The Mayor of the City of New York Officially Proclaims Saturday April 26 2025 in the City of New York as Art Deco Society of New York Day
Commissioner of the City of New York Office of Media and Entertainment Pat Swinney Kaufman, presented Roberta Nusim and the Art Deco Society of New York with the following Mayor's Proclamation:
Whereas, As a former colonial port city that evolved into a contemporary metropolis, New York boasts an extraordinary history, and we are grateful to all those who work to safeguard its rich heritage, including the leadership and members of the Art Deco Society of New York (ADSNY).
Today I am pleased to join this outstanding organization as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes (International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrials Arts) in Paris, France, which launched the Art Deco movement that quickly spread across the globe and left a lasting positive impact on our cities, skyline and cultural fabric.
Whereas Art Deco’s bold modernity, sleekness and sophistication was ideal for New York during its booming jazz age. Our city soon transformed into the Deco capital of the world and the proud home to an array of iconic skyscrapers constructed during the 1920s and 1930s most notably, the Empire State and Chrysler buildings when this international trend influenced everything from advertising, architecture, and automobiles, ocean liners and trains to fashion, furniture, Hollywood movies, jewelry, and more. There remain several stunning Deco apartment buildings in the Big Apple, especially in upper Manhattan, Washington Heights and Inwood and along the Bronx‘s Grand Concourse. The style’s distinctive motif can also be found in local houses of worship, parks, public plazas, schools and subway stations. Established in 1980 ADSNY excels at fostering appreciation, conservation and understanding of all things deco. It also champions landmark preservation and fights against the needless demolition of important structures. The Society's comprehensive offerings include tours, talks and a variety of in-person and online events. In 2014 it launched its New York Art Deco registry and map, the first digital catalog of notable commercial, municipal and residential buildings in the five boroughs built in that stunning genre.
Whereas to mark the Centennial of the 1925 exposition and the birth of Deco, ADSNY is hosting a thoughtfully curated immersive weekend of events for enthusiasts from near and far. The lineup features programs led by acclaimed historians and visits to exquisite treasures in Manhattan, such as the Waldorf Astoria, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and muralist Hildreth Meière's Red Room at one Wall Street as well as the Fish Building in the Bronx, the Marine Air terminal in Queens and the Brooklyn Central library among other significant destinations. As you gather to mark Art Deco's Centennial, I applaud everyone associated with ADSNY for their efforts to protect and promote gems that exemplify the boundless ambition and industrial spirit that define our diverse city. Together, we look forward to the many ways the enduring legacy of this 20th century aesthetic will continue to inspire New Yorkers and visitors of all backgrounds for generations to come.
Now, therefore I Eric Adams mayor of the city of New York do hereby proclaim Saturday, April 26, 2025 in the city of New York as:
ART DECO SOCIETY OF NEW YORK DAY.
