1964 New York World's Fair

Before European settlement of the area, the site of the 1964 World's Fair, Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, was a natural wetland straddling the Flushing River.{{cite web |title=Appendix: The History of Flushing Meadows Corona Park |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=November 12, 2017 |page=52 |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/vt_flushing_meadows/presentation/07appendix.pdf |url-status=live }} In the early 20th century, the site was occupied by the Corona Ash Dumps,{{cite book |last=Steinberg |first=Ted |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=arkrCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA211 |title=Gotham Unbound: The Ecological History of Greater New York |date=July 21, 2015 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-4767-4128-4 |pages=212}} before it was selected as the site of the 1939–1940 World's Fair.{{Cite news |date=September 23, 1935 |title=Great World Fair for City in 1939 on Site in Queens; Cost to Be $40,000,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073005/https://www.nytimes.com/1935/09/23/archives/great-world-fair-for-city-in-1939-on-site-in-queens-cost-to-be.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1085}} The theme of the 1939–1940 was "the world of tomorrow";{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1027}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=4}} the event was unprofitable, recouping only 32% of its original cost. After the 1939 fair, the site was used as a park,{{cite news |title=Ready to Turn Fair Into Park; Moses Tells Mayor His Plans Are Set |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252018%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2FNew%2520York%2520NY%2520Sun%25201940%2520a%2520-%25204231.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132724/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2018/New%20York%20NY%20Sun/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940/New%20York%20NY%20Sun%201940%20a%20-%204231.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=The Sun (New York) |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=August 15, 1940 |page=14|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=Flushing Meadow |url=http://fultonhistory.com/highlighter/highlight-for-xml?altUrl=http%3A%2F%2Ffultonhistory.com%2FNewspaper%252014%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%2FLong%2520Island%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2FLong%2520Island%2520%2520City%2520NY%2520Star%2520Journal%25201949%2520-%25204917.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729132730/http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2014/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal/Long%20Island%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949/Long%20Island%20%20City%20NY%20Star%20Journal%201949%20-%204917.pdf |archive-date=July 29, 2019 |url-status=dead |access-date=March 27, 2017 |work=Long Island Star-Journal |via=Old Fulton New York Postcards |date=July 13, 1949 |page=4}} but fell into disrepair due to a lack of funds.{{Cite news |date=1966-04-11 |title=Foul Lot to Fair: a Saga by Moses; He Tells Flushing Meadow History in Public Brochure of Triborough Authority |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/11/archives/foul-lot-to-fair-a-saga-by-moses-he-tells-flushing-meadow-history.html |access-date=2024-07-04 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The development of the 1964 fair coincided with social upheavals of the early 1960s, including the civil rights movement, Vietnam War protests, and the aftermath of U.S. President John F. Kennedy's assassination.{{Cite news |last=Levine |first=Alexandra S. |date=April 24, 2018 |title=New York Today: The World's Fair, A World Away |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/nyregion/new-york-today-worlds-fair-1964.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240606224255/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/nyregion/new-york-today-worlds-fair-1964.html |url-status=live }}

The idea for the 1964 fair was conceived by a group of businessmen.{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=August 10, 1959 |title=World's Fair Planned Here In '64 at Half Billion Cost; Flushing Meadow Likely to Be the Site – 'Biggest' Exposition to Celebrate New York's 300th Anniversary Plans Fair Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/10/archives/worlds-fair-planned-here-in-64-at-half-billion-cost-flushing-meadow.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520182939/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/10/archives/worlds-fair-planned-here-in-64-at-half-billion-cost-flushing-meadow.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=3}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=11}} Among them was Robert Kopple, a lawyer who first discussed the idea at a family dinner in 1958{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Blending of Ideas in 2 Opposing Minds Went Into Creation of the Exposition; '39 Concessionaire Conceived Plan for '64 at a Family Dinner; Kopple Wanted to Bring the World Home to His Daughters—Moses Carried Through as Head of Corporation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/blending-of-ideas-in-2-opposing-minds-went-into-creation-of-the.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/blending-of-ideas-in-2-opposing-minds-went-into-creation-of-the.html |url-status=live }} before suggesting it at a meeting of the Mutual Admiration Society the following year.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=3–4}} The year 1964 was nominally selected to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the British conquest of the Dutch colony of New Netherland.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=12}} Kopple and two friends, Charles Preusse and Thomas J. Deegan, met with 35 potential financiers at the 21 Club restaurant.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=4}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}} New York City mayor Robert F. Wagner Jr. and parks commissioner Robert Moses formally endorsed the proposal in August 1959,{{Cite news |last=Crowell |first=Paul |date=August 13, 1959 |title=Proclamation by Mayor Backs Plans for World's Fair in 1964 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/13/archives/proclamation-by-mayor-backs-plans-for-worlds-fair-in-1964-mayor.html |access-date=May 21, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234330/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/13/archives/proclamation-by-mayor-backs-plans-for-worlds-fair-in-1964-mayor.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=August 12, 1959 |title=Mayor, Moses Back Fair At Flushing Meadow Site |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=9 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327256116}} |postscript=none}}. and 75 businessmen formed the New York World's Fair 1964 Corporation (WFC) that month.{{Cite news |last=Kaplan |first=Morris |date=August 19, 1959 |title=75 Leaders Set Up World Fair Body; Elect Corporation Officers – Congressional Approval Celled Only Hurdle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/19/archives/75-leaders-set-up-world-fair-body-elect-corporation-officers.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234328/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/19/archives/75-leaders-set-up-world-fair-body-elect-corporation-officers.html |url-status=live }} Moses, who saw a 1964 fair as a means to develop the Flushing Meadows site,{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1086}} offered to let the WFC use Flushing Meadows for a nominal fee. The fairground would include the 1939 World's Fair site and a part of the nearby Kissena Corridor Park.{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Site of World's Fair Gets 35 More Acres: Acquisition of Kissena Corridor Revealed on Moses Trailer Tour |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327271386}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=September 11, 1959 |title=Moses Shows Officials How Site of '64 World's Fair Could Be Expanded |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522003842/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/09/11/archives/moses-shows-officials-how-site-of-64-worlds-fair-could-be-expanded.html |url-status=live }}

The bid required approval from the United States Congress and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the French organization that was in charge of approving world's fairs.{{cite news |last=Wilson |first=Victor |date=August 18, 1959 |title=World's Fair for City Facing a Rocky Road: Must Leap Hurdles in 22-Nation Exposition Bureau and Congress |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325328899}}}} Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., were submitting competing bids,{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 14, 1959 |title=Other Cities Compete For 1964 World Fair: Washington, Los Angeles Vying; Flushing Meadow the Site Here |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1328096936}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 14, 1959 |title=City and Washington Vie for World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/14/archives/city-and-washington-vie-for-worlds-fair-worlds-fair-tilt-begun-by-2.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/08/14/archives/city-and-washington-vie-for-worlds-fair-worlds-fair-tilt-begun-by-2.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}} so in October 1959, U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed a committee to review the 1964 world's fair bids,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=5}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=13}}{{cite news |date=October 11, 1959 |title=Ike Names World Fair Committee: Washington Among Three Major Cities Proposed as Sites |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|140975102}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Richard E. |date=October 11, 1959 |title=President Names Panel on '64 Fair; Asks 3 to Study Feasibility of U.S. Show and Pick Site If They Approve Plans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/11/archives/president-names-panel-on-64-fair-asks-3-to-study-feasibility-of-us.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522024958/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/11/archives/president-names-panel-on-64-fair-asks-3-to-study-feasibility-of-us.html |url-status=live }} and he approved the New York bid later that month.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=14}}{{cite news |last1=Landauer |first1=Jerry |last2=Mintz |first2=Morton |date=October 30, 1959 |title=N.Y. Picked As Site for World Fair: Capital Said to Be Better Suited for Permanent Projects |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=A1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|140973278}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Richard E. |date=October 30, 1959 |title=World Fair Here in 1964 Approved; Eisenhower Acts; He Backs Report Saying Exposition Would Be in 'National Interest' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/30/archives/world-fair-here-in-1964-approved-eisenhower-acts-he-backs-report.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234327/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/10/30/archives/world-fair-here-in-1964-approved-eisenhower-acts-he-backs-report.html |url-status=live }} By late 1959, 75 nations had informally indicated an intention to attend the fair,{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=November 11, 1959 |title=75 Countries Ready to Join World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324214613}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Anderson |first=David |date=November 11, 1959 |title=75 Nations Voice Interest in Fair; Deegan Reports on Informal Poll – Says Professional Will Direct '64 Event |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/11/archives/75-nations-voice-interest-in-fair-deegan-reports-on-informal-poll.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523014252/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/11/archives/75-nations-voice-interest-in-fair-deegan-reports-on-informal-poll.html |url-status=live }} and the WFC began looking for a president and three additional managers in early 1960.{{cite magazine |date=February 22, 1960 |title=Show News: Plan 4-Man Team to Manage New York 1964 World's Fair |magazine=The Billboard |pages=51 |volume=72 |issue=8 |id={{ProQuest|1505534595}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Clayton |date=February 29, 1960 |title=4-man Leadership Due for 1964 Fair; Moses and Murphy Would Direct Team for World Exhibition in City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/29/archives/4man-leadership-due-for-1964-fair-moses-and-murphy-would-direct.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162257/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/29/archives/4man-leadership-due-for-1964-fair-moses-and-murphy-would-direct.html |url-status=live }} Moses was tentatively selected as the WFC's president that March,{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 1, 1960 |title=Moses to Accept Fair Presidency; Chairman of '64 Exhibition Announces a Tentative Decision by City Aide |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/01/archives/moses-to-accept-fair-presidency-chairman-of-64-exhibition-announces.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162255/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/01/archives/moses-to-accept-fair-presidency-chairman-of-64-exhibition-announces.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 1, 1960 |title=World's Fair to Run 2 Years, Board Votes Unanimously |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=3 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325616473}}}} despite Kopple's objections that Moses was too old.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=8}} In turn, Moses would not take the job unless Kopple resigned,{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1028}} as the two men had disagreed bitterly over the canceled Mid-Manhattan Elevated Expressway.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=8}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=34–35}}{{Cite news |last=Doty |first=Robert C. |date=September 9, 1963 |title=World's Fair Gains Impetus Despite Snubs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155801/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/09/archives/worlds-fair-gains-impetus-despite-snubs-150-pavilions-rise-road.html |url-status=live }} After Kopple quit the WFC,{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 9, 1960 |title=Originator of Fair Dropped by Moses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/09/archives/originator-of-fair-dropped-by-moses-fairs-originator-dropped-by.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162256/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/09/archives/originator-of-fair-dropped-by-moses-fairs-originator-dropped-by.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=April 9, 1960 |title=Moses Bars Fair Post for Kopple |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-moses-bars-fair-post-fo/147925013/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The Buffalo News |pages=11 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162255/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-buffalo-news-moses-bars-fair-post-fo/147925013/ |url-status=live }} Moses formally became the WFC's president that May.{{cite news |last=Gleason |first=Gene |date=May 25, 1960 |title=Fair To Be 2½ Times Size Of Last One, Moses Says |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325923549}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Johnston |first=Richard J. h |date=May 25, 1960 |title=Moses is Elected President of Fair; He Signs a 7-Year Contract – 2 Aides Are Named |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/25/archives/moses-is-elected-president-of-fair-he-signs-a-7year-contract-2.html |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520160624/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/25/archives/moses-is-elected-president-of-fair-he-signs-a-7year-contract-2.html |url-status=live }} Moses wanted the fair to run for two years,{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Permanent Buildings Barred at World's Fair: Moses Report to Mayor Cites Law Calling for Restoration as a Park |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327176485}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Moses Sees Fair Lasting 2 Years; Report to Wagner Includes a Reference to 1964–65 Without Qualification |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/18/archives/moses-sees-fair-lasting-2-years-report-to-wagner-includes-a.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520020943/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/04/18/archives/moses-sees-fair-lasting-2-years-report-to-wagner-includes-a.html |url-status=live }} and consultants for the WFC predicted the fair would have 70 million visitors during that time.{{cite news |last=Collins |first=Thomas |date=April 18, 1960 |title=Moses Sees 2-Yr. Fair Drawing 70 Million |work=Newsday |page=3 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898174102}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=9}}

Moses traveled to Paris to ask for the BIE's recognition of the fair.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=37}} The BIE allowed the WFC to begin planning the fair in November 1959,{{cite news |date=November 5, 1959 |title=Deegan Returns With Go-Aliead For World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=18 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324227398}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 5, 1959 |title=World's Fair Group Is Back From Paris Elated on Go-Ahead |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/05/archives/worlds-fair-group-is-back-from-paris-elated-on-goahead.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523014253/https://www.nytimes.com/1959/11/05/archives/worlds-fair-group-is-back-from-paris-elated-on-goahead.html |url-status=live }} but its officials decided to not formally recognize the fair.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=10}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=40–41}} Under BIE rules, world's fairs could run for only one six-month period,{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=37–38}}{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=66 Nations Help Set Fair Record; Exhibition Isn't Official, But Its Foreign Roster Is Tops |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/66-nations-help-set-fair-record-exhibition-isnt-official-but-its.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520234328/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/66-nations-help-set-fair-record-exhibition-isnt-official-but-its.html |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |access-date=May 20, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} though the WFC had tried to request an exemption.{{Cite news |date=February 18, 1960 |title=2-Year Run Is Aim of 1964 Fair Here; Deegan Says Approval for Extension Is Being Sought From Bureau in Paris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/18/archives/2year-run-is-aim-of-1964-fair-here-deegan-says-approval-for.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162256/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/02/18/archives/2year-run-is-aim-of-1964-fair-here-deegan-says-approval-for.html |url-status=live }} The New York fair would also charge rent to foreign governments, contravening another BIE rule that prevented rent from being charged to exhibitors.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1092}} In addition, the BIE allowed only one exposition per country every ten years. These rules were not immutable; for example, the BIE had recognized the 1939 fair, even though the previous exposition had run for two seasons. Moses refused to negotiate with BIE officials and treated them derisively,{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=39}}{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1094}} belittling the BIE as a "bunch of clowns in Paris". Due to Moses' behavior, the BIE instead decided to approve the 1962 Seattle World's Fair,{{harvnb|ps=.|Tirella|2013|page=40}} and directed its members to not host official exhibits at the 1964 New York World's Fair.{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1961 |title=Pakistan, Thailand Sign Up for '64 Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/16/archives/pakistan-thailand-sign-up-for-64-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191621/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/16/archives/pakistan-thailand-sign-up-for-64-fair.html |url-status=live }}

File:6405 NY World's Fair 16 1964 (51190787295).jpg

The WFC planned to issue $500 million in bonds,{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 13, 1959 |title=$500 Million Bonds to Aid World's Fair: "64 City Plan Looks To $6 Billion Trade |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327151968}}}} a figure that was later decreased to $150 million.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=6}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=15}} Moses said the 1964 fair would be a "billion-dollar" event, though this included expenses for related projects such as roads and the nearby Shea Stadium.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=12}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=43–44}} The WFC leased about {{Convert|646|acre}} from the city government in May 1960.{{cite news |last=Silberfarb |first=Edward J. |date=May 28, 1960 |title=Lease Signed For Site of World's Fair: 650 Rent-Free Acres At Flushing Meadow |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327670058}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 28, 1960 |title=Lease is Signed for '64 Fair Site; 646 Acres Are {{as written|Allo|ted [sic]}} in Flushing Meadow on Rent-Free Basis |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/28/archives/lease-is-signed-for-64-fair-site-646-acres-are-alloted-in-flushing.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523162259/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/05/28/archives/lease-is-signed-for-64-fair-site-646-acres-are-alloted-in-flushing.html |url-status=live }} Moses hired the former lieutenant governor Charles Poletti and the military engineer William Everett Potter to organize the exhibits.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=8–9}} A design committee proposed a massive, doughnut-shaped pavilion;{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=44–45}}{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|pages=1091–1092}} Moses rejected the plan and the design committee was forced out by the end of 1959.{{cite news |date=December 7, 1960 |title=World's Fair Designers Quit |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=B7 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141165876}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Asbury |first=Edith Evans |date=December 3, 1960 |title=Designers Quit Fair In a Dispute on Plan |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/03/archives/designers-quit-fair-in-a-dispute-on-plan-fairs-designers-quit-over.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173846/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/03/archives/designers-quit-fair-in-a-dispute-on-plan-fairs-designers-quit-over.html |url-status=live }} Moses did not devise a master plan for the fair; he wanted to save the WFC money by having exhibitors erect most of their own pavilions, The city government implemented a building code and health code,{{Cite news |date=September 30, 1960 |title=Codes for Buildings And Health Are Set For '64 Fair Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/30/archives/codes-for-buildings-and-health-are-set-for-64-fair-here.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180850/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/30/archives/codes-for-buildings-and-health-are-set-for-64-fair-here.html |url-status=live }} which Potter enforced.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=42}} Nearly all of the buildings were to be temporary structures.

The 1964 fair was to be themed "peace through understanding".{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=5}} WFC member Jerome Weinstein suggested the motto, which was inspired by an ideal Kopple had wanted for his daughters. According to Moses, the fair was intended "to assist in educating the peoples of the world as to the interdependence of nations and the need for universal lasting peace".{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=3}} Exhibits were to be divided into five areas,{{cite magazine |date=August 22, 1960 |title=Show News: N. Y. World's Fair Plans Exclusive Fun Zone Contract |magazine=The Billboard |pages=43–50 |volume=72 |issue=34 |id={{ProQuest|1505610775}}}}{{cite news |date=January 16, 1961 |title=Estimate World Fair Will Cost $768 Million, Earn $23 Million |work=Newsday |page=16 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899000151}}}} including a transportation area the Port of New York Authority would operate.{{Cite news |date=August 12, 1960 |title=Port Authority First With World's Fair Plan |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-record-port-authority-first-wit/147932251/ |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Record |pages=1 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181519/https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-record-port-authority-first-wit/147932251/ |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2008|ps=.|page=61}} The original plans called for an amusement park area, which was canceled after the WFC failed to find an operator.{{Cite news |date=October 26, 1960 |title=Moses Abandons Tivoli Fair Plan; Aides Say No One Could Be Found to Develop Park at Flushing Meadow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/10/26/archives/moses-abandons-tivoli-fair-plan-aides-say-no-one-could-be-found-to.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181532/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/10/26/archives/moses-abandons-tivoli-fair-plan-aides-say-no-one-could-be-found-to.html |url-status=live }} By August 1960, the first ten exhibitors had applied for space at the fair,{{cite news |last=Barrett |first=Laurence |date=August 22, 1960 |title=Industrial Exhibit Size Cut by Fair: Reduced 40% Due To High Space Demand |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327219435}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 22, 1960 |title=10 File for Space at World's Fair; 9 Concerns and Gas Group Apply – Land Quota Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/22/archives/10-file-for-space-at-worlds-fair-9-concerns-and-gas-group-apply.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180853/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/22/archives/10-file-for-space-at-worlds-fair-9-concerns-and-gas-group-apply.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=August 22, 1960 |title=LI to 'Map' the Future In Entry for 1964 Fair |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898998597}}}} and architectural blueprints for the fair's first pavilion had been submitted.{{cite news |date=August 26, 1960 |title=First World's Fair Design: Beer 'Oasis' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327220132}}}} The WFC began sending delegations abroad to invite foreign governments to the fair.{{cite news |date=August 15, 1960 |title=Group Flies To Invite Nations to Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=2 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327453714}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Wayne |date=August 15, 1960 |title=First 'Envoys' Leave for Europe To Promote '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/15/archives/first-envoys-leave-for-europe-to-promote-64-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523180851/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/15/archives/first-envoys-leave-for-europe-to-promote-64-worlds-fair.html |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

In late 1960, the group began issuing $67.5 million in promissory notes to fund construction;{{cite news |date=December 19, 1960 |title=World's Fair Note Issue at $67,500,000: Offered at 6% To Finance First Costs |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=7 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327242565}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 19, 1960 |title=World's Fair Issues $67,500,000 in Notes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/19/archives/worlds-fair-issues-67500000-in-notes.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181531/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/12/19/archives/worlds-fair-issues-67500000-in-notes.html |url-status=live }} the WFC later reduced the amount to $64 million, consisting of $40 million in notes plus $24 million from the city.{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=April 5, 1961 |title=$24,000,000 City Aid Voted for World Fair To Improve the Park; City to Get Money Back—If a Profit Is Made |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=1 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326875729}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Robinson |first=Layhmond |date=April 5, 1961 |title=City Aids '64 Fair With $24,000,000; Will Provide $8,000,000 a Year in Work on Site – Repayment Expected |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/city-aids-64-fair-with-24000000-will-provide-8000000-a-year-in-work.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155750/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/05/archives/city-aids-64-fair-with-24000000-will-provide-8000000-a-year-in-work.html |url-status=live }} The WFC's finance chairman predicted the fair would earn over $200 million.{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=November 4, 1960 |title=Profit Forecast for World's Fair; Its Finance Chairman Says Surplus Will Be Donated to Flushing Meadow Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/04/archives/profit-forecast-for-worlds-fair-its-finance-chairman-says-surplus.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523224351/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/04/archives/profit-forecast-for-worlds-fair-its-finance-chairman-says-surplus.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=November 4, 1960 |title=Fair to Boost Sales Tax by $210,000,000: Expected to Attract 70.000,000 To City |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325522274}}}} By the end of 1960, seven countries had agreed to sponsor exhibits.{{Cite news |date=November 26, 1960 |title=Austria Rejects World's Fair Bid; Cites High Rent and Refusal of Recognition in Paris – Chile Seventh to Accept |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/26/archives/austria-rejects-worlds-fair-bid-cites-high-rent-and-refusal-of.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523181531/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/26/archives/austria-rejects-worlds-fair-bid-cites-high-rent-and-refusal-of.html |url-status=live }} and one-third of the industrial pavilion sites had been leased.{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=November 6, 1960 |title=Fair's Space For Industry Is 1/3 Taken: Top Allotments Cut For Each Exhibitor |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=33 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1324104587}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 6, 1960 |title='64 Fair Reports Rise in Tenants; Moses Says Industry Has Applied for More Than a Third of Allotted Area |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/06/archives/64-fair-reports-rise-in-tenants-moses-says-industry-has-applied-for.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523214613/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/11/06/archives/64-fair-reports-rise-in-tenants-moses-says-industry-has-applied-for.html |url-status=live }} Early in 1961, Moses announced the Unisphere would be built as the fair's symbol,{{Cite news |date=February 15, 1961 |title=A 120-Foot Steel 'Unisphere' Will Be Symbol of the '64 Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/15/archives/a-120foot-steel-unisphere-will-be-symbol-of-the-64-fair.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308213052/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/15/archives/a-120foot-steel-unisphere-will-be-symbol-of-the-64-fair.html |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |access-date=November 4, 2019 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=February 14, 1961 |title='Unisphere' Is Fair's Symbol |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82192966/unisphere-is-fairs-symbol/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726015224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/82192966/unisphere-is-fairs-symbol/ |archive-date=July 26, 2021 |access-date=July 26, 2021 |work=Newsday |pages=4 }} and the WFC also hired the detective agency Pinkerton to provide security and first-aid services.{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=February 25, 1961 |title=Pinkertons Will Handle World's Fair Security |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=5 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327583911}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=February 25, 1961 |title=Pinkerton Agency To Guard '64 Fair And Guide Tourists |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/25/archives/pinkerton-agency-to-guard-64-fair-and-guide-tourists.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524004147/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/25/archives/pinkerton-agency-to-guard-64-fair-and-guide-tourists.html |url-status=live }} A report published that January said the fair itself would cost $768 million, although individual exhibitors would pay much of the cost.{{cite news |last=Sederberg |first=Arelo |date=January 5, 1964 |title=N.Y. Fair: A Gee-Whiz Money-Maker?: Tight-Fisted Policy Seeks to Avoid Repetition of '39 |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=L1 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168511265}}}}

