While children and the young at heart would seem the obvious attendees at the New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show, it’s actually a must-visit for architectural buffs. The whole show takes place within the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory amidst lush greenery and soaring glass ceilings. All of the city’s main architectural landmarks (current and long-demolished) are present and they’re all made from plant parts. New this year is the “Artist’s Studio,” showing just how each building is made by the Applied Imagination team led by David Hartman. Here’s a mini-tour:
Eero Saarinen’s TWA Flight Center at JFK (Statue of Liberty looming behind it)
Immigration Station on Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty
The Charles Ward Apthrope Mansion on 91st and Columbus Avenue, built 1764 and demolished 1892
St Patrick’s Cathedral
Lyndenhurst in Tarrytown
The original Pennsylvania Train Station, demolished.
A collage of some of the most recognizable landmarks including Rockefeller Center, The Plaza Hotel, Chrysler Building, Empire State Building, Saks Fifth Avenue
In the “Artist’s Studio”: Step One, the frame
Step two: creating the facade with acorn caps, magnolia leaves, pine bark, pistachio shells and much more.
Finished building!
The Central Park section, featuring the Belvedere Castle and other familiar landmarks
Senator William Andrews Clark House on Fifth Avenue and 77th Street, demolished
Yankee Stadium, with lights embedded into acorn caps
A replica of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at the NY Botanical Garden
The Vanderbilt Mansion at 550 5th Avenue, now demolished
The Manhattan Bridge
Smattering of row houses, including the Lycée Français on E. 75th Street, the New India Club on E. 64th Street and the National Arts Club on Gramercy Park South
The Holiday Train Show will be on display until January 16th. Buy tickets in advance and it’s best to take public transit, as parking is $12!
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