{Cite news|date=January 27, 1965|title=Improvements Listed for Fair Season|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/27/archives/improvements-listed-for-fair-season.html|access-date=August 21, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 21, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821023356/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/27/archives/improvements-listed-for-fair-season.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which displayed artifacts from 13 [[List of presidents of the United States|U.S. presidents]].<ref name="nyt-1965-01-12">{{Cite news |date=January 12, 1965 |title=Memorabilia of Presidents Will Be Shown at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/memorabilia-of-presidents-will-be-shown-at-fair.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821010205/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/12/archives/memorabilia-of-presidents-will-be-shown-at-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Hartford Courant 1965" /> At the entrance to the hall was a quote by Lyndon B. Johnson, crediting Kennedy with devising the idea for the hall.<ref name="nyt-1965-04-20" /> The hall operated only during the 1965 season<ref name="Samuel pp. 126–128">{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=126–128}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Charlton |first=Linda |date=April 22, 1965 |title=Fair Opening No. 2 Is a Big Hit |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914415018}}}}</ref> and had been used as storage space during 1964.<ref name="nyt-1965-01-12" /> There were items from [[George Washington]], [[John Adams]], [[Thomas Jefferson]], [[Andrew Jackson]], [[James K. Polk]], [[Abraham Lincoln]], [[Grover Cleveland]], [[Theodore Roosevelt]], [[Woodrow Wilson]], [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]], [[Harry S. Truman]], [[Dwight D. Eisenhower]], and [[John F. Kennedy]].<ref name="Joseph 1965" /><ref name="nyt-1965-01-12" /> The artifacts included Washington's first inaugural address, Lincoln's two inaugural addresses, and a copy of the [[United States Bill of Rights]], the [[Emancipation Proclamation]], and the [[Gettysburg Address]].<ref name="New York Amsterdam News 1965">{{Cite news |date=May 1, 1965 |title=National Treasures At Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=54 |id={{proQuest|226739300}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 20, 1965 |title=Fair has plenty that's new |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510759418}}}}</ref><ref name="nyt-1965-04-11" /> The hall also exhibited presidents' personal belongings, such as a pistol, lock of hair, campaign sign, and chair.<ref name="Samuel p. 127" /><ref name="nyt-1965-04-11" /> Each president's items was placed in a different section of the hall.<ref name="nyt-1965-01-12" /> The objects were protected continuously by ultrasonic alarms,<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 15, 1965 |title=U.S. Delays Taking Documents to Fair To Adjust an Alarm |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/15/archives/us-delays-taking-documents-to-fair-to-adjust-an-alarm.html |access-date=August 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821023355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/15/archives/us-delays-taking-documents-to-fair-to-adjust-an-alarm.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="The Troy Record 1965">{{cite news |date=May 7, 1965 |title=Pavilion Boss Uneasy Over Documents |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-troy-record-pavilion-boss-uneasy-ove/153783925/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The Troy Record |page=28 |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824151040/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-troy-record-pavilion-boss-uneasy-ove/153783925/ |url-status=live }}</ref> in addition to security guards.<ref name="New York Amsterdam News 1965" /><ref name="The Troy Record 1965" />

==== Library and auditoriums ====
There was a {{Convert|10000|ft2|adj=on}} library operated by the [[American Library Association]], which had additional information on the topics mentioned in the Challenge to Greatness exhibit.<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /><ref name="nyt-1964-05-06" /> The library contained items from the President's Library at the [[White House]].<ref name="Alpert 1964" /> The library also contained [[UNIVAC 490]] computers,<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1964">{{cite news |date=August 23, 1964 |title=Computer Age Near for School Libraries |work=Los Angeles Times |page=WS_A8 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|154992393}}}}</ref> where visitors could search up information about the exhibits.<ref name="The Ithaca Journal 1963" /><ref name="MA p. 7" /> Visitors could print out bibliographies related to their queries,<ref name="Hornaday 1964" /> and visitors in several other American cities could remotely use the UNIVAC 490 devices to look up information.<ref name="Los Angeles Times 1964" /> Visitors could also listen to book reviews at the library,<ref name="nyt-1964-08-23" /> and there were daily storytelling sessions as well.<ref name="nyt-1964-08-23" /><ref name="New York Amsterdam News 1964">{{Cite news |date=August 8, 1964 |title=World's Fair Library Exhibit Is Futuristic |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=31 |id={{proQuest|226789828}}}}</ref> The storytelling sessions were hosted in a room called the Children's World, where storytellers could dim the lights and display scenes on film projectors.<ref name="New York Amsterdam News 1964" /> There were also study areas for school groups, with TVs where lessons and documentaries could be displayed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Raymont |first=Henry |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Teachers and Students Will Tour the Exhibits With an Eye Toward Education |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/teachers-and-students-will-tour-the-exhibits-with-an-eye-toward.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819212737/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/teachers-and-students-will-tour-the-exhibits-with-an-eye-toward.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On the building's lower level,<ref name="MA p. 7" /> there was a 200-seat auditorium and a 600-seat theater.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18" /> The larger theater screened a short film, ''Voyage to America'',<ref name="Samuel p. 126" /><ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1964" /> a 9-to-12 minute documentary about [[immigration to the United States]].<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /><ref name="nyt-1964-05-012" /><ref name="p1792715032" /> The film, directed by [[John Houseman]], included a [[Film score|musical score]] composed by [[Virgil Thomson]].<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1964" /> The nearby auditorium was used for special events such as meetings, lectures, and recitals.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-06" /><ref name="MA p. 7" /> In contrast to other countries' pavilions that displayed sculptures, paintings and artifacts, the United States Pavilion's auditorium mainly hosted [[performing arts]].<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /> The United States Pavilion was originally supposed to include a third venue with 600 seats, which was intended to be a performing arts theater,<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18" /> but the theater was canceled before the building was completed.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-06" /><ref name="New York Daily News 1963" />