File:1965 new york world fair.jpg was selected as the fair's symbol in early 1961.|alt=View of the Unisphere, a steel structure depicting the Earth; there are world flags in the foreground]]

Exhibitors designed their own pavilions and construction contractors hired members of local labor unions to build the structures.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=42}} Wagner predicted 10,000 people would be employed during construction.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Ellison |date=April 23, 1961 |title=1,500 Watch World's Fair 'Preview' at Flushing Park |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=15 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325308072}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=April 23, 1961 |title=Benefits of Fair Hailed by Mayor; 6 to 8 Billions Seen Added to Economy of City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/23/archives/benefits-of-fair-hailed-by-mayor-6-to-8-billions-seen-added-to.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524171533/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/23/archives/benefits-of-fair-hailed-by-mayor-6-to-8-billions-seen-added-to.html |url-status=live }} The WFC hosted "preview days" where selected guests could view the construction.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=28}} The Travelers Companies built information centers across the U.S. to promote the fair,{{cite news |date=November 19, 1963 |title=World's Fair to Open On Time, Official Says |work=The Hartford Courant |page=24A |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548241424}}}} and local chapters of the Elks, Kiwanis, and Rotary clubs promoted the fair nationwide. The WFC issued collectible medallions in bronze and silver{{cite news |date=January 20, 1962 |title=New York World's Fair Medallion |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=10 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510278403}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=January 11, 1962 |title=Officials Approve Design For World's Fair Medal |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326122990}}}} that were manufactured by Medallic Art Company.{{Cite news |last=Jarvis |first=Cale B.  |date=February 29, 1964 |title=About Coins: Official Medal Marks New York World Fair |work=The Globe and Mail |page=24 |id={{ProQuest|1282670073}}}} Commemorative postage stamps were issued to celebrate the fair, both inside and outside the U.S.{{Cite news |date=January 5, 1964 |title=Stamp and Envelope to Mark Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/05/archives/stamp-and-envelope-to-mark-fair.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531171411/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/05/archives/stamp-and-envelope-to-mark-fair.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1964 |title=The World of Stamps; Nations Issue Tributes To N.Y. World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/the-world-of-stamps-nations-issue-tributes-to-ny-worlds-fair.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175000/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/the-world-of-stamps-nations-issue-tributes-to-ny-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }} Some New York license plates also bore slogans advertising the fair.{{cite news |date=January 29, 1964 |title=Fair's Not Fair On License Plates |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A10 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142327654}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=55}} Several hotels were built nearby to accommodate fair visitors,{{cite news |last=Ferretti |first=Fred |date=November 25, 1962 |title=Hotels, Motels for the World's Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=J10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326218806}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 5, 1961 |title=4 New Hotels Due to Rise in Queens: Coming World's Fair Spurs Construction in Borough |work=The New York Times |page=R8 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115246904}}}} and public transit and roads linking the venue were also upgraded. The WFC opened an information office to answer visitors' questions.{{Cite news |date=March 22, 1964 |title=Business Is Booming at the Fair's Could-You Please-Tell-Me Concession |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/business-is-booming-at-the-fairs-couldyou-pleasetellme-concession.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531193727/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/business-is-booming-at-the-fairs-couldyou-pleasetellme-concession.html |url-status=live }} Private businesses promoted their products for the fair,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=29–30}}{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=April 15, 1964 |title=Industry at the Fair: Firms Press to Reap Marketing Gains From World's Fair Outlays Many Will Get Sales Leads From Guest Books |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132940186}}}} and discounted tickets were sold in advance of the opening.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=12}}

William Whipple Jr., the fair's chief engineer, said in September 1960 exhibitors would be able to begin erecting pavilions by 1962.{{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=September 9, 1960 |title=Timetable Is Set for World's Fair; Chief Designer Says Basic Work Is to Be Done by Winter of 1961 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/09/archives/timetable-is-set-for-worlds-fair-chief-designer-says-basic-work-is.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173846/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/09/09/archives/timetable-is-set-for-worlds-fair-chief-designer-says-basic-work-is.html |url-status=live }} Construction of the first building, an administration structure, began in August 1960{{cite news |date=August 1, 1960 |title=Work on Fairs First Building Starts at Once |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327216689}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 1, 1960 |title=Work to Start on Fair; Construction of First Building Is Due to Begin Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/01/archives/work-to-start-on-fair-construction-of-first-building-is-due-to.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523173845/https://www.nytimes.com/1960/08/01/archives/work-to-start-on-fair-construction-of-first-building-is-due-to.html |url-status=live }} and was finished in January 1961.{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Val |date=January 13, 1961 |title=1st Fair Building Houses World of Activity |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898973018}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=January 12, 1961 |title=First World Fair Structure Opened: 900 Visitors Get a Free Luncheon After Throgs Neck Span Opening |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325464542}}}} In early 1961, almost all of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park was closed to allow the fair's construction,{{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=February 12, 1961 |title=City Closing Park for World's Fair; Public to Be Barred From Flushing Meadow While Construction Proceeds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/12/archives/city-closing-park-for-worlds-fair-public-to-be-barred-from-flushing.html |access-date=May 19, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519214704/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/12/archives/city-closing-park-for-worlds-fair-public-to-be-barred-from-flushing.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=February 12, 1961 |title=World's Fair Landscaping Work Closes Site to Traffic |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325186012}}}} and the Long Island Rail Road's (LIRR) World's Fair station opened.{{cite news |date=January 9, 1961 |title=World's Fair Station Ready On L I. R.R.: Twenty-One Trains Daily Are Scheduled |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335743780}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 9, 1961 |title=World's Fair Station; Temporary L.I.R.R. Facility Opens on Wednesday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/09/archives/worlds-fair-station-temporary-lirr-facility-opens-on-wednesday.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524150004/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/01/09/archives/worlds-fair-station-temporary-lirr-facility-opens-on-wednesday.html |url-status=live }} Workers moved trees{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=Robert |date=March 14, 1961 |title=Flushing Meadow Trees Make Way for 1964 Fair |work=Newsday |page=26 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899085350}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 14, 1961 |title=Trees Transplanted at World's Fair Site |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=8 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326253135}}}} and diverted parts of the Flushing River into tunnels.{{cite news |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Begin Work of Submerging Flushing River for the Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=13 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327042208}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Robertson |first=Nan |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Burying of River Begun for '64 Fair; Moses Starts 'Dirt Flying' to Shift Flushing Stream |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/04/archives/burying-of-river-begun-for-64-fair-moses-starts-dirt-flying-to.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203019/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/04/archives/burying-of-river-begun-for-64-fair-moses-starts-dirt-flying-to.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |last=Gerard |first=Jane |date=August 4, 1961 |title=Moses Gives the Order, Waters Will Turn Aside |work=Newsday |page=16 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898996937}}}} By April 1961, thirty-four countries had accepted invitations to the fair,{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1961 |title=34 Nations Accept Invitation to Exhibit In '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/24/archives/34-nations-accept-invitation-to-exhibit-in-64-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524155800/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/04/24/archives/34-nations-accept-invitation-to-exhibit-in-64-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }} and the city agreed to spend $24 million improving the park.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1091}} Moses secretly obtained additional funds from the city government; according to Moses's biographer Robert Caro, the city government may have spent as much as $60 million on the fair.

File:Fountains, NY Worlds Fair '64.JPG

In May, the WFC announced it would proceed with the planned amusement area around Meadow Lake,{{cite news |date=May 14, 1961 |title=World's Fair To Have Section For Amusement |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=11 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335808045}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=May 14, 1961 |title=Amusements Win Place at '64 Fair; Amphitheatre Area Chosen for 'High-Class' Shows – Musical Foremost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/14/archives/amusements-win-place-at-64-fair-amphitheatre-area-chosen-for.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524174348/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/14/archives/amusements-win-place-at-64-fair-amphitheatre-area-chosen-for.html |url-status=live }} hiring the billionaire H. L. Hunt to operate the rides.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=20}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=95}} By mid-1961, the WFC had privately raised $25 million and was predicting a $53 million profit.{{cite news |date=May 9, 1961 |title=Fair Expected To Bring City $53,000,000: Estimate Submitted To Board by Moses |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=30 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325421048}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=May 9, 1961 |title='64 Fair Reports Finances Strong; Expects 40 Million in Loans by Early July – Predicts Profit of 53 Million '64 Fair Calls Finances Strong; Predicts Profits of 53 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/64-fair-reports-finances-strong-expects-40-million-in-loans-by.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191622/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/09/archives/64-fair-reports-finances-strong-expects-40-million-in-loans-by.html |url-status=live }} The groundbreaking ceremony for the first pavilion took place that June.{{cite news |last=Sanborne |first=Phil |date=June 16, 1961 |title=Slow! Top-Drawer Sodbusters at Work |work=Newsday |page=39 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|898974994}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 16, 1961 |title=First Ground-Breaking Held at World's Fair Site |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/16/archives/first-groundbreaking-held-at-worlds-fair-site.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191622/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/16/archives/first-groundbreaking-held-at-worlds-fair-site.html |url-status=live }} The WFC had difficulty selling the remaining bonds;{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=July 25, 1961 |title=World's Fair Rivals: New York and Seattle Shows Run Into Snags On Leasing, Financing Westinghouse Balks at N.Y. Fair's Cost; Paris Agency Gives Seattle Big Boost GM Hopes to Top Futurama World's Fair Rivals: New York, Seattle Shows Run Into Snags |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132703509}}}} it had sold around $30 million in promissory notes—three quarters of the total—by the end of 1961.{{Cite news |date=November 2, 1961 |title=Fair Raises Funds; Three-Fourth Of Notes Offered Public Are Subscribed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/fair-raises-funds-threefourth-of-notes-offered-public-are.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/11/02/archives/fair-raises-funds-threefourth-of-notes-offered-public-are.html |url-status=live }} During the fair's construction, civil-rights activists expressed concerns the WFC's leadership included very few African Americans.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=58–59}}{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1961 |title=World's Fair Urged to Employ Negroes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/15/archives/worlds-fair-urged-to-employ-negroes.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/15/archives/worlds-fair-urged-to-employ-negroes.html |url-status=live }} Moses met with activists but he still did not appoint African Americans to leadership positions,{{Cite news |date=March 10, 1962 |title=Fair Play Asked In World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=A3 |id={{proQuest|2293405245}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 24, 1962 |title=Moses Has No Comment On World Fair Bias Rap |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |page=2 |id={{ProQuest|371641299}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=26–27}} which attracted controversy amid the ongoing civil rights movement. The WFC hired an African American executive to the fair's international division in 1962.{{Cite news |date=April 21, 1962 |title=Moses Hires Negro In Executive Level At World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=A1 |id={{proQuest|2293405820}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=27}} Later that year, New York governor Nelson Rockefeller formed a committee to investigate persistent complaints about discrimination within the WFC.{{Cite news |last=Ingalls |first=Leonard |date=August 29, 1962 |title=Rockefeller to Check Complaint Of Bias in World's Fair Hiring |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/29/archives/rockefeller-to-check-complaint-of-bias-in-worlds-fair-hiring.html |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013826/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/08/29/archives/rockefeller-to-check-complaint-of-bias-in-worlds-fair-hiring.html |url-status=live }}

By the beginning of 1962, more than 60 nations, the governments of 30 U.S. states, and 50 companies had agreed to exhibit at the fair.{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=January 19, 1962 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Progress: Many Firms Ready 30 States Committed Sites Largely Confirmed Arts Program Speeded |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510327177}}|postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=March 25, 1962 |title=World Fair Takes Shape in New York |work=Chicago Tribune |page=A2 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|183148100}}}} The WFC also created a scale model of the fairground.{{cite news |last=Wood |first=Francis |date=January 12, 1962 |title=1964 World's Fair Begins to Shape Up—As a Scale Model |work=Newsday |page=23 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|899165827}}}} The LIRR constructed a siding from the Port Washington Branch, allowing trains to deliver material onsite.{{Cite magazine |date=January 1, 1962 |title=LIRR Preparing For World's Fair |magazine=Railway Age |page=20 |volume=152 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|882920631}}}} At a luncheon in March that year, Moses said construction had fallen behind schedule.{{Cite news |date=March 23, 1962 |title=Moses Calls Fair Behind Schedule; Cites Inability to Prod State and Foreign Governments |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/23/archives/moses-calls-fair-behind-schedule-cites-inability-to-prod-state-and.html |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525022113/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/03/23/archives/moses-calls-fair-behind-schedule-cites-inability-to-prod-state-and.html |url-status=live }} The WFC had allocated $6 million to advertise the fair by mid-1962, and Deegan predicted its participants would spend another $75 million of their own money on promotion.{{Cite news |last=Kandel |first=Myron |date=July 25, 1962 |title=Advertising: World's Fair Promotion Cost Is Estimated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/25/archives/advertising-worlds-fair-promotion-cost-is-estimated.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013826/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/25/archives/advertising-worlds-fair-promotion-cost-is-estimated.html |url-status=live }} The WFC tried to attract Latin American countries to the fair.{{cite news |date=July 17, 1962 |title=Latin Nations Are Wooed to World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=14 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913667187}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 17, 1962 |title=Fair Urges Entries by Latin Americans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/17/archives/fair-urges-entries-by-latin-americans.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528013825/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/07/17/archives/fair-urges-entries-by-latin-americans.html |url-status=live }} By late 1962, exhibits were being finalized and many pavilions were being constructed.{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=September 27, 1962 |title=New York Report World's Fair Emerging |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=16 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510390122}}}} Either 68{{Cite news |last=Talese |first=Gay |date=September 13, 1962 |title=Fair Is Heralded as Biggest Event; 800 Tent Party Guests Hear Optimistic Predictions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/13/archives/fair-is-heralded-as-biggest-event-800-tent-party-guests-hear.html |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528235428/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/09/13/archives/fair-is-heralded-as-biggest-event-800-tent-party-guests-hear.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=October 18, 1962 |title=Giant Disk Due at Fair In New York |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=15 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510362297}}}} or 71 nations had announced plans for exhibits at the fair by then,{{cite news |last=Kenney |first=Harry C. |date=September 14, 1962 |title=World's Fair Plans Fall Into Shape: Construction Nears |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=10 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510341563}}}} though only 35 countries had formally leased space.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=141}} Additionally, 125 businesses had expressed interest, and the WFC had finished installing utilities on the fairground. At the end of 1962, a small number of state and international pavilions were being built, while work in the industrial and transportation areas was progressing.{{Cite news |last=Bigart |first=Homer |date=December 2, 1962 |title='64 Fair Seeking a Global Flavor; Flags of Nonparticipating European Nations to Fly Over Private Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |access-date=May 29, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529022711/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/12/02/archives/64-fair-seeking-a-global-flavor-flags-of-nonparticipating-european.html |url-status=live }} Groundbreaking ceremonies were hosted for many of the international pavilions.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=149}}

File:6405 NY World's Fair 6 1964 (51189014682).jpg

In early 1963, the World's Fair Housing Bureau was formed to coordinate the development of hotel rooms for the fair.{{cite news |date=January 3, 1963 |title=New York World's Fair Gears for '64–'65 Throngs: Enthusiastic Support Procedure Specified |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=2 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510406641}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 20, 1963 |title=70 Million Due at N.Y. World's Fair |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=H12 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168267309}}}} Despite commitments from state and national governments, only some of these governments were actively constructing pavilions.{{Cite news |date=March 20, 1963 |title='Billion-Dollar Fair' Rising in Flushing; Prospect Is It Will Be 10 Times Seattle's |via=newspapers.com |first=Milt |last=Freudenheim |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-billion-dollar-fa/148382453/ |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The Reporter Dispatch |pages=36 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531200434/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-reporter-dispatch-billion-dollar-fa/148382453/ |url-status=live }} The WFC wanted to hire 40 concessionaires and sell 70 intellectual property (IP) licenses, which the corporation hoped would raise $130 million.{{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Martin |date=May 19, 1963 |title=Concessionaires Lined Up for Fair; 130 Million Is Anticipated in Sales and Ride Fares |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/19/archives/concessionaires-lined-up-for-fair-130-million-is-anticipated-in.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201403/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/19/archives/concessionaires-lined-up-for-fair-130-million-is-anticipated-in.html |url-status=live }} On April 22, 1963, exactly a year before the fair's opening, the U.S. President John F. Kennedy activated a clock that would count down to the opening.{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 24, 1963 |title=N.Y. Fair Countdown Begins: Goal Upped |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510452982}}}}{{cite news |date=April 23, 1963 |title=Kennedy Starts Fair Countdown |work=The Hartford Courant |page=10 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548039555}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 23, 1963 |title=Kennedy Starts Clock for Fair; Promises to Attend Opening in Exactly One Year. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/23/archives/kennedy-starts-clock-for-fair-promises-to-attend-opening-in-exactly.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201403/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/04/23/archives/kennedy-starts-clock-for-fair-promises-to-attend-opening-in-exactly.html |url-status=live }} Only 48 of the 200 proposed buildings had begun construction,{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=April 19, 1963 |title=World's Fair Woes: With New York Start Only Year Away, Many Exhibitors Drag Feet Ground Not Broken for Most Buildings and Construction Costs Rise; Some Back Out Cheer From Seattle Success World's Fair Woes: Many Exhibitors In New York Dragging Their Feet |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132860330}}}} even though construction of all major structures had to be underway by the following month. The press building opened that May,{{Cite news |last=Clark |first=Alfred E. |date=May 5, 1963 |title=Press Structure Is Opened at Fair; Salinger Is at Dedication of First Building on Site Moses Scoffs at Critics |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/05/archives/press-structure-is-opened-at-fair-salinger-is-at-dedication-of.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201406/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/05/archives/press-structure-is-opened-at-fair-salinger-is-at-dedication-of.html |url-status=live }} and the following month, an insurance syndicate was formed to protect the exhibits.{{Cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=39 Firms Insure World's Fair Art Treasures |work=Boston Globe |page=15 |id={{ProQuest|276160148}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 5, 1963 |title=Group to Insure Fair Exhibitors; Michelangelo's 'Pieta,' Said to Be Worth 100 Million, Among Art to Be Covered |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/group-to-insure-fair-exhibitors-michelangelos-pieta-said-to-be.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530201404/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/05/archives/group-to-insure-fair-exhibitors-michelangelos-pieta-said-to-be.html |url-status=live }} By mid-1963, civil-rights groups were protesting the lack of racial diversity in the fair's development,{{cite news |last=Waldman |first=Myron |last2= |first2= |date=July 29, 1963 |title=Civil Righters Set to Resume Battle Stations |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341676/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514004057/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341676/ |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Newsday |page= |pages=5, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-civil-righters/147341702/ 46] |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913605183}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Kihss |first=Peter |date=July 29, 1963 |title=Negroes to Push Picketing in City in Drive for Jobs; Demonstrations Due Today at Projects in Brooklyn, Queens and Harlem 'Quick' Results Asked Use of Children Threatened |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/29/archives/negroes-to-push-picketing-in-city-in-drive-for-jobs-demonstrations.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513211257/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/29/archives/negroes-to-push-picketing-in-city-in-drive-for-jobs-demonstrations.html |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and filed a lawsuit to halt construction.{{cite news |last=Hadjin |first=Jim |date=September 26, 1963 |title=Bias Suit Asks Halt in Fair Construction |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-bias-suit-asks/147341588/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514004054/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-bias-suit-asks/147341588/ |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913575643}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |date=September 26, 1963 |title=N.A.A.C.P. Suing to Halt Building; Bids Court Stop Payment on Projects Worth 10 Million Unions Named Suit Is "Class Action" |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/26/archives/naacp-suing-to-halt-building-bids-court-stop-payment-on-projects.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240513211250/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/09/26/archives/naacp-suing-to-halt-building-bids-court-stop-payment-on-projects.html |archive-date=May 13, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} That July, Moses denied rumors construction had fallen behind schedule.{{Cite news |last=Doty |first=Robert C. |date=July 24, 1963 |title=Fair on Schedule, Moses Contends; Director Retorts to Critics and Renews Pledge for Opening Next April |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/24/archives/fair-on-schedule-moses-contends-director-retorts-to-critics-and.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142452/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/24/archives/fair-on-schedule-moses-contends-director-retorts-to-critics-and.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=91–92}}

Materials from overseas began arriving in August 1963,{{Cite news |date=August 15, 1963 |title=Fair's First Cargo Will Arrive Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/15/archives/fairs-first-cargo-will-arrive-today.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215824/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/08/15/archives/fairs-first-cargo-will-arrive-today.html |url-status=live }} though work on 50 structures had not started by the next month. Moses became increasingly hostile toward journalists who doubted that the fair would be completed on time. There were also disagreements over discounted tickets for students; Moses opposed the plan{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=93–95}}{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=October 10, 1963 |title=Moses Rejects Council Parley On 25c Fee for Pupils at Fair; Moses Rejects Council Parley On 25c Fee for Pupils at Fair Bulk Reductions Planned Gross Invited, Too |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/moses-rejects-council-parley-on-25c-fee-for-pupils-at-fair-moses.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530234134/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/10/archives/moses-rejects-council-parley-on-25c-fee-for-pupils-at-fair-moses.html |url-status=live }} but the city government ultimately forced him to sell discounted tickets.{{cite news |date=December 5, 1963 |title=World Fair Price Cut for Schools |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510510331}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=Charles G. |date=December 4, 1963 |title=Fair Will Admit Pupils for 25c When They Attend in Groups |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/04/archives/fair-will-admit-pupils-for-25c-when-they-attend-in-groups-25cent.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531012450/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/04/archives/fair-will-admit-pupils-for-25c-when-they-attend-in-groups-25cent.html |url-status=live }} The first pavilion, the Port Authority Heliport, was opened in October 1963.{{cite news |last=Duncan |first=Val |date=October 17, 1963 |title=Fair's 1St Building Opens With High Hopes |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964309040}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Burnham |first=Alexander |date=October 16, 1963 |title=1964 Fair Opening Its First Building; Port Authority Hall to Be Opened Officially Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/16/archives/1964-fair-opening-its-first-building-port-authority-hall-to-be.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531175330/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/16/archives/1964-fair-opening-its-first-building-port-authority-hall-to-be.html |url-status=live }} The same month, Hunt resigned as the amusement area's operator following disagreements over ticket prices and rides.{{cite magazine |date=October 30, 1963 |title=Vaudeville: H. L. Hunt Cancellation, Int'l Expo's Suit Spotlight World's Fair Lease Snags |magazine=Variety |page=53 |volume=232 |issue=10 |id={{ProQuest|1014822622}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Arnold |first=Martin |date=October 19, 1963 |title=H.L. Hunt Fun Park Is Dropped at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/19/archives/hl-hunt-fun-park-is-dropped-at-fair-amusement-park-dropped-at-fair.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530234132/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/10/19/archives/hl-hunt-fun-park-is-dropped-at-fair-amusement-park-dropped-at-fair.html |url-status=live }} Work on many of the pavilions was behind schedule due to funding issues, labor shortages, and poor weather. There were also labor strikes, exhibitor withdrawals, and continuing racial tensions.{{cite news |date=October 27, 1963 |title=World's Fair Fast Taking Shape |work=The Hartford Courant |page=29A1 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548203247}}}} Despite these difficulties, many pavilions were nearly completed by late 1963, and the WFC had sold 3.8 million advance tickets by the year's end.{{Cite news |date=December 31, 1963 |title=3.8 Million Tickets To the World's Fair Are Sold in Advance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/31/archives/38-million-tickets-to-the-worlds-fair-are-sold-in-advance.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531012451/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/12/31/archives/38-million-tickets-to-the-worlds-fair-are-sold-in-advance.html |url-status=live }} To draw attention to the fair, the WFC displayed models of exhibits at the Time-Life Building in Manhattan. Exhibits were installed through late 1963 and early 1964,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=28–29}} and the WFC borrowed $3 million to fund the fair's completion.

