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Joe Macken's 20-Year NYC Model Captivates Museum Visitors

2/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Joe Macken, 63, created a miniature of New York City now housed at the Museum of the City of New York.
After an accidental 1990s bridge demolition, he began crafting replicas of landmarks, including the World Trade Center.
The model is 50 by 27 feet and took 20 years to complete.
Elisabeth Sherman, the museum's deputy director, praised Macken's creativity and the model's impact, including its popularity on TikTok.

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Story summary

Joe Macken, 63, created a miniature of New York City now housed at the Museum of the City of New York.
After an accidental 1990s bridge demolition, he began crafting replicas of landmarks, including the World Trade Center.
The model is 50 by 27 feet and took 20 years to complete.
Elisabeth Sherman, the museum's deputy director, praised Macken's creativity and the model's impact, including its popularity on TikTok.