Posters, as we know them today, have been around since the 1850s. A poster’s main purpose is to inform us to some degree— to attend an event, or enticing us to purchase a product or service, or travel somewhere. They are attention-grabbing.
A new museum completely dedicated to the art of posters is coming to Manhattan soon, scheduled to open January 2019. The museum, Poster House, is the first of its kind in New York City. To celebrate this unique museum, we’ve listed five New York City structures fit for a poster, be it because of their uniqueness, their story, architectural beauty, or all of the above.
1. Brooklyn Bridge
Photo Credit: Vintage Brooklyn Bridge Poster by Benjamin Yeager
The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge that connects Manhattan with Brooklyn. Completed in 1883, it’s also one of the oldest bridges in the United States. The bridge is both a designated National Historic Landmark and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. It is an architectural wonder. John Augustus Roebling designed the neo-Gothic bridge to be six times stronger than he thought necessary, which is why the bridge remains standing today. Today, thousands of pedestrians and bikers cross the tan and silver bridge daily.
2. Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, located in New York Harbor, isn’t only an icon of New York City, she’s an icon of theUnited States. This neoclassical structure was a gift to the U.S. from France in 1886. The majestic copper statue was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and constructed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel). The Statue of Liberty represents freedom—her globally recognized status makes her a meaningful icon to include in many forms of art. Our Lady Liberty stands at 305 feet tall, from the pedestal base, and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Empire State BuildingPhoto Credit: "Empire State Building Classic Poster" on Don Perlgut's Blog
The Empire State Building was the world’s tallest building for 40 years after its completion in 1931. This 102-story skyscraper was designed by William F. Lamb. It’s distinct Art Deco style landed the building a spot on the American Society of Civil Engineer’s Seven Wonders of the Modern World. It’s also a National Historic Landmark. The building stands at 1,250 feet plus 203 feet for its pinnacle. The lights, that now change colors for different occasions, were added to the top of the tower in 1964. Today the tower is the 35th tallest in the world, however, it remains a symbol of New York City and a prominent feature in the city’s skyline.
4. Chrysler Building
Photo Credit: "See America - New York" by Steve Thomas
The Chrysler Building is another Art Deco style building on the list. It also held the title of ‘world’s tallest building’, but only for 11 months upon the completion of the Empire State Building. Designed by William Van Alen, it does remain the tallest brick building in the world with a steel structure. It’s classic well-executed Art Deco style earns it praise from contemporary architects. The building’s name comes from the fact it was headquarters to Chrysler, the automotive corporation. Walter Chrysler contributed to the design of the building, adding little details that reflected the Chrysler automobile. The building is both a National Historic Landmark and a New York City Landmark.
5. One World Trade Center
The One World Trade Center is the newest structure on the list, but quite possibly one with the most meaning. The building replaces The Twin Towers, which were a target in the devastating terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001. Designed by David Childs, the skyscraper is the tallest in the Western Hemisphere. The structure stands tall at 1,776 feet, and its design was part of a much bigger vision for memorializing the September 11 attacks. The building’s first steel beam was signed by the public. The building’s spiral reflects that of both the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. It’s symmetrical modern design is a picturesque addition to the Manhattan skyline.
These five notable structures are some of the first that come to mind when you think of our wonderful city, and many can be found holding abundant meaning across many forms of art, including posters.
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