In January 1964, the Chicago Tribune reported the site was filled with raw material, incomplete building frames, and unpaved roads.{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Vincent |date=January 26, 1964 |title=Report From New York: Builders Rush to Complete Structures for World's Fair |work=Chicago Tribune |page=9 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179358122}}}} That month, WFC officials said work on 26 buildings was behind schedule,{{cite news |date=January 23, 1964 |title=Johnson to Be Fair's First-Day Feature |work=Newsday |page=7 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914360174}}}} and they sought to demolish a pavilion that would not be ready for the fair's opening.{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Thomas A. |date=January 22, 1964 |title=Fair Finds Another Bone-- In Food Pavilion |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913562960}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 21, 1964 |title=Fair Restrained in Building Fight; Would Raze Pavilion It Says Can't Be Ready in Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/21/archives/fair-restrained-in-building-fight-would-raze-pavilion-it-says-cant.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531171415/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/21/archives/fair-restrained-in-building-fight-would-raze-pavilion-it-says-cant.html |url-status=live }} The WFC signed a document outlining ways profits from the fair were to be used.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 21, 1965 |title=Fair Says Pledge Has No Standing; Denies Responsibility for '64 List of Obligations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/21/archives/fair-says-pledge-has-no-standing-denies-responsibility-for-64-list.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604183555/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/21/archives/fair-says-pledge-has-no-standing-denies-responsibility-for-64-list.html |url-status=live }} By that February, most of the major pavilions and attractions were complete,{{Cite news |date=February 22, 1964 |title=Progress Report at F-Day Mi Us 60 Finds the Fair Getting Fairer; Alice-in-Wonderland Shapes Rise Out of Mud and Disorder |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/22/archives/progress-report-at-fday-mi-us-60-finds-the-fair-getting-fairer.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601035207/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/22/archives/progress-report-at-fday-mi-us-60-finds-the-fair-getting-fairer.html |url-status=live }} but Whipple estimated up to 10 pavilions would not be finished before the fair's opening.{{cite news |last=Snyder |first=Gerald S. |date=April 12, 1964 |title=Costs a Billion, Lures Millions; Opens April 22: Ready or Not N. Y. World's Fair Opens April 22 Two Season Show Sure of Success |work=Chicago Tribune |page=G15 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179446275}}}}{{Cite news |date=February 27, 1964 |title=Not All of Fair to Open on Time; 8 or 10 Pavilions Won't Be Ready, Engineer Says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/27/archives/not-all-of-fair-to-open-on-time-8-or-10-pavilions-wont-be-ready.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531182658/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/27/archives/not-all-of-fair-to-open-on-time-8-or-10-pavilions-wont-be-ready.html |url-status=live }} The same month, the WFC stopped selling advance tickets, having sold 28 million.{{cite news |date=March 3, 1964 |title=Advance Ticket Sales Will Let World's Fair Repay Big Loans in '64: Discount Ticket Volume Totals $35,219,602, Allowing Firm To Pay Off Notes Due in '66 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=15 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132960789}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=March 3, 1964 |title=Sale of Tickets to World's Fair Tops $35 Million; Over 28 Million Bought at Advance Rates—Total Is Triple the Forecast |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/03/archives/sale-of-tickets-to-worlds-fair-tops-35-million-over-28-million.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601024819/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/03/archives/sale-of-tickets-to-worlds-fair-tops-35-million-over-28-million.html |url-status=live }} There were still 4,800 construction workers on site in late March,{{cite news |last=Foust |first=Hal |date=March 31, 1964 |title=Finds There's Still Lots of Work to Be Done on New York Fair: Opening Day Is Only 3 Weeks Away |work=Chicago Tribune |page=11 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179385647}}}} when the state government began hiring people for the fair.{{Cite news |date=March 19, 1964 |title=New Job Center For World's Fair Will Open Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/19/archives/new-job-center-for-worlds-fair-will-open-today.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142453/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/19/archives/new-job-center-for-worlds-fair-will-open-today.html |url-status=live }} Before the fair opened, the WFC had spent $30 million.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1102}}

File:US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair Fountain of the Planets (processed 05-1965) 22 CE Family Coll (51906487232).jpg

The WFC originally predicted a daily attendance of 225,000.{{cite news |date=April 20, 1964 |title=World's Fair Transportation Problem Huge |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=B11 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168540287}}}} Deegan predicted at least 6.7 million foreign visitors, out of an estimated total of 70 million.{{Cite news |date=May 25, 1963 |title=Predicts 6,700,000 At Fair From Overseas |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=17 |id={{proQuest|226765072}}}} Visitors 13 and older were originally charged the adult admission price of $2.00 ({{Inflation|US|2|1964|r=2|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}), while children 2–12 years old were charged $1.00 ({{Inflation|US|1|1964|r=2|fmt=eq}}).{{cite news |last1=Arnold |first1=Martin |date=January 13, 1965 |title=Fair Increasing Admission to $2.50; 50-Cent Raise Does Not Apply to Children's Rates – Longer Run Possible |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/13/archives/fair-increasing-admission-to-250-50cent-raise-does-not-apply-to.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723093703/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/13/archives/fair-increasing-admission-to-250-50cent-raise-does-not-apply-to.html |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} The WFC sold discounted tickets in packs of 20; some major companies like AT&T bought hundreds of thousands of tickets for their employees. Students paid 25 cents if they visited with their teachers, and the WFC sold certificates that allowed a class of 25 students to enter the fair for $6.25.{{Cite news |date=May 17, 1964 |title=Irish Fair Pavilion Dedicated With a Challenge to Columbus |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/irish-fair-pavilion-dedicated-with-a-challenge-to-columbus.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175005/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/17/archives/irish-fair-pavilion-dedicated-with-a-challenge-to-columbus.html |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Moses predicted ticket sales of $120 million{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=11}}{{Cite news |date=January 6, 1964 |title=World's Fair Forecast Is Rosy, With Profits for All-Even New York City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/06/archives/worlds-fair-forecast-is-rosy-with-profits-for-alleven-new-york-city.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528235420/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/06/archives/worlds-fair-forecast-is-rosy-with-profits-for-alleven-new-york-city.html |archive-date=May 28, 2024 |access-date=May 28, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and a net profit of $40 million. Initially, city officials predicted people would spend $5 billion in the city due to the fair,{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Affair Lacks World Status, But It's Bonanza for New York |work=The Globe and Mail |page=B1 |id={{ProQuest|1282813739}} |agency=The New York Times}} an estimate that was later reduced to $2.5 billion.

Though the fair employed up to 20,000 people but the WFC directly employed only between 180 and 200 people. There were 3,000 Pinkerton employees on the grounds, including firefighters, police officers, medics, matrons, and ticket sellers.{{Cite news |date=February 8, 1964 |title=3,000 Pinkerton Agents Will Be Going to the Fair Guard Exhibits, Sell Tickets, HeIp the Sick and Fight the Fires |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/08/archives/3000-pinkerton-agents-will-be-going-to-the-fair-guard-exhibits-sell.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531182658/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/08/archives/3000-pinkerton-agents-will-be-going-to-the-fair-guard-exhibits-sell.html |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Nine garbage trucks, nine emergency medical services (EMS) vehicles, 25 police cars, and three fire engines traveled the fairgrounds. Nine city health inspectors examined all of the on-site restaurants. United Press International (UPI) was the fair's official photographer,{{Cite news |date=December 26, 1962 |title=World Fair Chooses UPI as Photographers |work=The Austin Statesman |page=18 |id={{ProQuest|1527723048}}}} while United World Films had exclusive rights to produce and publish films about the fair.{{Cite news |date=January 7, 1963 |title=World's Fair, Film Co. Sign Contract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-daily-worlds-fair-film-co-si/148380895/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142453/https://www.newspapers.com/article/brooklyn-daily-worlds-fair-film-co-si/148380895/ |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=Brooklyn Daily |pages=21 |via=newspapers.com}} Allied Maintenance was the only maintenance firm allowed to work at the fair; it charged exorbitant fees, earning $10 million during 1964 alone.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1087}} Allied also handled deliveries during the 1964 season but was replaced the following year with Rentar Corporation.{{Cite news |date=December 17, 1964 |title=World's Fair Replaces Official Trucker for 19651; Allied Corp. Out, Bat Keeps Its Maintenance Contract; Rentar of Queens Is Hired—Plans Efficiency Changes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/17/archives/worlds-fair-replaces-official-trucker-for-19651-allied-corp-out-bat.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142453/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/12/17/archives/worlds-fair-replaces-official-trucker-for-19651-allied-corp-out-bat.html |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Other companies, such as Hertz and Cities Service, sponsored free services or events. The WFC selected symbols of a boy and a girl as the fair's mascots.

Exhibitors were required to operate from 10 am to 10 pm daily, although the fairground opened at 9 am. Exhibits were prepared and cleaned throughout the night;{{Cite news |date=June 2, 1964 |title=Day at World's Fair Begins at 2 A.M. For Many; Tracks Roll in With Sapplies After Last Visitors Start Their Homeward Trips |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/02/archives/day-at-worlds-fair-begins-at-2-am-for-many-tracks-roll-in-with.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602185723/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/02/archives/day-at-worlds-fair-begins-at-2-am-for-many-tracks-roll-in-with.html |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} the Vatican pavilion was the only attraction with a live-in caretaker.{{Cite news |date=July 25, 1964 |title=Moses Says That 'Observers' Magnify Reports on 'Disorders' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/25/archives/moses-says-that-observers-magnify-reports-on-disorders.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602225109/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/25/archives/moses-says-that-observers-magnify-reports-on-disorders.html |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Many exhibitors hired racially diverse staff.{{Cite news |date=June 9, 1964 |title=Fair a Showcase for Civil Rights; Negroes and Whites Work Together in Many Phases |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/09/archives/fair-a-showcase-for-civil-rights-negroes-and-whites-work-together.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601013154/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/09/archives/fair-a-showcase-for-civil-rights-negroes-and-whites-work-together.html |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In addition, the WFC required each exhibitor to purchase insurance from Campo & Roberts, which earned $3 million from insurance commissions.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|pages=1087–1088}}

File:US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair Belgian Village (processed 06-1965) 28 CE Family Coll (51903556916).jpg

The WFC did not host official press previews in the weeks before the official opening, though several exhibitors hosted previews of their pavilions.{{cite magazine |id={{ProQuest|964068615}} |title=N.Y. World's Fair Opening 'Cold'; Exhibitions to Set Their Own Parties |last=Green |first=Abel |volume=233 |issue=11 |date=Feb 5, 1964 |pages=1, 18 |magazine=Variety}} The night before the fair opened, the television series The Bell Telephone Hour broadcast an opening celebration.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=30–31}} When the World's Fair officially opened at 9:00 am on April 22, 1964,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=32}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=188}} the first visitor was a college student from New Jersey.{{cite news |last1=Spiegler |first1=William |last2=Molotsky |first2=Irv |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Jersey Student, 18, Is First Through Fair Turnstiles |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914371873}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=5 College Men Are First in Line at World's Fair |work=Chicago Tribune |page=2 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179440004}}}} The opening was celebrated with speeches by Robert Moses, Nelson Rockefeller, and the U.S. president Lyndon B. Johnson.{{cite web |date=22 April 1964 |title=Remarks at the Opening of the New York World's fair |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-the-opening-the-new-york-worlds-fair |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=The American Presidency Project}} The same day, Johnson dedicated the United States Pavilion,{{cite web |date=22 April 1964 |title=Remarks at the United States Pavilion, New York World's Fair |url=https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/remarks-the-united-states-pavilion-new-york-worlds-fair |access-date=18 June 2024 |website=The American Presidency Project |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |title=Shouts Mar Johnson's Talk at Pavilion |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |date=April 23, 1964 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/shouts-mar-johnsons-talk-at-pavilion.html |access-date=June 18, 2024}} while Rockefeller and Moses dedicated the New York State Pavilion.{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1964 |title=State Wins Praise for Fair Pavilion; Governor and Moses Urge It as Permanent Part of Flushing Meadow Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/state-wins-praise-for-fair-pavilion-governor-and-moses-urge-it-as.html |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516004853/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/state-wins-praise-for-fair-pavilion-governor-and-moses-urge-it-as.html |url-status=live}}

During the opening ceremonies, hundreds of civil-rights activists organized a sit-in and were arrested.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=34}}{{Cite news |date=April 23, 1964 |title=World's Fair Opens To Picketing; Stall-In Fails: Johnson Foresees Global Peace Soon Rain, Racial Troubles Keep Crowd To 90,000; More Than 290 Integrationists Seized |work=The Sun |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|540050678}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Rain Soaks Crowd; Sit-Ins Mar Festivities at Some Pavilions—Attendance Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/rain-soaks-crowd-sitins-mar-festivities-at-some-pavilionsattendance.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514000810/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/rain-soaks-crowd-sitins-mar-festivities-at-some-pavilionsattendance.html |archive-date=May 14, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The civil-rights group Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) proposed a "stall-in" to block roads leading to the fair,{{cite news |date=April 7, 1964 |title=CORE Chapter Plans A Drive-In To Stall World's Fair Opening: Brooklyn Group Says Proposed Traffic Tie-Up, April 22, Will Spotlight Civil Rights Fight |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=6 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132950770}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 10, 1964 |title=CORE Maps Tie-up on Roads to Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/10/core-maps-tieup-on-roads-to-fair.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531192224/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/10/core-maps-tieup-on-roads-to-fair.html |url-status=live}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=27–28}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=81–82}} but few activists participated.{{cite web |last=Tirella |first=Joseph |date=April 22, 2014 |title=Fifty Years Ago Today, Rogue Civil Rights Activists Tried to Ruin Robert Moses' Greatest Triumph |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/04/cores-1964-stall-in-the-planned-civil-rights-protest-that-kept-thousands-away-from-the-worlds-fair-in-new-york.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=Slate Magazine |archive-date=January 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110015345/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/04/cores-1964-stall-in-the-planned-civil-rights-protest-that-kept-thousands-away-from-the-worlds-fair-in-new-york.html |url-status=live}} The opening ceremony attracted 90,000 attendees, fewer than half of the predicted number, in part due to inclement weather.{{cite magazine |date=April 23, 1964 |title=N. Y. Fair Debut Gets Foul Deal From Weather: Fair Opening Day Ardor Chilled by Clammy Rain |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=1, 7 |volume=108 |issue=81 |id={{ProQuest|1565239518}}}} The WFC banned picketing on the grounds, prompting lawsuits from civil-rights groups;{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=36–37}} a federal judge later ruled protesters could give out handbills to passers-by.{{Cite news |date=July 11, 1964 |title=Federal Court Allows 'Rights' Action at World's Fair: Groups May Pass Out Handbills on Protest |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|371626195}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 2, 1964 |title=Rights Picket Ban by Fair is Upheld; But Court Rules Handbills, May Be Given Out There |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/02/archives/righs-picket-ban-by-fair-is-upheld-but-court-rules-handbills-may-be.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142454/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/02/archives/righs-picket-ban-by-fair-is-upheld-but-court-rules-handbills-may-be.html |url-status=live}}

The New York Times reported fifteen pavilions and three amusement attractions were not finished by opening day.{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=15% Of the Fair Still Unfinished; 15 Pavilions and 3 Shows in Amusement Area Delayed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/15-of-the-fair-still-unfinished-15-pavilions-and-3-shows-in.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175006/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/15-of-the-fair-still-unfinished-15-pavilions-and-3-shows-in.html |url-status=live}} One pavilion, the Belgian Village, was not completed until the end of the 1964 season,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=43}}{{cite news |last=Long |first=Tania |date=October 17, 1964 |title=Belgian Village Finished at Last: Medieval 'City' Just in Time for World's Fair Closing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/17/archives/belgian-village-finished-at-last-medieval-city-just-in-time-for.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=29 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115921553}} |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603210802/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/17/archives/belgian-village-finished-at-last-medieval-city-just-in-time-for.html |url-status=live}} though it did operate for part of that year.{{Cite news |date=July 31, 1964 |title=Belgium Village Upsets Neighbors; Fair Concessionaires Fear New Loss of Business |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/31/archives/belgium-village-upsets-neighbors-fair-concessionaires-fear-new-loss.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602225119/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/31/archives/belgium-village-upsets-neighbors-fair-concessionaires-fear-new-loss.html |url-status=live}} Some pavilions could not open on schedule because artifacts in the pavilions had been damaged{{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 17, 1964 |title=Lebanese Treasures Damaged; Pavilion at Fair to Be Delayed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/lebanese-treasures-damaged-pavilion-at-fair-to-be-delayed.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=22 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115757755}} |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175000/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/lebanese-treasures-damaged-pavilion-at-fair-to-be-delayed.html |url-status=live}} or were incomplete.{{cite news |last=McPherson |first=William |date=April 19, 1964 |title=World's Fair Will Open Wednesday: What It Will Cost To Visit the Fair |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A32 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142281829}}}} Exhibitors also accused workers of delaying some pavilions' construction to collect overtime pay.{{Cite news |date=April 17, 1964 |title=Workmen Accused Of Lagging at Fair To Raise Overtime |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/workmen-accused-of-lagging-at-fair-to-raise-overtime.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601041848/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/17/archives/workmen-accused-of-lagging-at-fair-to-raise-overtime.html |url-status=live}} Three incomplete pavilions were abandoned, and work on other pavilions continued for several months after the opening. The rich and famous, including government officials and heads of state, visited the fairground in the weeks after it opened.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=39–40}}{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=207–208}}

File:6405 NY World's Fair 3 1964 (51190488619).jpg toward the New York State Pavilion]]

The fair needed 220,000 daily visitors to recover its operating expenses of $300,000 per day. In its first week, the fair recorded nearly a million visitors,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=38}} and 150,000 daily visitors—60 percent of initial projections—in the first month.{{cite news |date=May 24, 1964 |title=World's Fair Plagued by Lack of Customers |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=D18 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168563620}}}} Several problems arose;{{cite news |last=Schwartz |first=Jock |date=September 30, 1964 |title=The Fair: Review and Preview |work=Newsday |page=1C |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914374708}}}} disputes occurred over labor unions,{{Cite news |date=June 27, 1964 |title=Fair Moves to Counter Bad Publicity |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/27/archives/fair-moves-to-counter-bad-publicity.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} maintenance fees,{{cite news |date=June 22, 1964 |title=Labor Costs Stir Storm at World's Fair: World's Fair Labor Costs Stir Up Storm |work=Chicago Tribune |page=1 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179492570}}}} and a mural in the Jordan pavilion.{{cite news |date=July 10, 1964 |title=Jordan Pavilion Wins Legal Fight on Mural |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964283452}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=July 10, 1964 |title=Court Dismisses 2 Suits Against Jordan Mural; Finds No Legal Basis to Ban Work at Fair Attacked as Derogatory to Israel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/10/archives/court-dismisses-2-suits-against-jordan-mural-finds-no-legal-basis.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=53–54}} Thefts and breakdowns regularly occurred.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=45–46}} Exhibitors complained about high rental rates and insufficient maintenance of the fairground.{{Cite news |date=June 22, 1964 |title=High Costs Anger Pavilions at Fair; Protest Planned; Official to Hear Complaints of Industrial Group on Maintenance Rates |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/22/archives/high-costs-ange-pavilions-at-fair-protest-planned-official-to-hear.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The Lake Amusement Area was especially unprofitable;{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=235–236}} it had few attractions and was difficult to access.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=46–47}} Many of the most-popular exhibits charged an additional fee, and visitors often did not bring enough money for food or for high-priced exhibits.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=49}}

The WFC unsuccessfully attempted to entice visitors by offering discounts to taxi drivers and improving fairground lighting, and the WFC was planning promotional campaigns by the end of June. The J. Walter Thompson Company advertised the fair in New York City–area media.{{Cite news |date=August 7, 1964 |title='Parable' Draws Crowds at Fair; Disputed Film Helps to Pay for Protestant Center |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/07/archives/parable-draws-crowds-at-fair-disputed-film-helps-to-pay-for.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} By mid-1964, some exhibitors had gone out of business,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=47–48}} including the two largest shows in the Lake Amusement Area.{{Cite news |date=July 27, 1964 |title=Last 2 Big Shows at Fair Go Dark; 'Ice-Travaganza' and Texas Pavilion Crowds Scarce |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/27/archives/last-2-big-shows-at-fair-go-dark-icetravaganza-and-texas-pavilion.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Employees, especially the 4,000 college students who worked the fair, faced occupational burnout.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=50–51}} Despite the troubles, the WFC was able to buy back one quarter of its promissory notes in mid-1964,{{cite news |date=June 30, 1964 |title=World's Fair Will Pay Off Some Notes Ahead of Time |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=6 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132943218}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 30, 1964 |title=25% Of Fair's Debt to Be Paid Early; Reduction Aug. 1 Attributed to Advance Sale of Tickets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/30/archives/25-of-fairs-debt-to-be-paid-early-reduction-aug-1-attributed-to.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=54}} and to attract visitors, exhibitors publicly downplayed their grievances with the WFC.{{Cite news |date=July 4, 1964 |title=Bad News Upsets Fair's Exhibitors; They Are Shifting Attitude on Their Own Complaints |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/04/archives/bad-news-upsets-fairs-exhibitors-they-are-shifting-attitude-on.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The industrial and international pavilions were more profitable than the amusement area,{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=September 23, 1964 |title=World's Fair Payoff: Corporate Exhibitors Score Triumphs Though Festival Has Problems |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132905305}}}}{{cite magazine |date=July 14, 1964 |title=Lights Are Shining at The Fair For Foreign Exhibitors There |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=17 |volume=109 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|1565178184}}}} whose financial troubles did not bother Moses.{{Cite news |date=August 1, 1964 |title=Moses Shrugs Off Low Crowds And Folding Shows at the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/01/archives/moses-shrugs-off-low-crowds-and-folding-shows-at-the-fair.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

