This weekend, more than 500 visitors came out for the opening of the Coney Island History Project’s latest show, “The Astroland Archives Photography Exhibit: Back to the Future.” The exhibition recounts the park’s 40-year history from its Space Age birth — burgeoning with sci-fi themed rides — until today.
Tricia Vita, the project’s administrative director, told GO Brooklyn that photos of the inner machinery of the Astrotower, a ride added in 1964, were a hit with many visitors.
In addition to photographs, Project Director Charles Denson (pictured) said that the exhibit now features hand-sketched plans for the original park and will soon feature vintage promotional materials, too.
The show, which coincides with the heated public debate — and fears — over Coney Island’s fate, made us yearn for Astroland’s heyday.
“The Astroland Archives Photography Exhibit: Back to the Future” is on display now through Sept. 1 at the Coney Island History Project (1000 Surf Ave. at 10th Street). Admission is free. For hours, call (718) 266-0012 or visit www.coneyislandhistory.org.