==== American Journey attraction ====
Occupying the second floor was the American Journey, an amusement park–style [[dark ride]] attraction.<ref name="nyt-1964-05-01">{{Cite news |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |date=May 1, 1964 |title=Screen: Riding Through U.S. History |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/01/screen-riding-through-us-history.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819203642/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/01/screen-riding-through-us-history.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It consisted of an approximately 15-minute tour scripted by the science-fiction novelist [[Ray Bradbury]].<ref name="Hendrick 1963" /><ref name="Janeway 1963" /><ref name="Boxoffice 1963">{{cite magazine |date=December 2, 1963 |title=Cinerama Making Exhibit For World's Fair in '64 |magazine=Boxoffice |pages=17 |volume=84 |issue=6 |id={{ProQuest|1670960406}}}}</ref> The American Journey attraction included realistic sound effects, such as the sounds of rockets taking off, and it also included live performances and displays of artifacts.<ref name="Hornaday 1964" /><ref name="Robe 1964">{{cite magazine |last=Robe |date=May 27, 1964 |title=Vaudeville: World's Fair Show Reviews – The American Journey |magazine=Variety |pages=56 |volume=235 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|962803732}}}}</ref>

Accompanying the tour was a [[Cinerama]] film, which was also called ''American Journey''.<ref name="Boxoffice 1963a" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=June 18, 1963 |title=Cinerama to Design Exhibit For U.S. Pavilion at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/18/archives/cinerama-to-design-exhibit-for-us-pavilion-at-fair.html |access-date=August 18, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240818212749/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/18/archives/cinerama-to-design-exhibit-for-us-pavilion-at-fair.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film depicted scenes from four centuries of American and pre-American history, with one- and two-sentence summaries of major events.<ref name="Variety 1963">{{cite magazine |date=October 23, 1963 |title='Automated' Pix At World's Fair Scaring IATSE |magazine=Variety |pages=1, 20 |volume=232 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|1017108167}}}}</ref> There were clips from old films produced by [[Paramount Pictures]],<ref name="Boxoffice 1963" /><ref name="Variety 1963" /> depictions of American landscapes,<ref name="nyt-1964-05-01" /><ref name="Robe 1964" /> and "unusual and historic sequences" filmed throughout the United States.<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /> Cinerama filmed other parts of the movie at its studio in [[Redwood City, California]].<ref name="Hornaday 1963" /> The footage was displayed on more than a hundred screens,<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034">{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|page=1034}}</ref>{{efn|Sources disagree on whether the ride had 120<ref name="nyt-1964-05-01" /><ref name="Ryan 1964" /> or 130 screens.<ref name="nyt-1963-12-18" /><ref name="Mathieu 1964" /><ref name="Variety 1963" /><ref name=p1792715032/> One source gives a figure of 150 screens.<ref>{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|1505834837}} |title=Pictures: N. Y. World's Fair Showcased Wondrous Sizes and Techniques In Specially-Created Films |first=Robert B. |last=Frederick |volume=237 |issue=7 |date=January 6, 1965 |pages=5, 67 |magazine=Variety}}</ref>}} which surrounded the ride's track.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 5, 1963 |title=New Film Process at Fair To Simulate Trip to Moon |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/05/archives/new-film-process-at-fair-to-simulate-trip-to-moon.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819182322/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/05/archives/new-film-process-at-fair-to-simulate-trip-to-moon.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Most of the screens were flat and rectangular, but there were also domed and hexagonal screens, as well as a rectangular screen with 151 domes.<ref name="Newsweek 1964">{{cite magazine |date=June 15, 1964 |title=Domes and Hexagons |magazine=Newsweek |pages=97 |volume=63 |issue=24 |id={{ProQuest|1850826994}}}}</ref> The actor [[John McIntire]] narrated the film,<ref name="Samuel p. 126" /><ref name="Robe 1964" /><ref name="Boxoffice 1964">{{cite magazine |date=March 23, 1964 |title=Journey' in Five Languages |magazine=Boxoffice |pages=W-2 |volume=84 |issue=22 |id={{ProQuest|1670949547}}}}</ref> which was dictated in the [[Narration#Second-person|second person singular]] to give visitors the impression that they were personally involved in various aspects of American history.