1964–65 New York World's Fair: The Spanish Pavilion
Instituto Cervantes New York, in collaboration with the Consulate of Spain and the Queens Museum, is pleased to present a special event reflecting on one of Spain's most striking contributions to modern architecture and cultural diplomacy: the Spanish Pavilion at the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair.
At the height of the Cold War and global transformation, the 1964–65 World’s Fair in New York was a stage for national identity and architectural innovation. Among its most celebrated structures was the Spanish Pavilion, a bold and forward-looking building designed by Javier Carvajal, a key figure in Spanish modernism.
With its striking minimalist design—defined by elegant geometry, rhythmic wooden structures, and carefully orchestrated light—the pavilion was both a symbol of a changing Spain and a powerful statement of cultural identity on the global stage. It presented an image of modernity, progress, and artistic refinement, helping to reshape international perceptions of Spanish culture during the Franco era.
This talk will explore how the pavilion influenced the evolution of contemporary Spanish architecture and sparked new forms of cultural dialogue between Spain and the United States—an impact that still resonates today.
🎤 Speakers:
Lynn Maliszewski, Assistant Director of Archives and Collections, Queens Museum
Charlotte von Hardenburgh, Design Historian and Educator, Parsons School of Design
Miguel Quismondo, Principal and Founder, MQ Architecture
Moderator: Javier Valdivielso, Director, Instituto Cervantes New York
Come discover how a single building left an enduring mark on architecture, diplomacy, and artistic exchange.
