Upstate Truck Driver's Massive NYC Replica Debuts in Museum Showcase

Joe Macken's TikTok-viral passion project lands its own exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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After amassing millions of views on TikTok at the behest of his Gen Z daughter, Joe Macken's massive wooden model of New York City has landed its own museum show at the Museum of the City of New York. The 63-year-old upstate truck driver started the project in 2004, inspired by a first-grade field trip to the Panorama miniature model of NYC. Macken's 50-foot replica features an estimated 800,000 skyscrapers, apartment buildings, houses, boats, bridges, and more, all meticulously crafted from balsa wood, Elmer's glue, and Styrofoam.

Why it matters

Macken's passion project highlights the power of social media to elevate unique hobbies and talents. The museum exhibition also showcases how one person's dedication and creativity can result in an impressive artistic work that captures the essence of a city. The model provides a unique perspective on New York City, reflecting Macken's personal experiences and memories growing up in the area.

The details

Macken began the project by carving a wood model of Rockefeller Center, and over the years expanded it to include the entire city. He used books, references, and his own photography trips to Manhattan to scale and design the replica, relying on a millimeter-to-10 feet scale. Macken was especially meticulous in recreating his hometown of Middle Village, Queens, an area he knows "like the back of [his] hand." While the model is not architecturally or historically accurate, the museum curators say it reflects Macken's personal touch and perspective.

  • Macken started the project in 2004, inspired by a first-grade field trip.
  • He began by carving a wood model of Rockefeller Center.
  • The full 50-foot replica took Macken over 20 years to build.

The players

Joe Macken

A 63-year-old upstate New York truck driver who created a massive wooden model of New York City as a passion project.

Museum of the City of New York

The museum hosting an exhibition titled "He Built This City: Joe Macken's Model" showcasing Macken's NYC replica.

Elisabeth Sherman

The Robert A. and Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe deputy director and chief curator of the Museum of the City of New York.

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What they’re saying

“This is a hobby that got out of control.”

— Joe Macken (New York Post)

“It wouldn't be me if I did [correct the spelling].”

— Joe Macken (New York Post)

“As a curator who comes from an art background, you talk about the 'hand of the artist:' that you can see the brushstrokes, you can see that he made it. It's not so exact that it feels like a machine could have made it and I think that lets all of us in: It tells us that this is one person who is sharing his perspective.”

— Elisabeth Sherman, Robert A. and Elizabeth Rohn Jeffe deputy director and chief curator, Museum of the City of New York (New York Post)

What’s next

Macken plans to continue expanding his replica to create a 90-foot 'square' model of the tri-state area, including Westchester and Nassau counties, which he estimates will take another 10-12 years to complete.

The takeaway

Macken's passion project demonstrates the power of perseverance and the ability of social media to elevate unique hobbies and talents. His handcrafted NYC replica provides a personal, artistic perspective on the city that resonates with museum visitors and highlights the value of individual creativity, even in the age of digital technology.