The fair had difficulty attracting more than 200,000 daily visitors, even during July and August when students were on summer break. The fair recorded 13.4 million visitors by the season's midpoint in July 1964,{{Cite news |date=July 21, 1964 |title=News Analysis; Fair's Halfway Mark; Attendance Is Below Expectations but Visitors and Bondholders Are Happy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/21/archives/news-analysis-fairs-halfway-mark-attendance-is-below-expectations.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |date=July 22, 1964 |title=Failure, Success Mixed In $Billion World's Fair |work=The Hartford Courant |page=2 |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548447209}}}} and it received 5.8 million visitors that August, the highest of any month during the 1964 season.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=56–57}}{{Cite news |date=August 31, 1964 |title=Fair Attendance Climbs in August; 5.8 Million Paid Admissions Expected by Tomorrow |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/31/archives/fair-attendance-climbs-in-august-58-million-paid-admissions.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Nearly half of visitors came from the New York City area, and prospective visitors expressed fears about crime and unrest.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=56–57}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=234–235}} Attendance declined significantly in September when children returned to school.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=57}}{{Cite news |date=September 12, 1964 |title=Post-Labor Day Doldrums Bring Sudden End to Fair's Long Lines |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/12/archives/postlabor-day-doldrums-bring-sudden-end-to-fairs-long-lines.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In response, Moses said journalists were tarnishing the fair's reputation{{Cite news |date=September 15, 1964 |title=Moses Upbraids Foes of the Fair; 'Sharpshooters' Attacked in Address to Publishers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/15/archives/moses-upbraids-foes-of-the-fair-sharpshooters-attacked-in-address.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and accused them of suppressing attendance.{{cite news |last=Long |first=Tania |date=October 15, 1964 |title=Moses Says Press Harmed the Fair: 'Tricks' of Journalism Are Blamed for Cut in Crowds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/16/archives/fair-planning-for-65-season-as-it-approaches-hibernation.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=18 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115617892}}}} An exhibitors' committee made several recommendations for increasing attendance but Moses rejected nearly all of them.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=268}}

The fair closed for the season on October 18, 1964.{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1964 |title=Young Employes Say Farewells Gather to Reminisce on Six Months at Fair — Few Expecting to Return |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/19/archives/young-employes-say-farewells-gather-to-reminisce-on-six-months-at.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194354/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/19/archives/young-employes-say-farewells-gather-to-reminisce-on-six-months-at.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Cassidy |first=Joseph |date=October 19, 1964 |title=Fair's Last Day Draws Crowd |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-last-day-draws-crowd/147511723/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516195531/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-fairs-last-day-draws-crowd/147511723/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=67 |issn=2692-1251}}{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=October 19, 1964 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Closes on Gay Note: Financial Arrangement |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=7 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510663645}}}} There had been 33 million visitors, including 27 million who paid admission.{{cite magazine |date=October 21, 1964 |title=N.Y. World's Fair: Fair's 27,100,000 Gate NSG; 'Wait 'Til Next Year' |magazine=Variety |pages=62, 66 |volume=236 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|962979014}}}} The New York Times cited several reasons for the reduced attendance figures; these included fears of crime, lengthy queues, and high prices.{{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 18, 1964 |title=Fair Appraises Its First Season And Finds It Relatively Good |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/18/archives/fair-appraises-its-first-season-and-finds-it-relatively-good-major.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=83 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115545985}}}} The WFC had significantly overpaid several contractors,{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1089}}{{cite news |last=Caro |first=Robert A. |date=March 15, 1965 |title=Portent for the Fair: 1 Wrong Move: Newsday Closeup |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914436877}}}} and the fair's operating expenditures during 1964 amounted to $33.3 million, twice the original budget. Moses had projected a $53 million surplus, but the surplus stood at only $12.6 million at season's end, barely enough to pay back the city government.{{Cite news |date=October 14, 1964 |title=Fair's 1964 Profit Below Estimate; Costs Found High; Attendance Also Cuts Net to Indicated $12.6 Million—Moses Is Hopeful |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/14/archives/fairs-1964-profit-below-estimate-costs-found-high-attendance-also.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=58}} The WFC reduced its estimated total profit for both seasons to $30 million. Despite the financial problems, many industrial pavilions had long queues and tens of thousands of daily visitors, and the General Motors and Vatican pavilions each saw more than 10 million visitors during 1964. The New York Times reported many international exhibitors were pleased with the fair but wanted someone else to operate it.{{Cite news |date=October 19, 1964 |title=Exhibitors Hoping For Many Changes In Second Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/19/archives/exhibitors-hoping-for-many-changes-in-second-season.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Between the 1964 and 1965 seasons, the WFC hired 400 security guards to oversee the fairground, though exhibitors were obligated to maintain and guard their own pavilions.{{cite magazine |last=Frederick |first=Robert B. |date=October 21, 1964 |title=N. Y. World's Fair: Hibernating N. Y. Fair Eyes Finale Anni; Seeks New Face for Fun ... |magazine=Variety |page=62 |volume=236 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|962978940}}}} The WFC planned to spend $1.3 million on renovations,{{cite news |last=Long |first=Tania |date=October 16, 1964 |title=Fair Planning for '65 Season As It Approaches Hibernation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/10/16/archives/fair-planning-for-65-season-as-it-approaches-hibernation.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=31 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115597479}}}} and 3,000 workers began winterizing the fairground in November 1964.{{cite news |last=Wiemer |first=Robert |date=November 30, 1964 |title=Fair Is Anything But Fair As It Awaits Snow |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913625981}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=November 23, 1964 |title=Fair Buttoning Up for Winter Cold; Maintenance Carried On in Silent Surroundings of 600-Acre Ghost Town |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/23/archives/fair-buttoning-up-for-winter-cold-maintenance-carried-on-in-silent.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The WFC planned to create a promotional film and advertisements for the fair,{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=October 14, 1964 |title=World's Fair Slates Some Changes to Lift Attendance Next Year |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=11 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132932541}}}} and it kept some of the paths and fountains illuminated.{{Cite news |date=September 29, 1964 |title=Fair Acts to Keep Light in Window; Pavilions Urged to Continue Signs During Off Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/09/29/archives/fair-acts-to-keep-light-in-window-pavilions-urged-to-continue-signs.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Deegan said several pavilions would be renovated and 12 new restaurants would be added.{{Cite news |date=November 17, 1964 |title=World's Fair Plans Sportsmens' Show And a Farm Exhibit |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/17/archives/worlds-fair-plans-sportsmens-show-and-a-farm-exhibit.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=59}} Moses also traveled around the world to persuade foreign exhibitors to display additional artifacts, such as a Gutenberg Bible and Spanish artwork, during 1965.

WFC officials said attendance would rise during the 1965 season,{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=270}} and anticipated 37.5 million visitors. The prediction was unrealistic; previous world's fairs typically had fewer visitors during their second season and no new pavilions were being planned. In its balance sheet, the WFC counted profits from advance ticket sales as part of its income for 1964, which meant revenue would be much lower than expected during 1965.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1103}} Unless the fair had at least 37.5 million visitors in 1965, it would not be profitable. WFC officials, fearing reprisal from Moses, waited weeks to tell him about the fair's financial troubles. In November 1964, Moses told Wagner the WFC might not be able to repay the city's $24 million loan.{{cite magazine |date=November 25, 1964 |title=N.Y.C. Holds The Bag for $24-Mil. On World's Fair |magazine=Variety |pages=1, 20 |volume=237 |issue=1 |id={{ProQuest|1505734743}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Clayton |date=November 24, 1964 |title=City Not Counting on Fair's Money |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/24/city-not-counting-on-fairs-money.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The WFC's financial advisors raised suspicions of financial mismanagement the next month.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|pages=1104–1105}}

In January 1965, several of the WFC's financial advisors quit following bitter disputes,{{cite news |date=January 19, 1965 |title=Five Top Bankers Quit World's Fair Group, Score Financial Policy: First National City President Says New York Fair Needs Substantial Funds by April 22 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=8 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133056052}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Devlin |first=John C. |date=January 19, 1965 |title=5 Bank Advisers to Fair Quit in Financial Dispute; 5 Banker Advisers to Fair Resign in Dispute Over Finances |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/19/archives/5-bank-advisers-to-fair-quit-in-financial-dispute-5-banker-advisers.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=70}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=274–275}} and the WFC requested $3.5 million to reopen the fair.{{cite news |date=January 23, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Seeks $3.5 Million: 'Brighter Show' |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=3 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510690042}}}} The city controller Abraham Beame began auditing the WFC,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=71}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=276}}{{cite news |date=January 27, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Doesn't Hope to Repay $24 Million City Spent |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=9 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133044216}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=January 27, 1965 |title=Fair Unable to Repay City Or Finance Queens Parks; But Moses Says Notes Will Be Redeemed – Beame Orders Audit – $4 Million Is Sought to Prepare for April Opening |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/27/archives/fair-unable-to-repay-city-or-finance-queens-parks-but-moses-says.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and the WFC fired Deegan's public-relations firm, which had been receiving $300,000 annually for four years, following criticism over the firm's compensation.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=276}}{{cite news |date=January 31, 1965 |title=Firm Pulls Out of Fair in Latest Foul-Up |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=B10 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142498793}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=January 29, 1965 |title=Deegan Company Leaves the Fair; Publicity Concern Is Headed by Exhibition Executive |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/29/archives/deegan-company-leaves-the-fair-publicity-concern-is-headed-by.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The WFC's internal audit found a $17.5 million deficit,{{cite news |date=February 8, 1965 |title=World's Fair Corp. Had $17,540,100 Loss in 1964, Audited Report Shows: Executive Tells Holders of Notes Of Efforts to Reduce Costs, Boost Attendance This Year |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=7 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133063089}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 6, 1965 |title=World's Fair Had Deficit Of $17,540,100 in 1964; Audited Report Puts Cash on Hand at $629,063 on Dec. 31 – Official Cites Drastic Cuts in Costs for 1965 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/06/archives/worlds-fair-had-deficit-of-17540100-in-1964-audited-report-puts.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} but lawsuits delayed Beame's audit for several months.{{cite news |date=May 21, 1965 |title=Top New York Court Rules World's Fair Open Records |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=14 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133027787}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Apple |first=R. W. Jr |date=May 21, 1965 |title=Beame's Demand for Audit at Fair Upheld by Court |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/21/archives/beames-demand-for-audit-at-fair-upheld-by-court-appeals-bench.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} By February 1965, at least 14 exhibitors in the 1964 season had declared bankruptcy.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=65}}{{Cite news |last=Phalon |first=Richard |date=February 13, 1965 |title=The World's Fair: A Fiscal Scrutiny; 14 Bankruptcy Pleas Filed Since Opening in April |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/13/archives/the-worlds-fair-a-fiscal-scrutiny-14-bankruptcy-pleas-filed-since.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Franklin National Bank offered to lend the WFC $3.5 million,{{cite news |date=February 10, 1965 |title=Fair Banks on Franklin For $3.5 Million Loan |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914425535}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 9, 1965 |title=L.I. Bank Plans to Lend Fair $3.5 Million Needed to Open; Head of Franklin National Says He Will Do All He Can To Help Second Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/09/archives/li-bank-plans-to-lend-fair-35-million-needed-to-open-head-of.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} but the WFC indicated it needed only $1 million.{{cite news |date=February 25, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Cuts Immediate Need For Cash to $1 Million: Executive Committee Expresses Confidence in President Moses; Efforts to Remove Him Go On |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=7 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133042754}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 25, 1965 |title=Fair Executives Divided on Moses; He Gets Vote of Confidence, but 6 Abstain, Including the Mayor's 3 Men |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/25/archives/fair-executives-divided-on-moses-he-gets-vote-of-confidence-but-6.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Though city officials wanted to remove Moses as the WFC's president,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 18, 1965 |title=Top-Level Talks on Fair Consider Replacing Moses; Mayor and Governor Join Parleys – A Better Image Sought for Exposition |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/18/archives/toplevel-talks-on-fair-consider-replacing-moses-mayor-and-governor.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} he retained his position.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=277–278}} When Moses said he would spend $6.4 million to renovate Flushing Meadows–Corona Park before repaying debts,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=63–64}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=278}}{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 15, 1965 |title=Fair's Priorities Revised by Moses; He Says Rebuilding Parks Comes Before Repaying Noteholders and City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/15/archives/fairs-priorities-revised-by-moses-he-says-rebuilding-parks-comes-be.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} the WFC's finance chairman resigned.{{Cite news |last=Illson |first=Murray |date=February 24, 1965 |title=Fair Aide Resigns, Assailing Moses on Fund Proposal; McLaughlin Says He Seeks to Shift $6.4 Million From Triborough Authority Fair Aide Quits in Dispute With Moses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/24/archives/fair-aide-resigns-assailing-moses-on-fund-proposal-mclaughlin-says.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Two Marine Midland Bank branches provided a $1 million loan to the WFC that March,{{cite news |date=March 15, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Gets $1 Million Loan; Indonesia Pulls Pavilion: Moses Sees Financing by 2 Banks More Than Adequate for Needs Through Reopening on April 21 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=12 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133065529}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=March 13, 1965 |title=2 Banks Lend Fair $1 Million Needed To Open '65 Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/13/archives/2-banks-lend-fair-1-million-needed-to-open-65-season-fair-announces.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=73}} which the WFC repaid two months later.{{cite news |date=May 20, 1965 |title=World's Fair Announces Repayment in Advance Of $1 Million Bank Loan: Moses Says Fair Corp. Is Current With Creditors, Expects Gains In Attendance, Which Trails '64 |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=10 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133044234}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 20, 1965 |title=Fair Repays Loan Of $1 Million Early |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/20/archives/fair-repays-loan-of-1-million-early-the-fair-repays-1-million-loan.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |date=May 20, 1965 |title=Fair Paying Its Debts |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914383744}}}}

During the off-season, several exhibitors renovated and modified their pavilions,{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Murray J. |date=March 28, 1965 |title=Fair Re-Opens Soon; Some Changes Made |work=The Hartford Courant |page=33A |issn=1047-4153 |id={{ProQuest|548738120}}}} spending over $7 million between them.{{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=April 21, 1965 |title=$7 Million Spent in Improvements; History and Space Exhibits Added – More Restaurants |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/21/archives/7-million-spent-in-improvements-history-and-space-exhibits-added.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} At least 50 exhibits were upgraded{{cite news |last=Kursh |first=Harry |date=April 13, 1965 |title=World's Fair Reopens April 21 |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=13 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510789503}}}} and five major attractions were added,{{cite news |date=April 19, 1965 |title=World's Fair Reopens Wednesday, Seeking To Lure More Visitors: New Exhibits Part of Attempt To Better 1964's Attendance, But Admission Cost Is Higher |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=15 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133045801}}}} along with free entertainments and science demonstrations.{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 21, 1965 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Offers Thrilling 'College Courses': Chinese Splendor Space Rendezvous Visits by Astronauts |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510781727}}}} New artworks and films were added to several pavilions.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=July 20, 1965 |title=Seasoned Fairgoers Seek Out New – and Old – Sleeper Exhibits; Having Seen All the Hit Shows They Turn Up Interesting Ones They Have Missed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/20/archives/seasoned-fairgoers-seek-out-new-and-old-sleeper-exhibits-having.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The struggling Lake Amusement Area became the Lake Area.{{cite news |last=Joseph |first=Richard |date=January 24, 1965 |title=World's Fair Closed for Winter, But It's Still Busy: Officials Polishing Extravaganza |work=Chicago Tribune |page=H3 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179713143}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=67–68}} The WFC asked the New York City Transit Authority to increase subway service to the fair, and 26 exhibitors collaborated on a promotional campaign.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=63–64}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=273}} Fifty-three exhibitors proposed naming the first week of the 1965 season Fair Festival Week,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=February 5, 1965 |title=Fair's Exhibitors Plan a Campaign; Ask City for 'Festival Week' to Improve Prospects |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/02/05/archives/fairs-exhibitors-plan-a-campaign-ask-city-for-festival-week-to.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} to which Wagner agreed.{{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 7, 1965 |title=Mayor Predicts Success for Fair: Proclaims Festival Week for Second Season Opening |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/07/archives/mayor-predicts-success-for-fair-proclaims-festival-week-for-second.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=32 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|116827402}}}} The WFC produced a promotional film titled To the Fair,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=63–64}}{{Cite news |last=Carlson |first=Walter |date=January 31, 1965 |title=Advertising: A Fair in Search of Promotion; World's Fair Seeks to Publicize Plans for New Season Promotional Moves Are Being Made in Several Areas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/01/31/archives/advertising-a-fair-in-search-of-promotion-worlds-fair-seeks-to.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and individual exhibitors produced their own films.{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=March 1, 1965 |title=Troubled World's Fair Gets Help on Publicity From Big Exhibitors |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=1 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133042063}}}} To reduce its debts, the WFC decreased its budget for the 1965 season and dismissed some employees.{{Cite news |last=Benjamin |first=Philip |date=April 21, 1965 |title=Remedy for Debt: Belt-Tightening; Budget and Staff Are Cut After a Hard Winter |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/21/archives/remedy-for-debt-belttightening-budget-and-staff-are-cut-after-a.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

File:US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair Transportation and Travel Pavilion and Port Authority Heliport (processed 06-1965) 23 CE Family Coll (51910456830).jpg

More than 150,000 people attended the reopening of the fair on April 21, 1965.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 22, 1965 |title=158,000 Open the Fair's Second Year; Paid Admissions Are 3 Times More Than First Day's in '64 158,000, Half of Them Children, Attend World's Fair on Crisp, Sunny Opening Day |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/22/archives/158000-open-the-fairs-second-year-paid-admissions-are-3-times-more.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213745/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/22/archives/158000-open-the-fairs-second-year-paid-admissions-are-3-times-more.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=April 22, 1965 |title=The Natives Return—They're Hardy Lot |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-the-natives-re/147516845/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516213738/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-the-natives-re/147516845/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Newsday |pages=91 |issn=2574-5298}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=73–74}} The Ethiopian long-distance runners Abebe Bikila and Mamo Wolde participated in a ceremonial half marathon,{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=April 22, 1965 |title=Lo, A Magic City Awakens and Wizard Rejoices; People Flock in to the Music of Clicking Turnstiles But for a Moment a Cannon Seems to Fire at Them |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/22/archives/lo-a-magic-city-awakens-and-wizard-rejoices-people-flock-in-to-the.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news|date=1965-04-21|title=Moses's Fair is the World's Again|first=Robert|last=Caro|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-mosess-fair-i/153757767/|access-date=2024-08-22|work=Newsday|issn=2574-5298|via=newspapers.com|pages=3, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-mosess-fair-i/153757824/ 106]}} running from Central Park in Manhattan to Singer Bowl at the fairground.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=April 21, 1965 |title=The Fair Resumes Today With Many New Exhibits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/21/archives/the-fair-resumes-today-with-many-new-exhibits-the-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Unlike the 1964 opening ceremony, no protests occurred at the fair's reopening, and almost all exhibits were completed on time.{{cite magazine |date=April 28, 1965 |title=Vaudeville: Delayed Openings Of Some Exhibs At World's Fair |magazine=Variety |pages=53 |volume=238 |issue=10 |id={{ProQuest|1017114843}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 21, 1965 |title=Show's Ready – Except For New Exhibits |work=Newsday |page=3 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914422823}}}} For the 1965 season, adult admission fees were raised to $2.50 ({{Inflation|US|2.50|1965|r=2|fmt=eq|cursign=$}}). During the first 20 days of the 1965 season, attendance declined 22 percent compared with the same time period in 1964,{{cite news |date=May 11, 1965 |title=World's Fair Attendance Still Falling |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=2 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|155183856}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 11, 1965 |title=Fair Attendance Is 22% Lower Than in First 20 Days Last Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/11/archives/fair-attendance-is-22-lower-than-in-first-20-days-last-year-fair.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} putting many exhibitors at risk of bankruptcy.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 13, 1965 |title=Fair's Financial Woes; Experts Say Debts Are Reaching Critical Stage as Attendance Lags |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/13/archives/fairs-financial-woes-experts-say-debts-are-reaching-critical-stage.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In addition, fewer visitors were paying at the gates because more than half of them carried advance tickets. Exhibitors requested a reduction in admission fees,{{cite news |date=May 7, 1965 |title=People Want Cut in Fair Admission Price |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914454238}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=May 6, 1965 |title=Pavilions Ask Cut in Fair Admission; International Group Calls for Immediate Action |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/06/archives/pavilions-ask-gut-in-fair-admission-international-group-calls-for.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and that a reduced-price evening admission ticket be sold.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=75}}{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=March 23, 1965 |title=Lower Night Fee at Fair Debated; More Directors Press for Cut in Admission Charge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/23/archives/lower-night-fee-at-fair-debated-more-directors-press-for-cut-in.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Moses refused both proposals,{{cite news |date=May 28, 1965 |title=Pennyweight Fight: Exhibitors Vs. Fair |work=Newsday |page=5 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914441233}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 28, 1965 |title=Fair Bars a Cut in Its $2.50 Price; Some Foreign Concessions Threaten Boycott in Face of Lagging Attendance |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/28/archives/fair-bars-a-cut-in-its-250-price-some-foreign-concessions-threaten.html |access-date=May 23, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and several exhibitors threatened to close their pavilions before retracting.{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=May 29, 1965 |title=Foreign Exhibits Bar Fair Closings; They Agree Not to Protest Over Rebuff on Price Cut |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/29/archives/foreign-exhibits-bar-fair-closings-they-agree-not-to-protest-over.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

