The New York State Pavilion, once the shining symbol of the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair, now sits as a haunting reminder of what became of the age of optimism that was the 1960’s. This fascinating and warmly received documentary, Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion tells the story of Philip Johnson’s New York State Pavilion during the glory days of the fair, and chronicles its demise over the past 50 years.
The film details its post-fair use as a 60’s concert venue and 70’s roller rink, including the years of neglect and the recent growing advocacy efforts to save and re-purpose the structure. After the film’s screening, there will be a short Q&A with the filmmaker Matthew Silva.
Matthew Silva is a teacher, filmmaker, and co-founder of People For the Pavilion, an organization dedicated to preserving the New York State Pavilion. Since 2012, Matthew has worked by way of art and social media to raise interest and change public perception for what is possible for the Pavilion. In 2015 with support from a strong social media community and a coalition of various New York based civic, advocacy, and cultural institutions,he produced the documentary film Modern Ruin: A World’s Fair Pavilion.
The Film Screening begins at 6:30 p.m. in The General Society Library, 20 West 44th Street, (Between 5th and 6th Avenues) New York City. Reception to follow. Advance registration is recommended.
$15 General admission, $10 General Society members, New York Landmarks Conservancy
and Senior Citizens, $5 Students. To register please contact the General Society at: 212.840.1840 or
email: [email protected]
The Landmarks Lectures are curated by Lisa Easton, a partner in the New York City based architecture and historic preservation firm, Easton Architects.
2016 Landmark Lectures Include:
Tuesday, March 15th at 6:30 p.m. – Nancy R. Hudson, Robert Silman Associates, Renovations at the Guggenheim Museum
Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m – Glenn Boornazian, Integrated Conservation Resources, The Development of Architectural Conservation Programs for Mid-Century Modern Structures
Tuesday, May 24th at 6:30 p.m. – Richard W. Southwick, Partner, Director of Historic Preservation, Beyer Blinder Belle, Life, Death and Rebirth of the TWA Flight Center
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from theNew York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council.
The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen would also like to acknowledge our partners, in presenting the Landmarks Lecture Series, the New York Landmarks Conservancy and NYC Landmarks50 Alliance. 