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034" /><ref>{{cite magazine |date=June 5, 1964 |title=Fairs: The World of Already |url=https://time.com/archive/6871690/fairs-the-world-of-already/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |magazine=TIME |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215835/https://time.com/archive/6871690/fairs-the-world-of-already/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Donald Specht]] composed the film's score.<ref name="nyt-1964-05-01" /> The film was shortened and simplified during the 1965 season.<ref name="nyt-1965-09-05">{{Cite news |last=Crowther |first=Bosley |date=September 5, 1965 |title=Once More to the Fair; Once More To the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/05/archives/once-more-to-the-fair-once-more-to-the-fair.html?searchResultPosition=1 |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822171424/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/05/archives/once-more-to-the-fair-once-more-to-the-fair.html?searchResultPosition=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ride itself consisted of twelve vehicles, each seating 54–55 passengers.{{efn|Sources agree on the number of vehicles but disagree on whether the ride vehicles could seat 54<ref name="Janeway 1963" /><ref name="Boxoffice 1963a" /> or 55 passengers.<ref name="Mathieu 1964" /><ref name="Samuel p. 126" /><ref name="nyt-1964-05-01" /><ref name="Variety 1963" /><ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034" />}} The vehicles traveled along a winding tunnel,<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1964" /><ref name="Robe 1964" /> which measured {{Convert|1200|ft}}<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034" /><ref name="Samuel p. 126" /> or {{Convert|1250|ft}} long.<ref name="Janeway 1963" /><ref name="Boxoffice 1963a" /> Vehicles departed from a loading station every 80 seconds,<ref name="Robe 1964" /> which gave the ride an hourly capacity of about 2,500<!-- actually 2,475 --> passengers.<ref name="Mathieu 1964" /> Each vehicle measured about {{Convert|16|ft}} across and {{Convert|18|ft}} long, with raised seats at the rear.<ref name="Janeway 1963" /> Each rider had their own headset,<ref name="Boxoffice 1963" /><ref name="Variety 1963" /> which allowed visitors to listen to the film in English and four other languages.<ref name="Robe 1964" /><ref name="Boxoffice 1964" />

== Reception ==

=== Architectural commentary ===
Luckman's initial design for the pavilion was not well received.<ref name="nyt-1962-12-02">{{Cite news |last=Bigart |first=Homer |date=December 2, 1962 |title='64 Fair Seeking a Global Flavor; Flags of Nonparticipating European Nations to Fly Over Private Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |access-date=August 9, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529022711/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AF 1962-11" /> An editorial for ''[[Architectural Forum]]'' described the original plans as "three giant flying saucers, seemingly suspended in mid-air, and looking rather like the familiar pawnshop sign known to every inhabitant of every skid row".<ref name="nyt-1962-11-11" /><ref name="AF 1962-09" /> [[William Walton (painter)|William Walton]] described the building as "a weird-looking thing, like a giant plant-stand".<ref name="nyt-1962-12-02" /> The redesigned pavilion received mixed commentary.<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034" /> ''Time'' magazine said that "Charles Luckman with his severely simple United States Pavilion" was probably the only American architect at the fair whose pavilion deserved special notice.<ref>{{cite magazine |date=May 1, 1964 |title=Fairs: Fun in New York |url=https://time.com/archive/6808587/fairs-fun-in-new-york/ |access-date=August 23, 2024 |magazine=TIME |archive-date=August 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824151100/https://time.com/archive/6808587/fairs-fun-in-new-york/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A ''Progressive Architecture'' guidebook likened the building to "a gigantic ice-cream sandwich" with a blue and green plastic filling.<ref name="PA 1964-10" /> By contrast, the critic [[Vincent Scully Jr.]] derided the pavilion as a "pompous pile of absolutely nothing".<ref name="Stern (1995) p. 1034" />