At the beginning of the 1965 season, there were issues such as race-related protests,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=76–77}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=294–295}}{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1965 |title=100 CORE Pickets at Fair Challenged by Youths |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/26/archives/100-core-pickets-at-fair-challenged-by-youths-100-core-pickets-in.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Vietnam War protests,{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=June 6, 1965 |title=Fairgoers Ignore a Peace Protest; Students Giving Pamphlets on Vietnam Are Unnoticed |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/06/archives/fairgoers-ignore-a-peace-protest-students-giving-pamphlets-on.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} a controversy over a racially insensitive song in one pavilion,{{Cite news |date=June 2, 1965 |title=N.A.A.C.P. Wins Bid To Have 'Dem' Taken From Pavilion Song |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/02/archives/naacp-wins-bid-to-have-dem-taken-from-pavilion-song.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and disputes between Jewish and Arab exhibitors.{{Cite news |last=Long |first=Tania |date=May 2, 1965 |title=Fair Arabs Spurn Kosher Luncheon; U.S.-Israeli Pavilion Pickets Confronted With Food Offer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/02/archives/fair-arabs-spurn-kosher-luncheon-usisraeli-pavilion-pickets.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Vandalism also increased due to the reduced police presence,{{cite news |last=Ferretti |first=Fred |date=May 31, 1965 |title=Vandalism Increases at New York World's Fair: Economies Result in Police Cut, Rise in Violence, Rowdyism, Reporter Says |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=10 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|155207539}}}} and a fairgoer was murdered that May.{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=May 23, 1965 |title=Two Boys Arrested at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/23/archives/two-boys-arrested-at-fair-fairgoer-is-slain-outside-pavilion.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=78}} WFC officials also tried to invalidate their January 1964 agreement for disbursing the fair's profits, and exhibitors continued to lose money due to lower-than-expected attendance.{{cite magazine |date=June 2, 1965 |title=World's Fair Exhibs Still Jittery Despite Memorial Weekend Spurt |magazine=Variety |pages=1, 71 |volume=239 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|1017117090}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=June 1, 1965 |title=Fair Exhibitors Still in the Red; More Jammed Days Needed to Bring in the Profits |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/01/archives/fair-exhibitors-still-in-the-red-more-jammed-days-needed-to-bring.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Fewer visitors came during the evening,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=June 29, 1965 |title=Crowds Desert World's Fair at Night |work=The Atlanta Constitution |page=30 |id={{ProQuest|1557057345}}}} but the WFC again rejected a proposal for discounted evening admission in July 1965.{{cite news |date=July 9, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Panel Rejects Admission-Price Cut |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=4 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133000948}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=July 9, 1965 |title=Fair Rejects Bid to Cut $2.50 Fee; Motion by Screvane Urging $1 Admission in Evening Is Soundly Defeated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/07/09/archives/fair-rejects-bid-to-cut-250-fee-motion-by-screvane-urging-1.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Despite increased attendance in mid-1965, the fair continued to record decreased revenue compared with 1964.{{cite news |date=July 2, 1965 |title=World's Fair Attendance Rises Sharply |work=Chicago Tribune |page=B17 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|180065924}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 2, 1965 |title=Fair Attendance Shows Sharp Rise; But Total Is Still 27% Below '64 Figure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/02/archives/fair-attendance-shows-sharp-rise-but-total-is-still-27-below-64.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Many exhibitors recorded substantial losses from the costs of their pavilions.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 16, 1965 |title=Industries Wary of Future Fairs; Major Exhibitors Here Point to High Costs of Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/16/archives/industries-wary-of-future-fairs-major-exhibitors-here-point-to-high.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} By August 1965, the WFC was preparing to clear the fairground after the fair,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 1, 1965 |title=Anybody Can Have Fair Pavilion Free |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/01/archives/anybody-can-have-fair-pavilion-free-pavilions-at-fair-are-offered.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Thomas A. |last2=Schwartz |first2=Jack |date=August 3, 1965 |title=Fair Pavilions For Sale Free (Pretty Nearly) |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914378034}}}} though 13 exhibitors had declared bankruptcy and could not afford to demolish or move their pavilions.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 11, 1965 |title=A Legacy of Fair: Unwanted Relics; Exhibitors Are Required to Raze Pavilions, But 13 Have Gone Bankrupt |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/11/archives/a-legacy-of-fair-unwanted-relics-exhibitors-are-required-to-raze.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Beame's interim report, which was published at the end of August, found the WFC had squandered money by not awarding contracts through competitive bidding and by spending nearly everything it had on expenses it incurred before and during 1964.{{cite news |date=August 31, 1965 |title=Beame Raps Fair's Fiscal Policies |work=Newsday |page=1 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915310376}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=September 1, 1965 |title=World's Fair Mismanaged, Beame Charges in Report; Says Audit Shows 'Poor Planning' and 'Improper Payments' – Moses Scoffs at Controller's 'Political Comment' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/01/archives/worlds-fair-mismanaged-beame-charges-in-report-says-audit-shows.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=79}} Despite Moses's denials of wrongdoing,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=79–80}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=313}} Queens district attorney Frank D. O'Connor opened a criminal inquiry into the WFC shortly afterward.{{cite news |date=September 2, 1965 |title=O'Connor Joins the Let's-Probe-Fair Club |work=Newsday |page=98 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915182149}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=September 2, 1965 |title=O'Connor Orders Inquiry Into the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/02/archives/oconnor-orders-inquiry-into-the-fair.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Moses installed highway signs promoting the fair and refused to remove them, even after city traffic commissioner Henry A. Barnes called the signs a safety hazard.{{Cite news |date=September 11, 1965 |title=Barnes Withdraws In Battle of Signs But Is Still Fighting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/09/11/archives/barnes-withdraws-in-battle-of-signs-but-is-still-fighting.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|pages=78–79}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=313}} By mid-September, estimates of the fair's total attendance had been reduced from 70 to 50 million.{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=September 21, 1965 |title=Big Weekend Turnout Too Late to Save Fair |work=Newsday |page=21 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914412921}}}} By the end of September, the fair had recorded 17 million visitors during the 1965 season, less than half the number of visitors needed to break even. At this point, the WFC had barely enough money to pay its weekly expenses.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1112}}

Toward the end of the 1965 season, there was a sustained increase in attendance,{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Maureen |last2=Smith |first2=Edward G. |date=October 11, 1965 |title=Now the Fair's In; That's the Way It Goes: The Last-Minute Rush Is On at the World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|964248996}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 11, 1965 |title=Record Crowds Rush to the Fair; New Attendance Mark Set As Sunday's Closing Nears |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/11/archives/record-crowds-rush-to-the-fair-new-attendance-mark-set-as-sundays.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and the fair recorded more than 250,000 daily visitors for three consecutive weeks. Exhibitors worried potential visitors would be dissuaded by the overcrowding.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 13, 1965 |title=Fair So Crowded Managers Worry; Pavilions Fear Long Waits in Final Days Stir Ill Will Instead of Goodwill |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/13/archives/fair-so-crowded-managers-worry-pavilions-fear-long-waits-in-final.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The architect and writer Robert A. M. Stern attributed the increase in attendance to a prevailing feeling the 1964 fair would be one of the last lavish world's fairs.{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1055}} Pope Paul VI visited the fair on October 4, 1965, during the first-ever papal visit to the United States.{{cite web |last=Glass |first=Andrew |date=October 4, 1965 |title=Pope Paul VI Visits the U.S., Oct. 4, 1965 |url=https://www.politico.com/story/2012/10/this-day-in-politics-081968 |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=POLITICO}} The fair closed on October 17, 1965,{{cite news |last1=Abrams |first1=Arnold |last2=Smith |first2=Edward G. |date=October 18, 1965 |title=Drunks and Vandals Close the Fair: They Dig the World's Fair on Its Last Day |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-drunks-and-van/149444310/ |work=Newsday |pages=5, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-drunks-and-van/149444344/ 79] |access-date=2024-06-16 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914444914}} |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 18, 1965 |title=Vandalism Mars Last Day Of the Two-Year Exposition; Weeping Children, Sad Employes and Vandalism Abound as World's Fair Closes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/18/archives/vandalism-mars-last-day-of-the-twoyear-exposition-weeping-children.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215354/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/18/archives/vandalism-mars-last-day-of-the-twoyear-exposition-weeping-children.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=83}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=320–321}} and recorded its highest-ever daily attendance of 446,953 on its final day.{{cite news |date=October 18, 1965 |title=World's Fair Closes as Financial Flop |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=12 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|155292449}}}} The fair's final day was chaotic, with reports of vandalism and theft. In total, the fair had recorded 51,607,448 admissions,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=83}} seven million more than the 1939 fair and ten million more than Expo 58.{{Cite news|last=Alden|first=Robert|date=October 17, 1965|title=Despite Controversies, Attendance Passes All Other Expositions; World's Fair, Closing Today, To Establish Record With More Than 51 Million Visitors in 2 Years|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/17/archives/despite-controversies-attendance-passes-all-other-expositions.html|access-date=June 5, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} The GM and Vatican pavilions had been the most popular. The fair had lost an additional $1 million in 1965{{Cite news |last=Grutzner |first=Charles |date=April 8, 1967 |title=2d Year of Fair $1-Million In Red; Decreased Costs and Rise in Admission Fee Cut Loss |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/04/08/archives/2d-year-of-fair-1million-in-red-decreased-costs-and-rise-in.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and had a deficit of up to $40 million at its closing;{{cite magazine |date=October 15, 1965 |title=Color Ny World's Fair Red To Cool Tune Of $40 Million |magazine=Women's Wear Daily |pages=8 |volume=111 |issue=75 |id={{ProQuest|1523533780}}}} The New York Times partly attributed the fair's underperformance to Moses's stubborn attitude and refusal to take advice.

{{multiple image

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| image1 = 30 years of progress, 1934-1964 - Department of Parks - 300th anniversary of the City of New York - New York World's Fair. (1964) (16639606536).jpg

| alt1 = A black-and -white, aerial image of an urban area; visible are roads and buildings, a river, and labels saying "Shea Stadium", Van Wyck Expressway", and "Grand Central Parkway".

| caption1 = Aerial view of the northern part of the fairground during the 1964 World's Fair

| image2 = 30 years of progress, 1934-1964 - Department of Parks - 300th anniversary of the City of New York - New York World's Fair. (1964) (16458228567).jpg

| caption2 = Aerial view of the southern part of the fairground during the 1964 World's Fair

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The fairground was divided into five regions. Exhibits for individual U.S. states and the U.S. federal government were concentrated in the Federal & State Area at the center of the fairground near the Unisphere.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=125}} The international exhibits were concentrated in the International Area—a group of pavilions surrounding the Unisphere. Industry pavilions were concentrated around the Industrial Area on the eastern end near the Van Wyck Expressway.{{Cite news |last=Lane |first=Roger |date=December 5, 1963 |title=New York World's Fair Shaping As Top US Business Showcase |work=The Austin Statesman |page=B2 |id={{ProQuest|1522492960}}}}{{cite web |last=Robbins |first=Liz |date=April 18, 2014 |title=50 Years After the New York World's Fair, Recalling a Vision of the Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/20/nyregion/worlds-fair-1964-memories.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522024958/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/04/20/nyregion/worlds-fair-1964-memories.html |url-status=live }} The Transportation Area was on the western side of the fairground. South of the Long Island Expressway, connected with the rest of the fair only via one overpass, was the Lake Amusement Area (known as the Lake Area during 1965). Eight gates provided access to the fairground.

The 1964 World's Fair had 139 pavilions on opening day, in addition to 34 concessions and shows.{{Cite news |last=Doughtery |first=Philip H. |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Statistics Prove It's a Whopping Spectacle; 40 Miles of Walkways Wind Through City of Enchantment; 114 Restaurants Will Help Feed 250,000 Who Visit Daily |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/statistics-prove-its-a-whopping-spectacle-40-miles-of-walkways-wind.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515232622/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/statistics-prove-its-a-whopping-spectacle-40-miles-of-walkways-wind.html |archive-date=May 15, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{efn|This is sometimes cited as more than 200 exhibits and pavilions.}} Of the pavilions and shows, either 121{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1964 |title=World's Fair Offers 121 Free Shows |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=27 |id={{proQuest|226773594}}}} or 124 were free, and the rest required an additional payment.{{harvnb|Alpert|1964|ps=.|page=21}} Scattered across the fairground were 5,300 trees, 3,500 benches, 1,400 telephones, and 60 mailboxes.{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=April 17, 2014 |title=Fifty Years Ago a Fair Opened in Queens |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/fifty-years-ago-a-fair-opened-in-queens/article_90ff09cb-2f1c-545e-bc28-091f01cc6104.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531153634/https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/fifty-years-ago-a-fair-opened-in-queens/article_90ff09cb-2f1c-545e-bc28-091f01cc6104.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|The Travelers Insurance Companies|1965|page=4|ps=.}} There were also bank branches, picnic areas, and restrooms. Accessible bathrooms, wheelchair rental stands, and Braille guidebooks were provided for disabled visitors.{{Cite news |date=April 26, 1964 |title=Wheel Chairs at Fair; Many Pavilions Easily Accessible To the Physically Handicapped |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/26/archives/wheel-chairs-at-fair-many-pavilions-easily-accessible-to-the.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530182943/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/26/archives/wheel-chairs-at-fair-many-pavilions-easily-accessible-to-the.html |url-status=live }} There were also several hotels nearby, albeit few campgrounds.{{Cite news |date=March 22, 1964 |title=Few Campsites Near World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/few-campsites-near-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531193726/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/22/archives/few-campsites-near-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }} A spokesman for the 1964 fair said the exposition was supposed to be "cultural and sophisticated",{{Cite news |last=Talese |first=Gay |date=April 29, 1962 |title=Fair Takes Shape on Office Charts; Meadow Itself Shows Only Dirt Mounds and Debris |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/04/29/archives/fair-takes-shape-on-office-charts-meadow-itself-shows-only-dirt.html |access-date=May 25, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525024710/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/04/29/archives/fair-takes-shape-on-office-charts-meadow-itself-shows-only-dirt.html |url-status=live }} and Deegan claimed that the exposition would be the "greatest single event in history".{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=John G. |date=September 13, 1962 |title=For the World's Fair, Superlatives |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1325994848}}}}

{{Main|List of 1964 New York World's Fair pavilions}}

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| image1 = US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair Bell System Pavilion (processed 05-1965) 04 CE Family Coll (51904197970).jpg|

| alt1 = A flat, white, rectangular, elongated building and a tall, cylindrical column on the far shore of a small lake.

| caption1 = The Bell System Pavilion

| image2 = Wisconsin Pavilion, Neillsville.jpg

| alt2 = A round, bandstand-like structure with a pointed golden roof and a radio antenna that bears the word "WISCONSIN" in red letters placed along its length.

| caption2 = The Wisconsin Pavilion, which has since been relocated to Neillsville, Wisconsin

}}

Each section of the fair was designed in several architectural styles,{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=April 22, 1964 |title=250,000 Expected; Huge Security Force to Guard Johnson—Parade Is Planned |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/250000-expected-huge-security-force-to-guard-johnsonparade-is.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531214835/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/250000-expected-huge-security-force-to-guard-johnsonparade-is.html |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=99}}{{cite news |last=Barry |first=Edward |date=July 26, 1964 |title=The Wonderful World of Art: A Gigantic Work of Art—That's New York's World's Fair |work=Chicago Tribune |page=N4 |issn=1085-6706 |id={{ProQuest|179539708}}}} and many of the pavilions were designed in a Space Age style.{{Cite news |last=Rohan |first=Virginia |date=April 21, 2009 |title=A Fair to Remember: 45 Years Ago in Queens, We Saw the Future |work=The Record |page=F.1 |id={{ProQuest|426610123}}}} Some pavilions used experimental designs; for example, the Bell System Pavilion was supported by massive cantilevers, while the IBM Pavilion was shaped like a giant egg.{{cite news |date=February 2, 1964 |title=New Techniques Are Found Scarce In Fair Buildings |work=The New York Times |page=R1 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|115672730}}}} Most of the structures were designed so they could easily be demolished after the fair and rebuilt elsewhere.{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 23, 1965 |title=What Happens When the Fair Is Over?: Demolition Set Buildings to Remain Monorail Considered Space Subsidy Sought |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=5 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510706863}}}} Any person or entity who could afford to rent the land and construct a pavilion could rent exhibition space at the fair.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=205}} Thus, the space was dominated by large corporations.{{cite web |last=Beckerman |first=Jim |date=April 9, 2024 |title=History of Waffles: How the NY World's Fair Novelty Became Breakfast |url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/04/09/where-did-waffles-come-from-when-how-invented/72989686007/ |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=Bergen Record |archive-date=May 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240527163716/https://www.northjersey.com/story/entertainment/dining/2024/04/09/where-did-waffles-come-from-when-how-invented/72989686007/ |url-status=live }} Private companies spent a combined $300 million on their pavilions.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=98}} The Big Three car manufacturers—Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors—alone spent a combined $110 million on attractions such as Chrysler's artificial islands, Ford's Magic Skyway, and General Motors' Futurama car ride.

Twenty-three state pavilions were built.{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=September 23, 1963 |title=New York World's Fair Takes Tangible Form: One Pavilion Completed |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=9 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510487114}}}}{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=47}} The fair included exhibits from 24 U.S. states;{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park: World's Fair Playground |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12712 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |access-date=April 18, 2017 |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419101516/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/highlights/12712 |url-status=live }} these were Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the six states in New England. New York City had its own pavilion, as did the neighborhood of Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1039}} Nineteen of the state pavilions were in the Federal and State Area,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=128}} and three of the other four state pavilions were clustered around Meadow Lake at the southern end of the fair. None of the state governments had to pay rent for the land,{{cite news |date=July 25, 1963 |title=20 States Balk at World's Fair |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=F8 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141780100}}}} but they had to fund the buildings. Twenty states and Washington, D.C., did not pay for exhibits at the fair.

There were 45 pavilions in the International Area, most of which featured exhibits from foreign countries. Individual exhibits were presented by 66 nations, including the United States, whose pavilion was in the Federal and State Area.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=124}} If nations that were represented only by one city or region are included,{{Efn|For example, West Germany, which was represented by West Berlin}} the fair had attractions from 80 countries.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=202}} Foreign nations rented land from the WFC,{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|ps=.|page=503}} and paid for staff lodgings, food, and other expenses.{{Cite news |last=Trumbull |first=Robert |date=April 20, 1964 |title=Fair Personnel Lead Double Life; Foreign Pavilions Contrast Sharply With New York |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/20/archives/fair-personnel-lead-double-life-foreign-pavilions-contrast-sharply.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531210500/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/20/archives/fair-personnel-lead-double-life-foreign-pavilions-contrast-sharply.html |url-status=live }} Many nations from Asia, Africa, and Central and South America, though relatively few from Europe, exhibited at the fair.{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Beverly |date=January 25, 1964 |title=So It Will Soon Be Heigh-Ho, Everyone, Come to the New York World's Fair! |work=The Globe and Mail |page=21 |id={{ProQuest|1283415626}}}} Some countries, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, boycotted the fair because the BIE had not approved it.{{cite magazine |date=February 22, 1961 |title=No Endorsement by Int'l Expositions Bureau Hits N.Y. 1964 World's Fair |magazine=Variety |page=1 |volume=221 |issue=13 |id={{ProQuest|1032412420}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Freeman |first=Ira Henry |date=February 18, 1961 |title=3 Nations Decline to Join Fair Here; Britain, France and Italy Cite Exhibit Treaty – Private Shows Are Possible |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/18/archives/3-nations-decline-to-join-fair-here-britain-france-and-italy-cite.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524004147/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/02/18/archives/3-nations-decline-to-join-fair-here-britain-france-and-italy-cite.html |url-status=live }} Because of a lack of participation from BIE members, only six major countries—Egypt, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, and Pakistan—had official exhibits at the fair. Some BIE member countries hosted unofficial exhibits or were represented by those of private companies,{{cite news |last=Higgins |first=Marguerite |date=March 3, 1961 |title=20 Nations to Have Pavilions at Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=6 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1336636161}}}}{{harvnb|Newsweek|1964a|page=44|ps=.}} and several countries were represented solely by an industry exhibit. Other countries were represented by regional pavilions, such as those for the Caribbean and Africa.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=202–203}} Many of the international pavilions sold merchandise.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=104–105}}{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Pavilions to Sell Unusual Wares; Items From Many Lands Are Available for Shoppers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/pavilions-to-sell-unusual-wares-items-from-many-lands-are-available.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142456/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/pavilions-to-sell-unusual-wares-items-from-many-lands-are-available.html |url-status=live }}; {{Cite book |last=Carlton |first=Helen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ikkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18 |title=A Bazaar of Bizarre Bargains |date=July 17, 1964 |publisher=Time Inc |page=18 |issn=0024-3019 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603151508/https://books.google.com/books?id=ikkEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18 |url-status=live }}

The Industrial Area had 43 pavilions,{{harvnb|Alpert|1964|ps=.|page=22}} representing nearly 350 American companies.{{harvnb|Newsweek|1964a|page=43|ps=.}} Most of the companies were consolidated within four exhibit buildings, though about 36 companies had their own pavilions. Corporations rented land from the WFC, while religious organizations were not required to pay for their space. Large firms such as Bell Telephone Company, DuPont, IBM, Kodak, RCA, The Travelers Companies, and US Royal Tires participated.{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=May 9, 1962 |title=GM Plans Costliest Pavilion for New York World's Fair of '64–65: Company Undecided on Contents; Fair Officials Hope the Plan Will Spur Leasing of Space |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=9 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132775520}}}} The 1964 fair included only a few companies in the food, chemical, tobacco, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries. Transportation companies, including the Big Three car makers,{{harvnb|Wood|1964|ps=.|pages=10–11}} displayed products in the Transportation Area of the fairground. Several of the industry pavilions offered free merchandise or other sponsorships,{{Cite news |date=August 16, 1964 |title=Advertising: Making Friends at the Fair; Some Concerns Get Much Publicity at Low Cost |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/16/archives/advertising-making-friends-at-the-fair-some-concerns-get-much.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603192316/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/16/archives/advertising-making-friends-at-the-fair-some-concerns-get-much.html |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=101–102}} which often attracted customers. Moses provided about {{Convert|7|acre}} of land for religious groups and invited every major sect of Christianity to the fair.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=21}} Eight religious pavilions were built,{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Religion Present Throughout Fair; 8 Pavilions Add Depth to Spirit of Carnival |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/religion-present-throughout-fair-8-pavilions-add-depth-to-spirit-of.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215825/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/religion-present-throughout-fair-8-pavilions-add-depth-to-spirit-of.html |url-status=live }} each of which was staffed by volunteers.{{Cite news |date=July 20, 1964 |title=Church Pavilions Use Volunteers; 250 Serving in 8 Exhibits at Fair in Leisure Time |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/20/archives/church-pavilions-use-volunteers-250-serving-in-8-exhibits-at-fair.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530215826/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/20/archives/church-pavilions-use-volunteers-250-serving-in-8-exhibits-at-fair.html |url-status=live }} Some exhibits were planned but never built, such as the Soviet and Israel pavilions, but were displayed on official maps, causing confusion among visitors.{{Cite news |date=August 11, 1964 |title=Visitors at the Fair Seek Sights Not to Be Seen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/11/archives/visitors-at-the-fair-seek-sights-not-to-be-seen.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603174958/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/08/11/archives/visitors-at-the-fair-seek-sights-not-to-be-seen.html |url-status=live }}

In addition to pavilions, the Lake Area included several rides and attractions during 1964.{{harvnb|The Travelers Insurance Companies|1965|page=19|ps=.}} John Ringling North operated a circus{{Cite news |date=February 7, 1962 |title=Continental-Style Circus Signed for '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/02/07/archives/continentalstyle-circus-signed-for-64-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526005858/https://www.nytimes.com/1962/02/07/archives/continentalstyle-circus-signed-for-64-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=February 24, 1962 |title=World's Fair Will Have Circus Acts |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=15 |id={{proQuest|2293396739}}}} that performed in a 5,000-seat tent. Nearby was a wax museum. The amusement area also included a children's play area, a puppet show, a porpoise show, and other amusements. A lake cruise traveled off the shore of Meadow Lake{{Cite news |date=February 2, 1963 |title=Fair Lake Area To Have Fla., Hawaii Exhibits |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=26 |id={{proQuest|226822636}}}} and an early log flume ride was also installed at the fair.{{cite web | last=Calise | first=Gabrielle | title=Let's revisit Florida's bizarre lost theme parks from before the Disney era | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=March 18, 2019 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/florida/2019/03/18/lets-revisit-floridas-bizarre-lost-theme-parks-from-before-the-disney-era/ | access-date=June 16, 2024}} A replica of the ship Santa María was displayed in the lake.{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1054}} There was a 10,000-seat outdoor theater in the amusement area as well. Two Coney Island carousels were combined to form the Flushing Meadows Carousel.{{cite web |date=June 5, 2013 |title=Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Carousel Rides Again |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/flushing-meadows-corona-park-carousel-rides-again/ |access-date=May 21, 2024 |website=Queens Gazette |postscript=none |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521004720/https://www.qgazette.com/articles/flushing-meadows-corona-park-carousel-rides-again/ |url-status=live }}; {{Cite news |date=March 7, 2012 |title=You Spin Me Right Round, Baby, Right Round Like a Carousel ... |url=http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/03/you-spin-me-right-round-baby-right-round-like-a-carousel/ |access-date=April 3, 2017 |work=WNET |archive-date=April 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407073856/https://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2012/03/you-spin-me-right-round-baby-right-round-like-a-carousel/ |url-status=live }}

