Truck Driver Carves Massive Scale Model of New York City Over Decades

Joe Macken's miniature replica of the Big Apple will go on display at the Museum of the City of New York.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Beginning in 2004, truck driver Joe Macken has spent over two decades carving an incredibly detailed scale model of New York City out of balsa wood. His creation, which consists of almost 1 million structures representing all five boroughs, every site and stadium, and every bridge and building, will be exhibited for the first time at the Museum of the City of New York starting on February 12.

Why it matters

Macken's lifelong passion project is a testament to dedication, attention to detail, and the power of a single person's vision. The exhibit will provide New Yorkers and visitors a unique opportunity to see their city in a whole new light, while also highlighting the city's iconic landmarks and infrastructure.

The details

Over the course of more than 20 years, Macken has meticulously carved and assembled his miniature New York City, starting with a small replica of the RCA Building in Rockefeller Center and gradually expanding to encompass the entire city. Each square in the model represents about 1 square mile of the real New York. As Macken's creation grew too large for his basement, he had to move it to a storage facility to house the almost 1 million individual structures.

  • Macken began carving the model in the spring of 2004.
  • The exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York will open on February 12, 2026.

The players

Joe Macken

A truck driver from Clifton Park, New York, who has spent over two decades carving an incredibly detailed scale model of New York City out of balsa wood.

Trish Macken

Joe Macken's wife, who has been supportive of his lifelong obsession with creating the miniature New York City model.

Museum of the City of New York

The museum that will be hosting the first public exhibition of Joe Macken's scale model of New York City starting on February 12, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I was just going to look at it. I don't know what I was going to do with it. I had no plans. I mean, I never imagined it being in a museum.”

— Joe Macken (CBS News)

“Alright, he might not have shared those details with me.”

— Trish Macken, Joe Macken's wife (CBS News)

What’s next

The exhibit featuring Joe Macken's scale model of New York City will open at the Museum of the City of New York on February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

Joe Macken's lifelong passion project is a remarkable feat of dedication, creativity, and attention to detail. His miniature New York City model, consisting of almost 1 million individual structures, will provide visitors a unique and awe-inspiring perspective on the iconic landmarks and infrastructure of the Big Apple.