Accession Number: C.2021.19.2
Dimensions: 1 in X 6.25 in X 6 in
Dimensions (Metric): 2.54 cm X 15.875 cm X 15.24 cm
Credit Line: Gift of Grant Rodriguez Llera, author of "Remember Me: The Passengers and Crew of Flight 93"
Description
Ceramic ashtray with iconic New York City landmarks depicted in the center, including the United Nations building, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, and World Trade Center Twin Towers. "NEW YORK CITY" is printed in the center. The ashtray is circular with three indentations on either side for holding lit cigarettes. Gold-colored detailing accents the indentations.
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.