Midtown Plaza, Rochester NY 1963

This authentic 1960s colour photograph, captured in 1963, showcases the iconic Clock of the Nations located in the heart of Midtown Plaza in Rochester, New York. The archival image highlights the mall’s spacious, multi-level interior court, designed by architect Victor Gruen. The centerpiece is the famous clock, which features twelve animated capsules representing different nations, topped by a decorative white finial. The surrounding concourse is defined by massive white support pillars, a slatted ceiling that allowed for natural light, and elegant glass-railed balconies. Shops such as Lincoln Rochester Trust Company are visible on the upper level, while the lower level serves as a bustling pedestrian plaza with mid-century benches and planters. Midtown Plaza made history upon its opening in 1962 as the first indoor urban shopping mall in the United States, providing a climate-controlled retail environment intended to revitalize the city’s downtown core. While the mall was demolished in 2010 to make way for the Midtown Commons redevelopment, the Clock of the Nations was preserved and currently resides at the Greater Rochester International Airport. This factual record captures the mid-century modern grandeur of a pioneering piece of American urban architecture. All our images are available as royalty-free instant downloads for use in books, media, and creative projects – or make your own prints for home, work, or as a truly unique gift.