A Jet Age Icon Is Threatened

Press Conference

The Municipal Art Society and Architects Philip Johnson, Robert A.M. Stern, and Peter Samton Call for the Protection of Eero Saarinen's TWA Terminal Tuesday, August 14 at 11:00 a.m. at the Municipal Art Society

The Municipal Art Society of New York (MAS), Philip Johnson, Robert A.M. Stern, Peter Samton and other noted architects and preservationists will rally at the Municipal Art Society to call for the protection of Eero Saarinen's landmarked masterwork - the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport. The press conference precedes a public briefing session at the Landmarks Preservation Commission, where the Port Authority will present its alteration plans.

As part of the expansion of JFK, The Port Authority plans to demolish the terminal’s gates, which are distinctive elements of Saarinen’s design; strip the building of its aviation use; and relinquish responsibility for its preservation and restoration to an undetermined future tenant. The MAS is calling for the Port Authority to take immediate responsibility for the preservation of the building, and for its continued use as a functioning part of the airport.

WHAT: Noted Architects and preservationists, including Philip Johnson, Robert A.M. Stern, Peter Samton and others, call for the protection of Eero Saarinen's TWA Terminal at JFK. Invited speakers include architects James Stewart Polshek, Kevin Roche, Norval White and representatives of civic organizations including the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

DATE: Tuesday, August 14, 2001

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: The MAS - Urban Center - 457 Madison Avenue (at 51st Street)

CONTACT: Vicki Weiner / Linda G. Miller, Municipal Art Society, 212.935.3960;
Lloyd Kaplan, Linden Alschuler & Kaplan, 212.575.4545 /

The Municipal Art Society (www.mas.org) is a private, non-profit membership organization whose mission is to promote a more livable city. Since 1893, the Society has worked to enrich the culture, neighborhoods and physical design of New York City. The MAS advocates for excellence in urban planning, contemporary architecture, historic preservation and public art.