At the 1964–65 World's Fair, millions filed past Michelangelo's Pietà at the Vatican Pavilion in Flushing Meadows, and Pope Paul VI visited it during his 1965 trip to New York. Today a memorial marks the spot, and on these Sunday mornings it becomes an open-air place of prayer. If you want a quiet, devotional start to the weekend, or are curious about one of the park's lesser-known World's Fair sites, this is it.
What to expect
Expect a gathering of worshippers at the Vatican Pavilion site in the old World's Fair grounds, joining in an hour of communal prayer and devotion in the open air. It's a religious observance rather than a tour or performance, so the mood is reverent and quiet; visitors who come to pray are the focus.
Good to know
- Take the 7 train to Mets–Willets Point or 111 St and walk into the park toward the Unisphere and the World's Fair grounds.
- It's outdoors with little shelter, so dress for the weather and consider bringing a folding chair.
- This is a worship gathering: keep voices low and ask before photographing participants.
- The surrounding park has paved paths and is broadly accessible; restrooms are available elsewhere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
- Make a morning of it with the Unisphere and Queens Museum nearby.
Going? Keep it.
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Common questions
What is a Holy Hour?
In Catholic tradition, a Holy Hour is a devotional hour set aside for prayer. This one takes place outdoors as a communal gathering at the Vatican Pavilion site.
What was the Vatican Pavilion?
It was the Vatican's pavilion at the 1964–65 New York World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, famous for displaying Michelangelo's Pietà. Pope Paul VI visited it in October 1965, and a memorial now marks the site in the park.
How do I get there by subway?
Take the 7 train to Mets–Willets Point or 111 St and walk into Flushing Meadows Corona Park toward the World's Fair grounds around the Unisphere.
