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February 14, 2026

‘I cut out one little house at a time’: the trucker who spent decades building a tiny replica of NYC

Queens-born Joe Macken’s hyperrealistic model, made with wood, cardboard and glue, is now on view at the Museum of the City of New York

‘I cut out one little house at a time’: the trucker who spent decades building a tiny replica of NYC

TL;DR

  • Joe Macken spent 23 years building a detailed wooden and cardboard model of New York City.
  • The project began after a miniature bridge he built was destroyed during a move.
  • Macken's model includes replicas of all five boroughs, including both the original and One World Trade Center.
  • The finished model measures 50 by 27 feet and is made of wood, cardboard, and glue.
  • The model is currently on display at the Museum of the City of New York.
  • The museum arranges the model from north to south, emphasizing the outer boroughs.
  • The model gained viral attention on TikTok before being acquired by the museum.

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