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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.
Trylon and Perisphere Model
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Trylon and Perisphere Model

Artifact IDMO 1941.12.34
Object Type Model
Maker (French, founded 1847)
Designer (American, 1895 - 1981)
Designer (French, 1879 - 1945)
Date1938
Mediummetal (silver), metal, glass, stone (marble)
Dimensionsoverall H 6 1/2 in x W 4 3/8 in x D 4 3/8 in (16.5 cm x 11.1 cm x 11.1 cm )
Physical DescriptionA small silver model of the Trylon and Perisphere, the Theme Building at the 1939-1940 New York World's Fair. The model is enclosed in a glass and metal case on a green marble base. The maker's name is etched into the front frame of the case: Cartier. A silver plaque mounted to the front of the base is inscribed: THIS SYMBOL OF "THE WORLD OF TOMORROW" CONVEYED TO / THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT, / BY A GOODWILL COURIER OF THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939, AND / PRESENTED BY GROVER A. WHALEN, PRESIDENT OF THE / NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR 1939, IN MAY 1938.
Historical NoteThe symbol and focal point of the 1939-1940 New York World’s Fair was the 700 ft. tall Trylon and 200 ft. high Perisphere. Grover A. Whalen, the Fair’s President, presented this model of the Trylon and Perisphere to FDR when Roosevelt formally dedicated the Fair on April 30, 1939.

Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated as a bequest of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum in 1947.
Credit LineEstate of Franklin D. Roosevelt
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGift Items and Commemorative Artifacts (National Archives Identifier 782690)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PossiblyCopyrightCopyright 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.
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