A truck driver built a model of NYC with over 800,000 structures for fun. Now it's a museum exhibit

Joe Macken, a truck driver and native of New York City, has debuted a massive scale model of the city as a museum exhibit. Over the course of more than two decades, Macken constructed the model during his free time using materials such as balsa wood and foam board, ultimately creating a display featuring over 800,000 individual structures.

The project transitioned from a private hobby to a public installation after Macken’s daughter encouraged him to showcase the sprawling creation. The model, which occupies significant space, is now being presented to the public following years of meticulous work.