The Florida pavilion took over much of the Lake Area in 1965,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=March 3, 1965 |title=Free Water Show Planned at Fair; Florida Will Present Skiing in Amphitheater – Moses Predicts Big Success |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/03/archives/free-water-show-planned-at-fair-florida-will-present-skiing-in.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604150706/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/03/archives/free-water-show-planned-at-fair-florida-will-present-skiing-in.html |url-status=live }} and two amusement areas called Carnival and Continental Park were added. Outside the Lake Area were the Fiesta Playground and the Sculpture Continuum Playground.{{cite web |last=Weitekamp |first=Rossana |date=April 22, 2015 |title=Saviors of the Chunkies |url=https://www.liherald.com/stories/saviors-of-the-chunkies,66293 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |website=Herald Community Newspapers |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601195400/https://www.liherald.com/stories/saviors-of-the-chunkies,66293 |url-status=live }}

{{For|exhibits by transportation companies at the fair|List of 1964 New York World's Fair pavilions#Transportation pavilions}}File:US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair Monorail (processed 11-1965) 05 CE Family Coll (51915952763).jpg

The American Machine and Foundry Company constructed a suspended monorail with two {{Convert|4000|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}} tracks in the Lake Area.{{Cite news |date=May 8, 1963 |title=World's Fair to Get 3-Million Monorail System; Train to Run Around Lake Port Body Building to Get Restaurant and Club |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/08/archives/worlds-fair-to-get-3million-monorail-system-train-to-run-around.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240522024954/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/05/08/archives/worlds-fair-to-get-3million-monorail-system-train-to-run-around.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=July 23, 1963 |title=AMF Plans Monorail at New York World's Fair |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A21 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141825692}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite magazine |date=July 29, 1963 |title=AMF takes flyer on monorail: The company, building its first monorail at the World's Fair, has plans for world-wide selling |magazine=Railway Age |page=68 |volume=155 |issue=5 |id={{ProQuest|882954650}}}}{{cite news |date=September 6, 1965 |title=Bid to Sell World's Fair Monorail Brings Enthusiastic Response: Decision Data Help Wanted |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=D5 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142599694}}}} The line had seven 80-passenger, two-car-long trains. Another transport attraction at the fair was the Swiss Sky Ride, a ski lift or aerial gondola that was sponsored by the Government of Switzerland.{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1043}} During the 1964 season, visitors could rent one of 147 Greyhound Escorters, which were driven by chauffeurs. Sixty-one Glide-a-Ride trolleys also served the fairground during both seasons.{{cite news |date=April 21, 1965 |title=3-Wheeled 'Bugs' Gone This Year: But Glide-A-Train And Bus Transport Will Be Back |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/21/archives/3wheeled-bugs-gone-this-year-but-glideatrain-and-bus-transport-will.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |page=37 |issn=0362-4331 |id={{ProQuest|116821150}} |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604172008/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/04/21/archives/3wheeled-bugs-gone-this-year-but-glideatrain-and-bus-transport-will.html |url-status=live |postscript=none}}; {{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=April 21, 1965 |title=N.Y. World's Fair Offers Thrilling 'College Courses': Chinese Splendor Space Rendezvous Visits by Astronauts |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=4 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510781727}}}}

The fairground was accessed via highways on Long Island that had been upgraded.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=13}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=44}} An expanded World's Fair Marina provided access via Flushing Bay.{{cite news |date=June 12, 1961 |title=Fair to Make More Room For Boatmen: Flushing Marina Plan To Cost $4,300,000 |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=17 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327587313}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 12, 1961 |title=Marina for Excursion Boats and 800 Yachts Planned at World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/12/archives/marina-for-excursion-boats-and-800-yachts-planned-at-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524191621/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/12/archives/marina-for-excursion-boats-and-800-yachts-planned-at-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }} The fair was also served by a short-lived ferry service to Manhattan, as well as other ferry routes to ports in New York and New Jersey.{{Cite news |date=May 3, 1964 |title=32-M.P.H. Hydrofoils in Fleet That Shuttles to Flushing Bay |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/32mph-hydrofoils-in-fleet-that-shuttles-to-flushing-bay.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601002513/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/03/archives/32mph-hydrofoils-in-fleet-that-shuttles-to-flushing-bay.html |url-status=live }} A helicopter shuttle provided services to the Pan Am Building and Lower Manhattan heliports.{{Cite news |date=April 18, 1964 |title=Transportation To The 'Fair' |work=New Pittsburgh Courier |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|371626341}}}} Local buses, airport shuttle buses, the New York City Subway, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also stopped near the fairground. The subway cars R33S and R36WF were constructed for the number seven route that served Willets Point station near the fair.{{cite news |last=Kursh |first=Harvey |date=March 3, 1964 |title=World's Fair: Big, Big, Big!: Lots of Edification |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=16 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510513528}}}} Although a dedicated subway line had served the 1939 fair, no such route was built for 1964.{{Cite book |last1=Cunningham |first1=Joseph |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=world%27s+fair+railroad |title=A History of the New York City Subway System |last2=DeHart |first2=Leonard O. |date=1993 |publisher=J. Schmidt, R. Giglio, and K. Lang |pages=27, 83 |language=en |access-date=June 5, 2024 |archive-date=September 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230930164825/https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=world%27s+fair+railroad |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=41}} A luxury bus service carried "distinguished guests" to and from the fair.{{Cite news |date=June 30, 1961 |title=You'll Ride In High Style At World's Fair |work=The Atlanta Constitution |page=29 |id={{ProQuest|1616075167}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 29, 1961 |title=De Luxe Transport For Footsore Due At World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/29/archives/de-luxe-transport-for-footsore-due-at-worlds-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524193125/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/06/29/archives/de-luxe-transport-for-footsore-due-at-worlds-fair.html |url-status=live }} There were 20,000 parking spaces,{{Cite news |date=February 16, 1964 |title=Wiley Outlines Traffic at Fair; Remote-Controlled Signs to Help With Parking |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/16/archives/wiley-outlines-traffic-at-fair-remotecontrolled-signs-to-help-with.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531182702/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/02/16/archives/wiley-outlines-traffic-at-fair-remotecontrolled-signs-to-help-with.html |url-status=live }} and shuttle buses transported people from the parking lots to the main gate.

File:255-CC-65-HC-223, front.jpg

The fairground had nine fountains and eleven reflecting pools.{{Cite news |last=Shipp |first=Bill |date=May 10, 1964 |title=It's R-R-Really Big—N.Y. World's Fair |work=The Atlanta Journal and the Atlanta Constitution |page=4F |id={{ProQuest|1636074933}}}} Seven of the fountains had custom designs, although none have survived.{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2008|ps=.|page=88}} At the center of the fair was the Unisphere, which was constructed by American Bridge Company.{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1032}}{{cite magazine |last=Schmertz |first=Mildred F. |date=July 1964 |title=Architecture at the New York World's Fair |via=usmodernist.org |url=https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1964-07.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200727215444/https://usmodernist.org/AR/AR-1964-07.pdf |archive-date=July 27, 2020 |access-date=July 27, 2020 |journal=Architectural Record |page=150 |volume=136}} Weighing {{convert|700000|lb|0}},{{Cite report |url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1925.pdf |title=The Unisphere |date=May 16, 1995 |publisher=New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission |page=4 |ref={{harvid|Landmarks Preservation Commission|1995}} |access-date=June 5, 2024 |archive-date=November 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104175718/http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/1925.pdf |url-status=live }} the globe was created to symbolize "man's achievements on a shrinking globe in an expanding universe".{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|pp=1032–1033}} The Fountain of the Planets (Pool of Industry), which is located at the far eastern end of Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, could spray water up to {{convert|625|ft}} high,{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Barbara |date=August 29, 2000 |title=Back-Of-The-Park Treatment For Fountain of the Planets |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/29/nyregion/back-of-the-park-treatment-for-fountain-of-the-planets.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/29/nyregion/back-of-the-park-treatment-for-fountain-of-the-planets.html |url-status=live }} and it hosted nightly fireworks displays and music performances.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=94}} The Unisphere and Fountain of the Planets are connected via the Fountain of the Fairs,{{cite web |last=Parry |first=Bill |date=October 29, 2020 |title=City Completes $6.8 Million Restoration of Fountains at Flushing Meadows Corona Park – QNS |url=https://qns.com/2020/10/city-completes-6-8-million-restoration-of-fountains-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=QNS |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625113928/https://qns.com/2020/10/city-completes-6-8-million-restoration-of-fountains-at-flushing-meadows-corona-park/ |url-status=live }} which included a five-section reflecting pool and two rectangular pools.{{cite web | title=Then and Now: NYC rebuilds iconic Fountain of the Fairs as a fog garden |publisher=American Society of Civil Engineers |date=June 11, 2024 |url=https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/civil-engineering-magazine/article/2021/02/then-and-now-nyc-rebuilds-iconic-fountain-of-the-fairs-as-a-fog-garden |access-date=June 16, 2024}}

The fairground had {{Cvt|28|mi}}, {{cvt|39|mi}},{{efn|{{harvnb|Alpert|1964|page=21}}, cited the fair as having {{convert|14|mi}} of roads and {{convert|25|mi}} of paths.}} or {{Cvt|40|mi}} of paths, and numerous plazas. Throughout the fairground were information booths operated by Greyhound Bus. Near the northern end of the fairground was a customs building,{{cite news |date=May 18, 1962 |title=For N. Y. World's Fair—Special Customs Building |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=12 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1335979864}}}} where customs officials examined items bound for the fair's international pavilions and concessionaires.{{Cite news |date=May 5, 1964 |title=Customs Agents Find Job Hectic; All Imports for Fair Must Be Checked on Arrival |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/05/archives/customs-agents-find-job-hectic-all-imports-for-fair-must-be-checked.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175005/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/05/archives/customs-agents-find-job-hectic-all-imports-for-fair-must-be-checked.html |url-status=live }} There was a press building next to the Grand Central Parkway, with a reporters' bullpen, offices for major news agencies, a press conference room, and offices.{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=August 23, 1962 |title=For World Fair Newsmen: Ground Broken for Press Building |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=10 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326035027}}}} The on-site, 22-room Atomedic Hospital was constantly staffed, and there were five first-aid stations.{{Cite news |date=November 1, 1964 |title=Fair Medical Unit Gave Aid to 53,000; Broad Range of Ailments Treated in First Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/01/archives/fair-medical-unit-gave-aid-to-53000-broad-range-of-ailments-treated.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603211952/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/01/archives/fair-medical-unit-gave-aid-to-53000-broad-range-of-ailments-treated.html |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} About 300 closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs) were installed across the fairground, and a film studio for independent filmmakers was also built.{{cite magazine |date=July 8, 1963 |title=Multi-Level Studio For World's Fair |magazine=Boxoffice |pages=E-1 |volume=83 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|1670945912}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Archer |first=Eugene |date=July 3, 1963 |title=Real Film Studio Planned for Fair; Visitors to Flushing Could See Movies Being Made $1,000,000 Project German Films Scheduled 'Leopard' Coming Aug. 12 'Iguana' Roles Assigned |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/03/archives/real-film-studio-planned-for-fair-visitors-to-flushing-could-see.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531203816/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/07/03/archives/real-film-studio-planned-for-fair-visitors-to-flushing-could-see.html |url-status=live }} Pinkerton matrons operated a lost-child bureau with activities and games for lost children.{{cite news |last=Herzig |first=Doris |date=September 24, 1964 |title=Fair Bureau Is Lost Child's Haven |work=Newsday |page=69 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913675642}}}}

Foreign cultures and American technologies were featured at the fair.{{Cite news |last=Bashan |first=Yoni |date=April 23, 2014 |title=Fans Glimpse World's Fair History |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304279904579517771852184630.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=May 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520144317/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304279904579517771852184630 |url-status=live }} While WFC rules technically prevented the fair's officials from influencing the design or contents of any exhibits, the WFC retained a significant influence on the contents of exhibits. For example, developing nations were encouraged to show their art and culture rather than technology, and WFC officials pressured Islamic nations to emphasize their religion.{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|page=504|ps=.}}

{{Main|Food at the 1964 New York World's Fair}}

The fair had a large number of restaurants and eateries.{{cite news |last=Hulse |first=Jerry |date=June 28, 1964 |title=How to Stay Flush at Flushing Meadows |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=B8 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|168622358}}}} When it opened, there were between 110 and 114 eateries, 61 of which were within pavilions.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=153}} There were six specialty restaurants and 25 fine-dining restaurants operated by Brass Rail.{{Cite news |date=May 9, 1964 |title=Highlights Of New York World's Fair |work=New York Amsterdam News |page=21 |id={{proQuest|226732966}}}} Restaurant Associates was contracted to operate several of the restaurants but its contract was canceled because of a dispute over signage,{{cite magazine |date=August 9, 1961 |title=Vaudeville: World's Fair-RA Deal KO'd by Tiff Over Signs |magazine=Variety |page=48 |volume=223 |issue=11 |id={{ProQuest|1014831447}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=August 3, 1961 |title=Food Concern Ends Contract With Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/03/archives/food-concern-ends-contract-with-fair.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524203016/https://www.nytimes.com/1961/08/03/archives/food-concern-ends-contract-with-fair.html |url-status=live }} and Brass Rail instead received the contract.{{cite news |date=September 8, 1961 |title=Brass Rail Gets Contract to Feed Visitors to Fair |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=19 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1327520914}}}} Ten of Brass Rail's restaurants were designed by Victor Lundy and had canopies shaped like bunches of white balloons.{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Architecture:Chaos of Good, Bad and Joyful; Grotesque Contrasts, Wholly Unplanned, Give Fair Charm; Few Ideas Are New—State Pavilion Is Star of Show |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/architecturechaos-of-good-bad-and-joyful-grotesque-contrasts-wholly.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512191449/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/architecturechaos-of-good-bad-and-joyful-grotesque-contrasts-wholly.html |url-status=live }} For the 1965 season, the fair was expanded to include 198 restaurants.

Cuisine sold at the fair included Belgian waffles, 7 Up drinks, dumplings, pizza, tacos, kimchi, Turkish coffee, tandoori chicken, and hummus. Many of these dishes became popular in New York City and in the U.S. after the fair closed.{{cite book |last=Smith |first=Andrew F. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NNieCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA651 |title=Savoring Gotham: A Food Lover's Companion to New York City |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2015 |isbn=978-0-19-939702-0 |page=651 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-date=May 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521012206/https://books.google.com/books?id=NNieCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA651#v=onepage&q&f=false |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Levy |first=Nicole |date=April 26, 2018 |title=1964 World's Fair Introduced New Yorkers to Belgian Waffles and Falafel |url=https://www.amny.com/lifestyle/eat-and-drink/world-s-fair-food-1-18258740/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=amNewYork |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604204620/https://www.amny.com/lifestyle/eat-and-drink/world-s-fair-food-1-18258740/ |url-status=live }} The Thailand pavilion included North America's first Thai restaurant, while the Malaysia pavilion served Tiger Beer and satay.{{cite book |last=Van Esterik |first=Penny |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gn7DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA93 |title=Food Culture in Southeast Asia |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-313-34420-6 |series=Food Culture around the World |page=93 |access-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-date=June 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603175002/https://books.google.com/books?id=gn7DEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA93 |url-status=live }} During the 1964 season, many meals cost 99 cents because any food below $1 could not be taxed.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 17, 1965 |title=Food Is Cheaper at Fair This Year; Several Restaurants Open for Budget-Minded Visitor |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/17/archives/food-is-cheaper-at-fair-this-year-several-restaurants-open-for.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604191531/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/17/archives/food-is-cheaper-at-fair-this-year-several-restaurants-open-for.html |url-status=live }} Brewers spent millions of dollars persuading exhibitors to sell their beers.{{Cite news |date=April 24, 1964 |title=Food and Drink Makers Invest Heavily at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/food-and-drink-makers-invest-heavily-at-fair-change-in-law-helps.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604233914/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/24/archives/food-and-drink-makers-invest-heavily-at-fair-change-in-law-helps.html |url-status=live }}

File:NY World's Fair '64 - Les Poupees de Paris (ut) - Flickr - PLCjr.jpg

There were more than 30 entertainment events at the fair.{{Cite news |last=Gardner |first=Paul |date=June 14, 1963 |title=World's Fair Planning to Offer More Than 30 Entertainments |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/14/archives/worlds-fair-planning-to-offer-more-than-30-entertainments.html |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 26, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526005858/https://www.nytimes.com/1963/06/14/archives/worlds-fair-planning-to-offer-more-than-30-entertainments.html |url-status=live }} Moses disdained carnival-style attractions,{{cite news |last=Chapman |first=Ralph |date=March 20, 1961 |title=Moses Bars Crude, Cheap 'Fun' at Fair: Retorts to Critical Article in 'Variety' |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=18 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326872094}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite journal |last=Moses |first=Michael Valdez |date=December 16, 2010 |title=Modernists as Critics |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199545445.013.0009 |journal=Oxford Handbooks Online |doi=10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199545445.013.0009 |isbn=978-0-19-954544-5 |access-date=June 5, 2024 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142959/https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/28344/chapter-abstract/215148224?redirectedFrom=fulltext |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=236–237}} saying there would be "no whiskered women, tattooed giants, nudes on ice ... The appeal of a world's fair should not be entirely below the Adam's apple". As the WFC's president, Moses reserved the right to ban any project from the fair.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=211}} Shows that appealed to prurient interests, like semi-nude dancing, were excluded.{{cite news |last=Chaimowitz |first=Len |date=June 29, 1962 |title=Here's What WON'T Be at '64 World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=3C |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913666728}}}} An exception was the adult-only, musical puppet show Les Poupées de Paris (The Dolls of Paris).{{Cite news |date=May 16, 1964 |title=At the Fair: 'Les Poupees De Paris'; Lavish Show Has Lots of Gallic Bounce |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/16/archives/at-the-fair-les-poupees-de-paris-lavish-show-has-lots-of-gallic.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608142958/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/16/archives/at-the-fair-les-poupees-de-paris-lavish-show-has-lots-of-gallic.html |url-status=live }} The lack of adult shows may have contributed to the amusement area's unpopularity in 1964. The ban on adult shows was relaxed in 1965, and nine discotheques opened at the fair during that season.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1106}} That May, a striptease show in the Louisiana pavilion lasted two performances before it was canceled.{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=May 8, 1965 |title=A Stripper Lasts 2 Shows at Fair; She Gets Down to a Bikini, But Won't Be Back |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/08/archives/a-stripper-lasts-2-shows-at-fair-she-gets-down-to-a-bikini-but-wont.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 4, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604183557/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/08/archives/a-stripper-lasts-2-shows-at-fair-she-gets-down-to-a-bikini-but-wont.html |url-status=live }}

Musical and theatrical performances took place at several pavilions, and there were fireworks and water shows at the Pool of Industry. Among the theatrical shows were the revues To Broadway With Love,{{Cite news |date=April 30, 1964 |title=Theater: Tribute to Musical Comedies; 'Broadway With Love' Opens at the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/30/archives/theater-tribute-to-musical-comedies-broadway-with-love-opens-at-the.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601002506/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/30/archives/theater-tribute-to-musical-comedies-broadway-with-love-opens-at-the.html |url-status=live }}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=48}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=235}} Wonder World—which lasted two months—{{Cite news |date=July 6, 1964 |title=Holiday Crowds Disappoint Fair; 'Wonder World' Closes and Ice Show Posts Notice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/06/archives/holiday-crowds-disappoint-fair-wonder-world-closes-and-ice-show.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601070527/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/06/archives/holiday-crowds-disappoint-fair-wonder-world-closes-and-ice-show.html |url-status=live }} and Summer Time Revue.{{Cite news |date=July 19, 1964 |title=Fair's Lake Area Gets a New Show; 20-Man Operation Replaces Defunct 'Wonder World' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/19/archives/fairs-lake-area-gets-a-new-show-20man-operation-replaces-defunct.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601013158/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/19/archives/fairs-lake-area-gets-a-new-show-20man-operation-replaces-defunct.html |url-status=live }} DuPont presented a musical revue in its own pavilion, The Wonderful World of Chemistry.{{harvnb|Cotter|Young|2008|ps=.|page=96}} A controversial minstrel show in the Louisiana pavilion was canceled after two days.{{cite web |last=Gan |first=Vicky |date=April 28, 2014 |title=The Story Behind the Failed Minstrel Show at the 1964 World's Fair |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/minstrel-show-1964-worlds-fair-180951239/ |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=Smithsonian Magazine |archive-date=May 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240531182658/https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/minstrel-show-1964-worlds-fair-180951239/ |url-status=live }} International pavilions, such as the African, Indonesia, and Spain pavilions, also hosted dance and other live shows.{{Cite news |date=June 15, 1964 |title=Ethnic Dances Abound for Visitors to Fair; Spanish and African Pavilions Afford Widest Choice |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/15/archives/ethnic-dances-abound-for-visitors-to-fair-spanish-and-african.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601010156/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/15/archives/ethnic-dances-abound-for-visitors-to-fair-spanish-and-african.html |url-status=live }}

Sporting events, such as wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, fencing, judo, and weightlifting, took place at the fair. Some of these events were presented as part of the 1964 Summer Olympics tryouts in New York City.{{cite news |last=Marsh |first=Irving T. |date=June 21, 1962 |title=New York Gets Olympic Trials: World's Fair Site for Tryouts |work=New York Herald Tribune |page=23 |issn=1941-0646 |id={{ProQuest|1326912528}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=June 21, 1962 |title=Olympic Tryouts to Be Held Here; World's Fair and City Will Serve as Hosts in 1964 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1962/06/21/archives/olympic-tryouts-to-be-held-here-worlds-fair-and-city-will-serve-as.html |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Other shows included the ice-skating show Dick Button's Ice-Travaganza at the New York City Pavilion,{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=Robert |date=December 24, 1963 |title=Cash Vital If You Plan Trip to Fair |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|913683684}}}} and the Auto Thrill Show in the Transportation Area.{{Cite news |date=April 5, 1964 |title=Big 3's World's Fair Costs Will Reach $110 Million |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/05/archives/big-3s-worlds-fair-costs-will-reach-110-million.html |access-date=May 26, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} To Broadway With Love and the Ice-Travaganza closed within a few months of the fair's opening. A parade traveled across the fairground every day. The evangelist Billy Graham gave daily sermons at the Billy Graham Pavilion.{{cite news |last=Eisenberg |first=Carol |date=May 27, 2005 |title=Last NY-Area Crusade, Billy Graham Returns Next Month to City That Propelled His Career for Extravaganza at Flushing Meadows |work=Newsday |page=A09 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|279956694}}}}

{{external media||width=230px|video1=[https://archive.org/details/43294castlefilmsthenyworldfairfromtheairvwr "1964 New York World's Fair From the Air" – promotional film of the architectural styles utilized in the fairgrounds (1964) on Internet Archive]}}

The fairground did not emphasize music, although a "World's Fair Festival" took place at Lincoln Center in Manhattan.{{cite news |last=Rich |first=Alan |date=August 2, 1964 |title=World's Fair Unfair to Music |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=G1 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142182543}}}} Popular and classical music was broadcast from 800 lampposts on the fairground.{{cite magazine |date=July 4, 1964 |title=800 Lampposts Sources for World's Fair Background Music |magazine=The Billboard |pages=55 |volume=76 |issue=27 |id={{ProQuest|1286252120}}}} The fair also had an official band; Cities Service's World's Band of America, a 50-piece ensemble, was headed by the conductor Paul Lavalle.{{Cite news |date=April 23, 1964 |title=Music: A Listener's Fill; Fair Has an Official Band, Many Other Ensembles and a Brand-New Suite |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/23/archives/music-a-listeners-fill-fair-has-an-official-band-many-other.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Other ensembles, including Guy Lombardo, the United States Marine Band, and the United States Navy Steel Band, performed throughout the fair.{{cite book |last=Martin |first=Andrew R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=G2olDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA82 |title=Steelpan Ambassadors: The US Navy Steel Band, 1957–1999 |publisher=University Press of Mississippi |year=2017 |isbn=978-1-4968-1243-8 |series=Caribbean Studies Series |page=82}} During 1964, the amusement area hosted rock-and-roll concerts that were popular among local youth; Moses, who abhorred the genre, canceled these concerts when he learned about them.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=240–241}}

