Step Back In Time

Godwin Ternbach Museum

By Michael Rehak

Getting Started

The exterior of Klapper Hall is part of the experience of the museum. Tribune Photo by Michael Rehak

For most aspiring artists, the rise to stardom begins in higher education and at the Godwin Ternbach Museum on the Queens College campus, those on their way up have the opportunity to craft and display their works to the public in a unique facility.

The design of the Klapper Hall building, which houses many student artist renditions, is a worthwhile experience in itself. Founded in 1981 and located just east of the Campbell Dome in the center of campus, Klapper Hall separates itself from many of the other buildings for its dedication to the arts. As you enter the building from the front entrance, an open center space unveils student sculptures with a zigzagging staircase that can take you six floors above.

Digging In

Although there is a center elevator, which opens on each side, a better way to enjoy the facility is by using the unique staircase. Each floor houses classrooms and studios, but there are numerous showcases throughout the hallways. As a noticeable upgrade to the classic elementary school bulletin board, student artists simply paste, staple or display their works. It can even be considered a fight for space at times, as artists post notes asking others not to take up their area because a work is in progress.

After traveling around each floor of the building, be sure to exit on the fourth floor, so you can take a break in the large scale, concrete and immovable circular seating areas, which are randomly situated outside. Each structure is artistically crafted – some larger than others – and are placed even on the stairs and around the terrace. The structures, although almost hidden at first, are a distinct feature to the campus itself and add to the dimensions of what is housed inside.

When you make your way back inside the building, you will find what is currently empty - Room 405, which holds exhibitions throughout the school year. Beginning Sept. 15 and running through Dec. 15, photojournalist Barbara Grover’s, “This Land To Me: Some Call it Palestine, Others Israel,” exhibition will open. It will feature life size photographs, first-person narratives and the voices of the people who share a part of the Middle East where war and conflict has existed for centuries.

The exhibition promises to use “visual art as an educational medium to effect and transform social and political correspondence,” according to the museum’s Web site.

Through the non-profit project, which is supported by the Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Middle East Peace Network, large scale canvas panels will coexist side-by-side with text representing Israelis and Palestinians giving their perspectives on what the land means to them, from all walks of life. There will be lectures, films and open forums led by national figures of Israeli and Palestinian security, diplomacy, public policy and religion – hoping to shed light in Queens of the struggles beyond.

Finishing Up

After taking in the exhibit inside, be sure to go back out onto the terrace. Sit back inside one of the globes, listen to the birds chirping in the trees, and take a moment to digest what you have seen inside. This tranquil spot affords the opportunity to wind down and think before heading back into the hustle of modern-day Queens.

Godwin Ternbach Museum
Klapper Hall, Queens College campus
65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing

Hours of Operation:

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Mon. – Thu.,

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sat.

(718) 997-4747