2. Adopt a Building From the Panorama

In 2009, the Queens Museum launched its Adopt-a-Building program, which allows visitors to “purchase” structures within the Panorama, commissioned by Robert Moses for the 1964 World’s Fair. Today, it boasts over 895,000 plastic and hand-painting wooden structures that represent every single building constructed in all five boroughs before 1992. For a suggested donation of $100, you can buy an apartment, complete with a title deed. However, if you’re seeking a small commercial building, warehouse or low-rise apartment building, you’ll have to fork up about $1,000.

As part of the Adopt-a-Building program, the Queens Museum also collects “New York Stories” from donors who have special connections to their purchases. The proceeds ultimately support the ongoing care and maintenance of the Panorama, and help to keep the model up to date. Late last year, the museum also brought back the Panorama’s legendary night lighting (read more below).