When the building was completed, the ''[[Christian Science Monitor]]'' said the "use of lightweight structural glass has reached new artistic zeniths" in the U.S. and New York State pavilions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=March 23, 1964 |title=Lasting Impact Forecast for N.Y. World's Fair: Color TV Boosted |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510510757}}}}</ref> A critic for the ''[[Boston Globe]]'' described the building as an "extremely beautiful building",<ref>{{cite news |last=Dinneen |first=Joseph Jr. |date=October 4, 1964 |title=Across the City Desk: Come To the Fair |work=Boston Globe |page=39 |issn= |id={{ProQuest|366653210}}}}</ref> and a ''[[Chicago Tribune]]'' writer called the United States Pavilion "one of the most impressive buildings in the [fairground's] federal and state section".<ref>{{cite news |last=Fox |first=William |date=March 15, 1964 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Shaping Up for April 22 Opening: Queens Site a Beehive of Activity |work=Chicago Tribune |page=G3 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179387435}}}}</ref> ''Americas'' magazine likened the building to "a huge box floating in space with a facade of multicolored glass".<ref name="p1792715032" /> The [[American Institute of Steel Construction]] gave the building an architectural award in 1964,<ref name="Leahy 1964" /> and ''[[Newsday]]'' wrote that, during the fair, the pavilion had received largely positive reviews from architects.<ref name="Newsday 1966a" /> In a 1972 study of World's Fair architecture at Flushing Meadows, the Flushing Meadows Corona Park World's Fair Association and the [[Queens Historical Society]] wrote that the U.S. Pavilion was one of several "interesting examples of architectural innovations of their respective periods".<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 3, 1972 |title=Fair-Site Unit Asks Study of Architecture |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-site-unit-asks-study-of/149165596/ |access-date=August 22, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=163 |via=newspapers.com |issn=2692-1251 |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612005039/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fair-site-unit-asks-study-of/149165596/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Exhibit commentary ===
There was also commentary about the exhibits. ''Variety'' magazine described the American Journey ride as unusual, saying that the ride vehicles allowed "the audience [to] become an actual participant" in the namesake film.<ref name="Robe 1964" /> A ''Christian Science Monitor'' critic wrote of the ''American Journey'' and ''Voyage to America'' films: "I think you will leave with a feeling of vivid renewal."<ref name="The Christian Science Monitor 1964" /> ''[[Newsweek]]'' described the ''American Journey'' film as "technically the most interesting and economically the most impressive film at the fair", praising the placement of the screens along the ride's track.<ref name="Newsweek 1964" /> Conversely, a critic for ''[[The Baltimore Sun]]'' praised the complexity of the ride but said "a less hectic pace might leave a more lasting impression of the picture content".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Desfor |first=Irving |date=August 2, 1964 |title=Camera Angles: Novel Movie Ideas At Fair |work=The Sun |page=REC5 |issn=1930-8965 |id={{ProQuest|534013590}}}}</ref> 

During the fair's second season, [[Bosley Crowther]] wrote in ''The New York Times'' that the simplified ''American Journey'' film "packs its message more clearly" compared with the version that was shown during the first season.<ref name="nyt-1965-09-05" /> Lawrence R. Samuel wrote retrospectively in 2007 that the American Journey "was a tour de force of equal parts patriotism and entertainment".<ref name="Samuel p. 126" />

== See also ==
* [[1964 New York World's Fair pavilions]]

==References==
===Notes===
{{Notelist}}

=== Citations ===
{{reflist}}

=== Sources ===
* {{cite book |last1=Cotter |first1=Bill |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y-7zAgAAQBAJ |title=The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair |last2=Young |first2=Bill |date=January 20, 2014 |publisher=[[Arcadia Publishing]] |isbn=978-1-4396-4214-6 }}
* {{Cite magazine |date=Sep 1963 |title=Preview: The U.S.A. At The World's Fair! |url=https://usmodernist.org/AIAMS/MA-1963-09.pdf |magazine=Mississippi Architect |pages=6–7 |ref={{Harvid|Mississippi Architect|1963}}}}
* {{cite book |last1=Samuel |first1=Lawrence R. |title=The End of the Innocence: The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair |edition=1st |date=August 30, 2007 |publisher=[[Syracuse University Press]] |isbn=978-0-8156-0890-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/endofinnocence190000samu |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite New York 1960}}
* {{cite book | last=Tirella | first=Joseph | title=Tomorrow-Land: The 1964-65 World's Fair and the Transformation of America | publisher=Lyons Press | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-4930-0333-4 | url=https://archive.org/details/tomorrowland19640000tire/page/n5/mode/2up |url-access=registration}}
* {{Cite book |url=https://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/booklets/your-guide-to-fair.pdf |title=Your Guide to the Fair |publisher=The Travelers Insurance Companies |year=1965 |ref=none}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/united-states.htm World's Fair Photos] website

{{portal bar|Architecture|New York City|United States}}
{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park}}

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