Photo credit: Michael Hnatov
Accession Number: C.2019.50.1
Dimensions: 5.5 in X 2.5 in X 0.5 in
Dimensions (Metric): 13.97 cm X 6.35 cm X 1.27 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Jeff Finnie
Description
Gold-toned ornament depicting the Twin Towers, Statue of Liberty, and a cruise liner in New York City Harbor. A gold metallic airplane dangles from the “WORLD TRADE CENTER” lettering. “NEW YORK N.Y.” is cut out at the bottom of the ornament in matching gold lettering.
Historical Notes
Soon after it was built, the World Trade Center, and specifically the Twin Towers, took on iconic status. Although initially criticized for their architecture of "gigantism," the two soaring towers soon became a landmark, looming large in the public imagination as an icon of New York City’s audacity and vitality. They were seen as a symbol of America itself—a place of possibilities and dreams that defied limitation.
The Twin Towers, one of New York City’s most photographed landmarks, were used in marketing, featured on postcards and souvenirs, and appeared in movies and television.