The fairground contained about 40 movie theaters, most of which were housed within pavilions, for which fifty films were produced.{{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Richard F. |date=April 22, 1964 |title=Show Biz and Big Biz Are Offering Entertainment |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/show-biz-and-big-biz-are-offering-entertainment.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} These included several religious films: Parable at the Protestant and Orthodox pavilion;{{Cite news |date=May 15, 1964 |title='Parable Movie' Splits Fairgoers; Film at Protestant Pavilion Proves Puzzling to Some |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/15/archives/parable-movie-splits-fairgoers-film-at-protestant-pavilion-proves.html |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Man in the 5th Dimension at the Billy Graham pavilion;{{cite book |last1=Finstuen |first1=Andrew |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wDskDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA200 |title=Billy Graham: American Pilgrim |last2=Wacker |first2=Grant |last3=Wills |first3=Anne Blue |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2017 |isbn=978-0-19-068353-5 |page=200 |access-date=June 1, 2024}} and Man's Search for Happiness at the LDS pavilion.{{cite book |last=Hunter |first=J. Michael |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wEPPEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA21 |title=Mormons and Popular Culture: The Global Influence of an American Phenomenon [2 Volumes] |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-313-39168-2 |page=21 |access-date=June 1, 2024}} The Johnson's Wax pavilion screened a film titled To Be Alive!, which later won an Academy Award. The WFC produced a film promoting the fair in seven languages in 1964.{{cite news |date=September 13, 1964 |title=World's Fair Film Produced |work=Los Angeles Times |pages=H10 |issn=0458-3035 |id={{ProQuest|154993218}}}}

Originally, the WFC made no effort to coordinate art exhibitions at the 1964 World's Fair, and Moses did not wish to subsidize art exhibits on the fairground, nor did he want to pay for an art pavilion himself.{{Cite news |date=March 2, 1964 |title=Art Societies Say Moses Vetoed Plan for Major Exhibit at Fair; Fear of a Controversy Over Contemporary Works Seen by Backers of Ldea |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/02/archives/art-societies-say-moses-vetoed-plan-for-major-exhibit-at-fair-fear.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=97–98}} After commentators spoke about the lack of art at the fair, Moses changed his mind and allowed states to display art in their pavilions.{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|ps=.|pages=503–504}} Ten pop artists designed art for the New York State Pavilion's Theaterama,{{cite magazine |last=Goldberger |first=Paul |date=April 22, 2014 |title=What Will Become of New York's Most Beautiful Ruin? |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2014/04/new-york-state-pavilion-reopen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230610010930/https://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2014/04/new-york-state-pavilion-reopen |archive-date=June 10, 2023 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |magazine=Vanity Fair}}{{harvnb|Stern|Mellins|Fishman|1995|ps=.|p=1036}} and the Fine Arts pavilion displayed 250 contemporary artists' work.{{Cite news |date=May 13, 1964 |title=Pavilion at Fair to Show Fine Art; Former Argentine Unit to Display American Works |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/13/archives/pavilion-at-fair-to-show-fine-art-former-argentine-unit-to-display.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Foreign nations also displayed art and artifacts at the fair.{{Cite news |date=November 22, 1963 |title=Important Role for Arts In N.Y. World's Fair Plan |work=The Globe and Mail |page=B3 |id={{ProQuest|1282792724}}}} Spain displayed works from artists such as Francisco Goya, El Greco, Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso, and Diego Velázquez.{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|pages=505–506|ps=.}} The United Arab Republic displayed artifacts from several historical eras;{{Cite news |date=January 25, 1964 |title=Fair to Get Touch of Ancient Egypt; Collection of Treasures to Be Sent by U. A. R. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/01/25/archives/fair-to-get-touch-of-ancient-egypt-collection-of-treasures-to-be.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} the Sudan pavilion displayed a 1,300-year-old Madonna fresco;{{Cite news |date=June 26, 1964 |title=Sudan's Madonna Damaged at Fair; Cracks in Ancient Fresco Force Closing of Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/06/26/archives/sudans-madonna-damaged-at-fair-cracks-in-ancient-fresco-force.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} the Jordan pavilion showed the Dead Sea Scrolls; and the Republic of China pavilion displayed Chinese jade. During the 1965 season, the Mexico pavilion displayed art, including Mesoamerican pieces and works by José Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Rufino Tamayo.{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|pages=508–509|ps=.}}{{cite news |date=May 26, 1965 |title=Art From Mexico Is Shown at Fair; Rivera Painting and Carving by Aztecs on Display |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/05/26/archives/art-from-mexico-is-shown-at-fair-rivera-painting-and-carving-by.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} Though art was also displayed in gift shops throughout the fair, WFC officials generally only publicized artwork that was exhibited in pavilions.{{harvnb|Nicoletta|2010|pages=512–513|ps=.}}

There were 95 sculptures at the fair, including five permanent sculptures,{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=May 15, 2014 |title=Wide Range of Art at '64 World's Fair |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/wide-range-of-art-at-64-world-s-fair/article_05a5ef3c-c28a-58d8-a1f7-79de2c5290a4.html |access-date=May 26, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle}} four which remain in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park: Forms in Transit by Theodore Roszak, Freedom of the Human Spirit by Marshall Fredericks, Free Form by José de Rivera, and Rocket Thrower by Donald De Lue. Armillary Sphere by Paul Manship, was vandalized and the remaining pieces were stolen in 1980.{{cite web |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=June 24, 2014 |title=Two Rare World's Fair Sculptures Once Stolen from Flushing Meadows Corona Park Are Part of a New Exhibit at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/06/24/two-rare-worlds-fair-sculptures-once-stolen-from-flushing-meadows-corona-park-are-part-of-a-new-exhibit-at-the-arsenal-gallery-in-central-park/ |access-date=May 26, 2024 |website=New York Daily News}} The temporary sculptures included Pietà by Michelangelo at the Vatican pavilion, which was one of the fair's most-popular exhibits.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=48}}

The 1964 World's Fair introduced and showed many consumer products,{{cite web |last=Harpaz |first=Beth J. |date=April 27, 2014 |title=Relics of the 1964 World's Fair Reveal Our Fascination with Outer Space |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/apr/27/relics-of-the-1964-worlds-fair-reveal-our/ |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=Spokesman |agency=The Associated Press}}{{cite web |last=Bonanos |first=Christopher |date=April 22, 2014 |title=10 Innovations From the 1964–65 World's Fair That Didn't Work Out (And 5 That Did) |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2014/04/near-miss-inventions-from-the-64-worlds-fair.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=Intelligencer}} in what one magazine called "the ultimate marketing bonanza of [its] time".{{Cite magazine |last=Yarbrough |first=John F. |date=Jun 1996 |title=Fair Game: Yesterday's Dream, Today's Collectibles |magazine=Sales and Marketing Management |page=26 |volume=148 |issue=6 |id={{ProQuest|211850935}}}} Color television was popularized at the fair,{{Cite news |last=McGrath |first=Charles |date=April 18, 2014 |title=The Fair to End All Fairs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/20/nyregion/the-fair-to-end-all-fairs.html |access-date=May 27, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and the Ford Mustang was launched just before its appearance at the fair.{{cite web |date=April 12, 2014 |title=A Look at Predictions from the 1964 World's Fair |url=https://whyy.org/articles/a-look-at-predictions-from-the-1964-worlds-fair/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=WHYY |agency=Associated Press}} The fair also displayed technologies such as Picturephones and IBM computers,{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=201–202}}{{cite web |date=April 22, 2014 |title=1964 World's Fair: Visions of the Future |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/1964-worlds-fair-visions-of-the-future/2/ |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=CBS News}} as well as electronic devices that could display personalized data to visitors. Some pavilions incorporated personal computers into their exhibits, and many visitors saw touchtone phones for the first time while at the fair. Other innovations, such as thermonuclear fusion power plants, undersea hotels, underground houses, jet packs, and Corfam synthetic leather, never became popular.{{cite web |last=Rhoades |first=Liz |date=June 12, 2014 |title=Legacies Abound from World's Fair |url=https://www.qchron.com/editions/queenswide/legacies-abound-from-world-s-fair/article_61ebaee2-25bc-525e-882b-be1fc4d7f5d1.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle}}

{{Further|Flushing Meadows–Corona Park#Late 20th century}}

File:Terrace on the Park - Flushing Meadows, Queens, NYC.jpg

Moses predicted the WFC would need to spend $11.6 million to clear Flushing Meadows–Corona Park after the fair closed.{{cite news |last=O'Neill |first=Maureen |date=October 18, 1965 |title=It Was Great Fun, But Not for Investors |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-it-was-great-fu/149444374/ |work=Newsday |pages=5, [https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-nassau-edition-it-was-great-fu/149444414/ 87] |access-date=June 16, 2024 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914444455}}}} He recommended the demolition of most of the pavilions.{{cite news |date=March 4, 1965 |title=Moses Taps 2 Pavilions for Long Run |via=newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-taps-2-p/147513573/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194356/https://www.newspapers.com/article/newsday-suffolk-edition-moses-taps-2-p/147513573/ |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=Newsday |page=4 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|914411421}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=March 5, 1965 |title=Pavilions Listed for Future Uses; Moses Suggests Demolition of Many Noted Structures |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/05/archives/pavilions-listed-for-future-uses-moses-suggests-demolition-of-many.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516194355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/03/05/archives/pavilions-listed-for-future-uses-moses-suggests-demolition-of-many.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} By mid-1965, the WFC proposed the preservation of 19 structures, while the remaining pavilions were offered to anyone who could afford to relocate them. Several exhibitors, including U.S. Steel and Thailand, chose to sell their buildings due to the high cost of demolition,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=82}}{{Cite news |last=Dougherty |first=Philip H. |date=June 26, 1965 |title=For Sale at Fair: Tire Ahd Temple; Ferris Wheel and Exhibit of Thailand Seek Buyers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/26/archives/for-sale-at-fair-tire-ahd-temple-ferris-wheel-and-exhibit-of.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} while others sold the contents of their pavilions,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=81}}{{cite news |id={{ProQuest|155262802}} |title=World's Fair Arranging Super Rummage Sale |date=September 26, 1965 |pages=E8 |work=Los Angeles Times|issn=0458-3035}} and people offered to salvage parts of some buildings. Any other buildings had to be demolished within 90 days of the fair's closure.{{Cite news |last=Knowles |first=Clayton |date=October 19, 1965 |title=City May Get U.S. And State Pavilions |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/city-may-get-us-and-state-pavilions.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518173504/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/19/archives/city-may-get-us-and-state-pavilions.html |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=84}} Each exhibitor was supposed to have placed money in escrow or posted a bond to cover the demolition costs, but most exhibitors had not done so. The WFC feared exhibitors would abandon their pavilions.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 20, 1965 |title=Fair Faces Lag in Demolitions; Fears Many Exhibitors Will Default on Restorations |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/20/archives/fair-faces-lag-in-demolitions-fears-many-exhibitors-will-default-on.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516215355/https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/20/archives/fair-faces-lag-in-demolitions-fears-many-exhibitors-will-default-on.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 16, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

Demolition began the day after the fair closed and the rubble was dumped into Flushing Bay.{{cite news |last=Feinstein |first=Selwyn |date=October 14, 1965 |title=Wreckers to Enter World's Fair Monday In Smashing Finale to Controversial Show |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=32 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133005094}}}} By November, the site was filled with rubbish and rats.{{Cite news |last=Brody |first=Jane E. |date=November 28, 1965 |title=Rubbish and Rats Plague Fair Site; Workmen Combine Cleanup With Tear-Down Operation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/11/28/archives/rubbish-and-rats-plague-fair-site-workmen-combine-cleanup-with.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Scientists temporarily preserved three of the fair's buildings for structural testing.{{cite news |date=April 19, 1966 |title=World's Fair Buildings Will Fall to Science: Tests to Run Into May |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=B3 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|142880643}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=April 15, 1966 |title=Scientists Will Rattle World's Fair Skeleton |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915191388}}}} The deadline for demolition was extended to December 1966,{{Cite news |last=Porterfield |first=Byron |date=February 20, 1966 |title=Wreckers Press Fairgrounds Job; Deadline Extended to Dec. 31 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/02/20/archives/wreckers-press-fairgrounds-job-deadline-extended-to-dec-31.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and by the middle of that year, about 24 structures remained.{{Cite news |date=April 4, 1966 |title=Park on Fair Site Due in December; Last 23 Doomed Buildings to Be Torn Down by July |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/04/04/archives/park-on-fair-site-due-in-december-last-23-doomed-buildings-to-be-to.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Moses suggested his Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority should provide funding to convert the fairground into a park.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=86}}{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=August 19, 1965 |title=Moses Gives Plan on Fair Site Work; He Tells Executive Board Triborough Authority Will Undertake Revamping |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/19/archives/moses-gives-plan-on-fair-site-work-he-tells-executive-board.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The city government took over Flushing Meadows–Corona Park from the WFC in June 1967.{{cite news |date=June 5, 1967 |title=Moses' '27 Dream Becomes a Reality |work=Newsday |page=15 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915469728}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Schumach |first=Murray |date=June 4, 1967 |title=Moses Gives City Fair Site as Park; Flushing Meadows in Queens Becomes the 2d Biggest Recreation Area Here |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/06/04/archives/moses-gives-city-fair-site-as-park-flushing-meadows-in-queens.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Few improvements were made to the park for several years{{Cite news |last=Weiss |first=Samuel |date=September 10, 1972 |title=Future of the Fair Site Still Debated |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/09/10/archives/future-of-the-fair-site-still-debated.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite news |date=August 11, 1974 |title=A Fair Revisited, A Plan Unrealized |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=M16 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|146140243}}}} and many of the remaining structures were vandalized.{{Cite news |last=Peck |first=Richard |date=October 21, 1973 |title=In Flushing Meadows The Glitter Is Gone But Hope Still Flourishes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1973/10/21/archives/in-flushing-meadows-the-glitter-is-gone-but-hope-still-flourishes.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} According to a 1986 report, the city government had to spend $107 million (${{Inflation|index=US|value=107|start_year=1986|fmt=c}} million in {{inflation/year|US}}) to turn the fairground into a park.{{Cite news |last=Schachter |first=Harvey |date=June 7, 1986 |title=From Euphoria to Debt: A World Fair Review |work=The Whig-Standard |page=1 |id={{ProQuest|353374980}}}} In the 1980s, a 1989 World's Fair was proposed for the site to mark the 25th Anniversary of the 1964 fair, but the proposal was unsuccessful.{{cite news |last=Polsky |first=Carol |date=April 23, 1989 |title=Another NY World's Fair? Hopes Fade 39 and '64 Expos Fondly Remembered |work=Newsday |page=19 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278141630}}}} The paths remain almost unchanged into the 21st century.{{cite web |date=May 3, 2015 |title=Flushing Meadows-Corona Park: Historic Preservation Studio |url=https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401145529/https://issuu.com/barrettreiter/docs/fmcp_hpstudioii2015_printedition_re |archive-date=April 1, 2017 |access-date=March 31, 2017 |publisher=Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation |page=71 |via=Issuu}}

{{Further|1964 New York World's Fair pavilions#Remaining pavilions}}

File:Flushing Meadows–Corona Park-2.jpg

Some of the structures from the 1964 World's Fair, including the fair's symbol the Unisphere, remain in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|page=1113}} Near the Unisphere is the Column of Jerash from Jordan's pavilion, a stone bench marking the site of the Vatican pavilion,{{cite news |last=Marcus |first=Jon |date=June 13, 1999 |title=The Future Was Then; NYC Dusts Off Relics of Its World's Fairs |newspaper=The Washington Post |page=E01 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|408480364}}}} and a plaque on the site of the Garden of Meditation.{{cite web |title=Flushing Meadows Corona Park Monuments: Garden of Meditation |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/flushing-meadows-corona-park/monuments/570 |access-date=June 1, 2024 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation}} The New York City Pavilion houses Queens Museum,{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=196}}{{Cite news|last=Cotter|first=Holland|date=November 7, 2013|title=A Local Place for a Global Neighborhood|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/08/arts/design/the-expanded-queens-museum-reopens.html|access-date=May 21, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} and the New York Hall of Science is also preserved as a museum.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/09/22/archives/hopeful-future-museum-but-citys-hall-of-science-still-retains-aura.html |title=Hopeful Future Museum; But City's Hall of Science Still Retains Aura Reminiscent of the World's Fair |date=September 22, 1966 |access-date=April 6, 2008 |first=Walter |last=Sullivan |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331}} The western side of the fairground site includes the Port Authority pavilion, which became the Terrace on the Park banquet hall; the Winston Churchill Tribute, which became an aviary for Queens Zoo; and the Flushing Meadows Carousel. The New York State Pavilion is largely unused {{as of|2024|lc=y}},{{cite web |last=Chayes |first=Matthew |date=April 27, 2024 |title=Restoration Aims to Restore Luster of Decaying 1964 World's Fair Pavilion |url=https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/1964-worlds-fair-nuvob91o |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240429135330/https://www.newsday.com/news/new-york/1964-worlds-fair-nuvob91o |archive-date=April 29, 2024 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |website=Newsday |issn=2574-5298}} but its former Theaterama is used by Queens Theatre in the Park.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=197}} The World's Fair Marina along Flushing Bay still operates.{{cite web |title=Marinas: World's Fair Marina |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/marinas/13 |access-date=May 23, 2024 |publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation}} Other buildings, including the Travel and Transportation Pavilion, the United States Pavilion,{{Harvnb|Cotter|Young|2008|pages=55, 67|ps=.}} the Aquacade amphitheater,{{cite web |last=Marzlock |first=Ron |date=March 22, 2012 |title=The Fair's Million-Dollar Aquacade |url=https://www.qchron.com/qboro/i_have_often_walked/the-fair-s-million-dollar-aquacade/article_185ee7eb-bb73-52f4-84a3-b537ebba079a.html |access-date=May 22, 2024 |website=Queens Chronicle}} and the Singer Bowl remained for several years before their demolition.{{cite web |date=August 27, 2018 |title=Janis and Jimi Jamming at the Singer Bowl |url=https://www.villagevoice.com/janis-and-jimi-jamming-at-the-singer-bowl/ |access-date=May 20, 2024 |website=The Village Voice}}

Other structures were relocated after the fair closed;{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=September 23, 1965 |title=World's Fair Plans for Closing Curtain: Pavilions to Move |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=11 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510830485}}}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=85–86}} among these were the Austria, Christian Science, Denmark, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mormon, Parker Pen, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, and Wisconsin pavilions. the Uniroyal Giant Tire and Golden Rondelle Theater.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=85}} In some cases, only parts of buildings were preserved due to the high cost of full preservation.{{Cite news|last=Alden|first=Robert|date=August 15, 1965|title=Wreckers to Get Fair's Ornaments; Cost of Salvage Is Too High for Individual Sales|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/08/15/archives/wreckers-to-get-fairs-ornaments-cost-of-salvage-is-too-high-for.html|access-date=June 4, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} The LIRR, Mormon, Socony Mobil, and West Berlin pavilions, as well as the monorail, Poupees des Paris, and the wax museum, were preserved within New York.{{cite news |last=Cohn |first=Al |date=June 24, 1967 |title=What Ever Happened to the World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=14W |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915293358}}}} Other objects, including parts of the Hollywood and Ireland pavilions, the Coca-Cola pavilion's carillon, the It's a Small World ride, Progressland carousel, and the Swiss Sky Ride, were sent further afield.{{cite report |url=https://s3.amazonaws.com/NARAprodstorage/lz/electronic-records/rg-079/NPS_WI/12000021.pdf |title=Wisconsin Pavilion |date=February 14, 2012 |publisher=National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service |access-date=June 6, 2024}} Some pavilions, such as Clairol's "color carousel" and Sinclair Oil's dinosaur exhibits, became traveling exhibitions.

Profits from the fair would have been used to improve Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, and many of its restaurants broke even.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=October 14, 1965 |title=Restaurants at Fair Are Recouping 1964 Losses |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/14/archives/restaurants-at-fair-are-recouping-1964-losses.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} On the fair's closing day, the WFC had $11.58 million in cash. Moses anticipated the WFC would not be able to repay the remaining $22.4 million in promissory notes,{{cite news |date=October 19, 1965 |title=New York World's Fair Won't Reduce Principal Of $22,371,250 Notes: Moses, President, Says Holders Will Get 2 Interest Payments, Recover Half of Investments |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=8 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133005094}}}} and the WFC was expecting to default on 60 percent of the bonds it had issued.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|page=87}}{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=December 22, 1965 |title=Fair Audit Calls Management Lax; Data on '64 Operation Show Insufficient Cash Reserve for Demolition Job |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/22/archives/fair-audit-calls-management-lax-data-on-64-operation-show.html |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} In December 1965, Beame determined the fair had lost $20.1 million in 1964 due to improper management.{{cite news |date=December 22, 1965 |title=New York City Official Says World's Fair Loss In '64 Exceeded Report: Comptroller Charges Fair Gave Credit to Bad-Risk Exhibitors, And Pre-Selected Some Bidders |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=7 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|132969719}}}} The WFC later agreed to pay noteholders another $4 million in mid-1966,{{Cite news |date=June 4, 1966 |title=World Fair To Settle Claims At 20 Cents On The Dollar |work=The Sun |page=A4 |id={{ProQuest|537525799}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Tomasson |first=Robert E. |date=June 4, 1966 |title=Accord Approved on World's Fair; Noteholders to Be Paid 19.2 Cents to the Dollar |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/06/04/archives/accord-approved-on-worlds-fair-noteholders-to-be-paid-192-cents-to.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} although it struggled to fulfill its obligation to restore the fairground.{{Cite news |date=December 11, 1965 |title=Problems of Fair Are Still Unsettled |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/12/11/archives/problems-of-fair-are-still-unsettled.html |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

During the late 1960s, the WFC was separately investigated on charges of financial mismanagement regarding the Belgian Village pavilion,{{Cite news |last=Zion |first=Sidney E. |date=January 23, 1968 |title=Inquiry Started on World's Fair; Mackell Studies Charge of Kickback at Belgian Village |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1968/01/23/archives/inquiry-started-on-worlds-fair-mackell-studies-charge-of-kickback.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and the New York state government opened a racketeering investigation into the fair's construction.{{cite news |last=Renner |first=Tom |date=May 8, 1968 |title=Fear Hampers Rackets Probe Of World's Fair |work=Newsday |page=11 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|915109692}}}} The city government received $1.5 million in profits from the fair in 1972, following several years of legal disputes.{{Cite news|last=Arnold|first=Martin|date=February 18, 1972|title=Books Are Closed On World's Fair|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/02/18/archives/books-are-closed-on-worlds-fair.html|access-date=June 10, 2024|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}} The fair recorded a net loss of $21.1 million,{{Cite news |last=Mooney |first=Richard E. |date=December 29, 1967 |title=World's Fair Loss Put at $21,159,660; Bondholders Cover Major Share of Deficit, With City Writing Off the Rest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/12/29/archives/worlds-fair-loss-put-at-21159660-bondholders-cover-major-share-of.html |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=December 29, 1967 |title=World's Fair Losses Put at $21.1 Million |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news-worlds-fair-losses-put-at-2/148781172/ |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=New York Daily News |pages=18 |via=newspapers.com}} and bondholders received back about one-third of their original investments. In total, the WFC and other public agencies had spent $83.832 million on permanent improvements to the site during the 1964 fair.{{harvnb|Caro|1974|ps=.|pages=1113–1114}}

In part because of the 1964 fair's unprofitability, many industrial exhibitors were reluctant to sponsor major exhibits at the next world's fair, Expo 67 in Montreal, Canada,{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=June 25, 1965 |title=Fair's Costs Here Felt in Montreal; Exhibitors Show Reluctance to Sign Up for '67 Show |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/06/25/archives/fairs-costs-here-felt-in-montreal-exhibitors-show-reluctance-to.html |access-date=June 4, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and two other American cities withdrew proposals for world's fairs in the 1960s and 1970s. Citing the 1964 fair, Expo 67's organizers heavily invested in amusement attractions, sought and received BIE approval, and constructed pavilions ahead of schedule.{{cite magazine |last=Landry |first=Robert |date=October 20, 1965 |title=Miscellany: Montreal Faces Sour After-Taste Of 'Who Needs Another World's Fair?' |magazine=Variety |pages=2, 78 |volume=240 |issue=9 |id={{ProQuest|1017131469}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |date=October 24, 1965 |title=Woes of N. Y. Fair Echo in Montreal; Planners Hope '67 Program Will Escape '65 Problems |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1965/10/24/archives/woes-of-ny-fair-echo-in-montreal-planners-hope-67-program-will.html |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Expo 67 officials also sought positive press coverage for their fair, a significant departure from Moses's negative reaction to every perceived criticism.{{Cite news |last=Zel Lurie |first=Jesse |date=July 6, 1965 |title=Montreal Expo Woos the Press: Canadian World's Fair Organizers Learn from New York's Mistakes |work=The Jerusalem Post |page=5 |id={{ProQuest|929686515}}}}

File:US NY NYC 1964-65 Worlds Fair General Motors Pavilion (processed 06-1965) 24 CE Family Coll (51906486967).jpg

Before the fair opened, The Washington Post called it a "mixed boon" to New York City because BIE members had boycotted the fair.{{cite news |date=February 20, 1961 |title=World's Fair Mixed Boon To New York |work=The Washington Post, Times Herald |page=A3 |issn=0190-8286 |id={{ProQuest|141392737}}}} In late 1963, just before the fair opened, an Associated Press reporter called it "a big city cousin to the familiar county fair" and said it was becoming one of the United States' most comprehensive exhibits of industries and businesses. A British newspaper called the fair "a great big grown-up Disneyland".

