Joe Macken, a truck driver from New York, dedicated over two decades to creating a massive model of his hometown using balsa wood and foam board. After finishing the project, he shared it on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, garnering over 10 million views in just a week. Following this, the Museum of the City of New York featured his work in an exhibit titled “He Built This City,” running until October 12.
The model, showcasing all five boroughs and parts of New Jersey and Long Island, spans over 50 feet long and includes 800,000 structures. Macken, inspired by a childhood visit to the Queens Museum, spent much of his free time meticulously crafting details, from famous skyscrapers to local diners.
His creation has become a popular attraction at the museum, offering visitors a unique bird’s-eye view of New York City. Macken hopes to expand his model further after the exhibit ends, adding more buildings and areas.
