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Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Painting of 1939 New York World's Fair Federal Building
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Painting of 1939 New York World's Fair Federal Building

Artifact IDMO 1942.77.10
Object Type Painting
Artist (American architect and artist, 1887-1960)
Date1939
Mediumpaper (illustration board), paint (watercolor)
Dimensionsoverall H 23 3/4 in x W 17 in (60.3 cm x 43.2 cm )
Physical DescriptionA watercolor painting of the Federal Building at the 1939 New York World's Fair. The sideways angled view shows the front facade and twin towers of the stone building. A large eagle sculpture is mounted above the visible entrance of the left tower (in the foreground) into which people are seen moving towards and entering. The painting is signed by the artist in the lower left corner and dated in the lower right corner: E.P. CHRYSTIE / June 17-39.
Historical NoteThis painting by Edward Punnett Chrystie of the Federal Building at the 1939 New York World’s Fair is one of several paintings created by Chrystie of buildings at the Fair, and displayed by him there. The 1939 New York World's Fair, located in Flushing Meadows, New York, opened on April 30, 1939 and closed on October 27, 1940. President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the opening speech in person outside the Fair's Federal Building which was televised throughout the Fair. His address was the first time that a president appeared on television.

FDR also gave a speech at the laying of the cornerstone of the Federal Building on June 30, 1938.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDeposited at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Franklin D. Roosevelt on October 16, 1941. It was donated as a bequest of FDR to the Library in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPrints and Paintings (National Archives Identifier 778817)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
CopyrightCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
In Collection(s)
Not on view