After the fair's opening, Life and Ebony magazines called it one of mankind's largest expositions, and Newsweek wrote the attractions and pavilions were "hard to resist". Several writers criticized the large number of industrial exhibits at the fair, and observers complained about the wastefulness of the pavilions' temporary nature.{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=.|pages=95–96}} During the second season, Time magazine wrote the fair was unsuccessful because of long queues, meager exhibits, high prices, and the overwhelmingly large number of attractions for visitors.{{cite magazine |date=July 16, 1965 |title=Fairs: What the Matter Can Be |url=https://time.com/archive/6627843/fairs-what-the-matter-can-be/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |magazine=Time}} When the fair closed, a Wall Street Journal reporter wrote it had failed because it "lacked coordination, a common purpose that could be transmitted to the community".{{cite news |last=Schmedel |first=Scott R. |date=October 15, 1965 |title=World's Fair Lesson: New York Exposition Points Up Difficulty Of Attracting Attention in Today's World |work=The Wall Street Journal |page=16 |issn=0099-9660 |id={{ProQuest|133007427}}}} Russell Lynes said the concept of the fair was flawed because instant communication between countries was already possible.{{cite magazine |last=Lynes |first=Russell |date=October 1, 1965 |title=Goodbye to World's Fairs |url=https://harpers.org/archive/1965/10/goodbye-to-worlds-fairs/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |magazine=Harper's Magazine}}

There was also commentary on the conflicting architectural styles,{{cite web |last=Bernstein |first=Fred A. |date=April 18, 2014 |title=Architects Remember the '64–65 World's Fair |url=https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/3121-architects-remember-the-64-65-worlds-fair |access-date=May 31, 2024 |website=Architectural Record}}{{harvnb|Samuel|2007|ps=|page=42}}; {{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|pages=208–209}} which were controversial even before the official opening. In 1961, John Canaday of The New York Times wrote he would be surprised if the fair were not "a mess and disaster architecturally".{{Cite news |last=Canaday |first=John |date=July 30, 1961 |title=The World's Fair; Architects and Critics See a Monster Developing for 1964–65 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1961/07/30/archives/the-worlds-fair-architects-and-critics-see-a-monster-developing-for.html |access-date=May 24, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} After the fair opened, Ada Louise Huxtable of The New York Times wrote the fair was architecturally "grotesque",{{Cite news |date=April 22, 1964 |first=Ada Louise |last=Huxtable |title=Architecture: Chaos of Good, Bad and Joyful; Grotesque Contrasts, Wholly Unplanned, Give Fair Charm; Few Ideas Are New—State Pavilion Is Star of Show |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/architecturechaos-of-good-bad-and-joyful-grotesque-contrasts-wholly.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240512191449/https://www.nytimes.com/1964/04/22/archives/architecturechaos-of-good-bad-and-joyful-grotesque-contrasts-wholly.html |archive-date=May 12, 2024 |access-date=May 12, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} while other critics criticized the structures as befitting Coney Island or a street fair. The critic Vincent Scully Jr., in a Life magazine article, wrote: "If This Is Architecture, God Help Us". In June 1964, Time said the fair had "grace and substance" despite the presence of some "tacky" attractions,{{cite magazine |date=June 5, 1964 |title=Fairs: The World of Already |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,938607-1,00.html |access-date=May 30, 2024 |magazine=Time}} a sentiment repeated in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The American Institute of Architects gave awards for excellence in design to several pavilions.{{Cite news |date=November 12, 1964 |title=Architects Praise 4 Pavilions at Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/11/12/archives/architects-praise-4-pavilions-at-fair.html |access-date=June 3, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} A Newsday reporter described the fair as "both garish and subtle, tawdry and tasteful, ephemeral and lasting". After the fair closed, architectural critic Wolf Von Eckardt said the fair was "a frightening image of ourselves" because of its "chaotic" architecture.{{cite book |last=Von Eckardt |first=Wolf |url=https://archive.org/details/placetolivecrisi00vone |title=A Place to Live; The Crisis of the Cities |publisher=Delacorte Press |year=1968 |publication-place=New York |pages=217–218 |oclc=321361 |url-access=registration}}

In 1967, New York Times reporter Robert Alden wrote the 1964 fair benefited from "participation of private industry on a massive scale" and that more countries were participating in Expo 67.{{Cite news |last=Alden |first=Robert |date=May 1, 1967 |title=The World on Display; Montreal Fair Outshines New York's In Some Respects, But Not in All |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1967/05/01/archives/the-world-on-display-montreal-fair-outshines-new-yorks-in-some.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Another Times writer said in 1989: "The 1964 fair was not as self-conscious a portrayal of the future so much as a display of contemporary American achievements".{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Patricia Leigh |date=March 2, 1989 |title=Fifty Years After the Fair, Where Is Tomorrow? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/03/02/garden/fifty-years-after-the-fair-where-is-tomorrow.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The same year, a Newsday reporter wrote the 1964 fair had occurred at a time when audiences were no longer awed by cultural and technological innovations. Robert A. M. Stern wrote in 1995 the 1964 fair had been so attractive in part because "it was out of place amid the realities of life in the nuclear age".

David W. Dunlap wrote in 2001 the 1964 fair was still ingrained in the public imagination, even though it had been "a tailfin-tacky celebration of jet-age technological hubris" and an "unhappy final chapter" to Moses's career as New York City's main urban planner.{{Cite news |last=Dunlap |first=David W. |date=August 26, 2001 |title=A Queens Park's Past Shapes Its Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/26/realestate/a-queens-park-s-past-shapes-its-future.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} According to the author Lawrence R. Samuel, the fair's motto "peace through understanding" was overshadowed by the fair's focus on profits, and a Bloomberg reporter wrote in 2013 the fair had been dominated by corporate exhibitors.{{cite web |last=Byrnes |first=Mark |date=October 17, 2013 |title=New York's 1964 World's Fair Was Actually Something of a Failure |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-10-17/new-york-s-1964-world-s-fair-was-actually-something-of-a-failure |access-date=May 23, 2024 |website=Bloomberg.com}} In the same year, Joseph Tirella wrote although "peace through understanding continues to elude us", the United States had become more ethnically diverse due to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which was enacted just before the fair ended.{{harvnb|Tirella|2013|ps=.|page=329}}

According to New York Daily News in 2012, the remaining structures from the fair "have provided [Flushing Meadows–Corona Park] with some of its most striking structures".{{cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=June 14, 2012 |title=Park Administrator Has Community Touch |work=New York Daily News |page=7 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|1462680741}}}} For the fair's 50th anniversary, Smithsonian magazine wrote the fair's "limitless faith in material and social progress" had been counteracted by the social upheaval in the U.S. that took place during the mid-1960s.{{cite web |last=Abel |first=Allen |date=August 20, 2014 |title=The Great Big, Beautiful Tomorrow |url=https://www.smithsonianmag.com/air-space-magazine/great-big-beautiful-tomorrow-180952395/ |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=Smithsonian Magazine}} In 2018, The New York Times wrote the fair was a showcase for futuristic technology and a place where "foreigners could broadcast their best wares and fairgoers could catch a glimpse into their far-off cultures".

File:Unisphere in summer.jpg

The fair was credited with increasing tourism in New York City, even before the formal opening.{{Cite news |date=May 14, 1964 |title=Manhattan Still Remains the Attraction as the Tourists Start Pouring Into the City |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/05/14/archives/manhattan-still-remains-the-attraction-as-the-tourists-start.html |access-date=May 31, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The city's hotels and garages were often overcrowded during the fair's 1964 season.{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1964 |title=Fair City Has Number of Problems: New York Seen More Foul-Up Than 'Festival' in Some Ways |work=The Sun |page=3 |id={{ProQuest|533657040}}}} Broadway theaters recorded increased ticket sales, as did other visitor attractions such as the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall. Though major department stores and restaurants saw increased business, other merchants reported the fair had not had a measurable effect on their businesses.{{Cite news |date=July 3, 1964 |title=Fair No Big Boon to City's Business; Visitors Spend Little Here, Many Merchants Report |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/03/archives/fair-no-big-boon-to-citys-business-visitors-spend-little-here-many.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} To avoid crowds, many residents left the city during the fair.{{Cite news |date=July 9, 1964 |title=The Talk of New York; Invasion of Kinsfolk; New Yorkers Are Erecting Defenses Against Hordes Arriving for the Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1964/07/09/archives/the-talk-of-new-york-invasion-of-kinsfolk-new-yorkers-are-erecting.html |access-date=June 2, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Attendance at local amusement parks declined during the fair and some parks, such as Freedomland U.S.A., permanently closed.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=McCandlish |date=May 8, 1966 |title=With Fair Over, Amusement Parks See a Big Year |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/05/08/archives/with-fair-over-amusement-parks-see-a-big-year.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

At the end of the 1964 season, the city's Convention and Visitors Bureau estimated the city had earned $400 million due to the fair. The Christian Science Monitor wrote in 1965 the fair had only partially benefited the area's economy.{{cite news |last=Hornaday |first=Mary |date=July 14, 1965 |title=New York: What Kind of Future?: Crime and Crowding Budget Soars Major Problems Noted |work=The Christian Science Monitor |page=1 |issn=0882-7729 |id={{ProQuest|510739085}}}} After the fair ended, The New York Times estimated it had increased local restaurant profits by eight percent, while stores in Midtown Manhattan saw their profits increase by approximately four percent. The highways leading to the fairground remained in use after the fair's closure, and residential development in Queens increased.{{Cite news |last=Porterfield |first=Byron |date=May 1, 1966 |title=Fairs Come and Go but Growth They Spawned Goes On in Queens; Borough 'Discovered' by the Visitors to Expositions—New Roads Help |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1966/05/01/archives/fairs-come-and-go-but-growth-they-spawned-goes-on-in-queens-borough.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}

At the fair's 50th anniversary, a writer for amNewYork Metro wrote it helped influence 21st-century technologies and highlighted Flushing Meadows–Corona Park as an attraction in itself.{{cite web |last=Pereira |first=Ivan |date=April 21, 2014 |title=World's Fair 50th Anniversary Brings Renewed Push for Pavilion Restoration |url=https://www.amny.com/news/world-s-fair-50th-anniversary-brings-renewed-push-for-pavilion-restoration-1-7783882/ |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=amNewYork}} The fair helped popularize several consumer products such as Belgian waffles and the Ford Mustang. The 1964 World's Fair included several exhibits and technologies that were later included in Disney parks;{{cite web |last=Antos |first=Jason D. |date=February 26, 2020 |title=How The 1964 World's Fair Influenced Walt Disney Explored In New Book |url=https://www.qgazette.com/articles/how-the-1964-worlds-fair-influenced-walt-disney-explored-in-new-book/ |access-date=May 24, 2024 |website=Queens Gazette}} for example, the Illinois Pavilion's Audio-Animatronic of Abraham Lincoln was so popular Audio-Animatronics were later added to many Disney rides.{{cite magazine |date=February 9, 1966 |title=Disneyland Sets $23-Mil Expansion; To Install N.Y. World's Fair Exhibits |magazine=Variety |pages=47 |volume=241 |issue=12 |id={{ProQuest|1032431899}}}} Walt Disney designed exhibits at the World's Fair; It's a Small World, the Progressland carousel, and the Magic Skyway were later incorporated into Disney parks.{{cite web | title=Disney history: Disney rides open at World's Fair | website=Orange County Register | date=April 20, 2014 | url=https://www.ocregister.com/2014/04/20/disney-history-disney-rides-open-at-worlds-fair/ | access-date=June 5, 2024}}

The fair has been the subject of documentary films such as The 1964 World's Fair (1996),{{Cite magazine |last=Dick |first=Jeff |date=March 15, 1999 |title=The 1964 World's Fair: Relive the Wonder |magazine=The Booklist |pages=1347–1348 |volume=95 |issue=14 |id={{ProQuest|235408685}}}} After the Fair (2014),{{cite web |date=October 21, 2014 |title=Glenside Couple Creates Documentary About the New York 1964–'65 World's Fair |url=https://www.thereporteronline.com/2014/10/21/photo-gallery-video-glenside-couple-creates-documentary-about-the-new-york-1964-65-worlds-fair/ |access-date=June 6, 2024 |website=The Reporter Online}} and Peace Through Understanding: The 1964–65 New York World's Fair.{{Cite news |last=Leduff |first=Charlie |date=March 17, 1996 |title=Neighborhood Report: Flushing; Preserving The Relics Of the Fairs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/17/nyregion/neighborhood-report-flushing-preserving-the-relics-of-the-fairs.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The fair and its structures have been depicted in popular media; for example, the New York State Pavilion and the Unisphere appear in the films Men in Black and Iron Man 2.For the New York State Pavilion, see {{Cite news |last=De Aenlle |first=Conrad |date=May 1, 2015 |title=World's Fairs and Their Legacies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/arts/international/worlds-fairs-and-their-legacies.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516004843/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/arts/international/worlds-fairs-and-their-legacies.html |archive-date=May 16, 2024 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} For the Unisphere, see {{cite web | title=Famous Movie And Television Locations Around The U.S. | website=CBS New York | date=October 8, 2013 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/famous-movie-and-television-locations-around-the-u-s/ | access-date=June 30, 2024}} Historians have created websites{{Cite news |last=Fountain |first=Henry |date=January 26, 1998 |title=Taking In the Sites; A Virtual Trip to World Fairs Past |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/26/business/taking-in-the-sites-a-virtual-trip-to-world-fairs-past.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and written books about the fair.See, for example: {{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Sam |date=July 27, 2008 |title=A Fair, A Law and the Urban Walker |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/27/nyregion/thecity/27read.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=December 1, 2013 |title=In his 'Sphere' Local author flashes back to 1964 World's Fair |work=New York Daily News |page=3 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|1462680741}}}} The fair has been the subject of several exhibitions at venues including the Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts,{{Cite news |last=Harrison |first=Helen A. |date=July 11, 1985 |title=20-Year Old Perspective on World's Fair |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/11/garden/20year-old-perspective-on-worlds-fair.html |access-date=June 6, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Queens Museum,{{cite news |last=Iverem |first=Esther |date=November 5, 1989 |title=Queens Culture Museum in the Park Recalls World's Fairs |work=Newsday |page=9 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|278141630}} |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Shepard |first=Richard F. |date=December 29, 1989 |title=In Queens, A Look Back At 2 Visions Of the Future |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/12/29/arts/in-queens-a-look-back-at-2-visions-of-the-future.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} Flushing Town Hall, and the Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages.{{Cite news |last=Jacobson |first=Aileen |date=April 1, 2011 |title=Back to the Futurama and the Ferris Wheel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/03/nyregion/03artsli.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} The fair's 50th anniversary in 2014 was celebrated with six months of parties, exhibits, and other events across Queens.{{cite news |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=October 17, 2014 |title=50th Anniversary Bash Ending |work=New York Daily News |page=32 |issn=2692-1251 |id={{ProQuest|1613089662}}}}

Hobbyists have collected memorabilia from the fair,{{cite web |last=Brenzel |first=Kathryn |date=April 22, 2014 |title=World's Fair of 1964 Lives on in New Milford Man's Home, Report Says |url=https://www.nj.com/bergen/2014/04/worlds_fair_of_1964_lives_on_in_new_milford_mans_home_report_says.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |website=The Star-Ledger |via=NJ.com |postscript=none}}; {{Cite news |last=Pace |first=Eric |date=November 13, 1988 |title=World's Fair Buffs Gather in Queens |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1988/11/13/nyregion/world-s-fair-buffs-gather-in-queens.html |access-date=June 7, 2024 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}} and several collectors have founded the World's Fair Collectors Society.{{cite news |last=Caldwell |first=Kelly |date=September 15, 1995 |title=It Happened at The World's Fair: Remembering the 1964–65 Exposition in Flushing Meadows at a Town Hall Exhibit |work=Newsday |page=B25 |issn=2574-5298 |id={{ProQuest|2870133300}}}} Collectors have preserved objects such as bracelets, medallions, ponchos, purses, and pocketknives.{{cite web |last=Yan |first=Ellen |title=World's Fair collectors say time travel is possible, by way of their 1964 memorabilia |website=Newsday |date=June 11, 2024 |url=https://www.newsday.com/lifestyle/family/worlds-fair-1964-collectors-aqz3swcp |access-date=June 15, 2024}} The Smithsonian Institution and Queens Museum also own objects from the World's Fair, and there have been efforts to develop a World's Fair museum.

{{Portal|1960s|New York City|Holidays}}

• Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations – 1853 World's Fair in New York City
• List of world expositions
• List of world's fairs

{{Notelist}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Cite magazine |last=Alpert |first=Hollis |date=Jul 1964 |title=Guide to the New York World's Fair: There's Something for Everyone in the Family at the 1964–'65 New York World's Fair |magazine=Woman's Day |pages=21–28 |issue=7 |id={{ProQuest|1815457600}}}}
• {{Cite Power Broker}}
• {{cite book |last1=Cotter |first1=Bill |last2=Young |first2=Bill |title=The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair: Creation and Legacy |date=July 21, 2008 |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |isbn=978-0-7385-5745-8}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Nicoletta |first=Julie |date=December 1, 2010 |title=Art Out of Place: International Art Exhibits at the New York World's Fair of 1964–1965 |url=https://digitalcommons.tacoma.uw.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1018&context=ias_pub |journal=Journal of Social History |volume=44 |issue=2 |pages=499–519 |doi=10.1353/jsh.2010.0066 |issn=0022-4529}}
• {{cite book |last1=Samuel |first1=Lawrence R. |title=The End of the Innocence: The 1964–1965 New York World's Fair |edition=1st |date=August 30, 2007 |publisher=Syracuse University Press |isbn=978-0-8156-0890-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/endofinnocence190000samu |url-access=registration}}
• {{Cite New York 1960}}
• {{cite book | last=Tirella | first=Joseph | title=Tomorrow-Land: The 1964–65 World's Fair and the Transformation of America | publisher=Lyons Press | year=2013 | isbn=978-1-4930-0333-4 | url=https://archive.org/details/tomorrowland19640000tire/page/n5/mode/2up |url-access=registration}}
• {{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/newyorkworldsfai00time/page/n3/mode/2up |title=New York World's Fair, 1964/1965: Official Souvenir Book |date=1964 |publisher=Time, Inc |editor-last=Wood |editor-first=Norton |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}
• {{cite magazine |date=January 13, 1964 |title=World's Fair '64: a Preview |magazine=Newsweek |pages=43–45 |volume=63 |issue=2 |id={{ProQuest|1879126400}} |ref={{Harvid|Newsweek|1964a}}}}
• {{Cite book |url=https://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/booklets/your-guide-to-fair.pdf |title=Your Guide to the Fair |publisher=The Travelers Insurance Companies |year=1965 |ref={{harvid|The Travelers Insurance Companies|1965}}}}

• {{cite book |last=Bletter |first=Rosemarie Haag |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_aSgQgAACAAJ |title=Remembering the Future: The New York World's Fair from 1939–1964 |author2=Queens Museum |publisher=Rizzoli |year=1989 |isbn=978-0-8478-1122-9}}
• {{Cite magazine |title=The World's Fair |website=American Heritage |url=https://www.americanheritage.com/worlds-fair-1 |first=John Steele |last=Gordon |date=October 2006 |volume=57 |issue=5}}
• {{cite web |last=Taylor |first=Alan |date=June 2, 2014 |title=1964: The New York World's Fair |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2014/06/1964-the-new-york-worlds-fair/100749/ |access-date=May 27, 2024 |website=The Atlantic}}

{{Commons and category|1964 New York World's Fair|1964 New York World's Fair}}

• [http://www.nywf64.com/ 1964/1965 New York World's Fair website – nywf64.com]
• [https://www.worldsfairphotos.com/nywf64/index.htm 1964/1965 New York World's Fair website – worldsfairphotos.com]
• {{cite web | title=New York World's Fair 1964–1965 Corporation records | publisher=New York Public Library | date=April 1, 2013 | url=https://archives.nypl.org/mss/2234 }}
• [https://archive.org/details/1964-65NewYorkWorldsFairGroundbreakingAndDedicationBooklets/ 1964–65 New York World's Fair groundbreaking and dedication booklets]

{{List of world's fairs in the United States}}

{{List of world exhibitions}}

{{Flushing Meadows-Corona Park}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1960s in Queens

Category:1964 in New York City

Category:1964 in science

Category:1965 in New York City

Category:Flushing Meadows–Corona Park

Category:Futurism

Category:New York (state) historical anniversaries

Category:Robert Moses projects

Category:1965 in science