Wonder City of the World
Partner
Poster House
Role
Creative Director
Producer &
Designer
Awards
The Wonder City of the World: New York City Travel Posters exhibition honors the grandeur, complexity, and ever-evolving identity of New York City. Inspired by early 20th-century marketing that crowned it the "Wonder City," this exhibition brings the city's iconic imagery to life through decades of travel posters, showcasing New York as a dynamic global hub.
The exhibition design captures the city's essence—vibrant, contrasting, and constantly in motion. Visitors journey through immersive pathways that evoke distinct neighborhoods and eras, reflecting New York's layered history. The entrance features neon title signage, while exposed structural walls nod to the city's ever-present scaffolding and construction. CNC-cut architectural details on temporary walls—featuring classic, Art Deco, and industrial styles—highlight the city's architectural diversity.
Juxtaposing industrial and organic elements, the design blends vintage posters with contemporary interpretations. Black-and-white vintage photography—featuring iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and the Apollo Theater—celebrates the city's monumental travel destinations for tourists. These photographs, alongside thoughtfully chosen colors and typography that echo the exhibition book, enrich the visitor's experience. Glittering accents reflect the city's flickering lights and the age-old saying that New York’s streets are "paved with gold," while bold architectural motifs inspired by the skyline connect the past and present.
Curated by vintage poster expert Nicholas D. Lowry, the exhibition traces New York’s evolution as a global destination for travelers, immigrants, and dreamers. The exhibition concludes on a solemn note with a World Trade Center poster. Set against a black-on-black wall, with an abstracted floor graphic reminiscent of the two missing towers, this final moment invites quiet reflection, marking a poignant end to the journey through the "Wonder City."
Celebrating the 5th anniversary of Poster House, Wonder City stands as a love letter to New York and its enduring allure.
Photography & videography by Sameul Morgan, courtesy of Poster House