Rediscovered: Rare World Cup Posters Find a Home in Meatpacking

Tucked inside La Belle Epoque on Eighth Avenue is a remarkable collection that brings together art, history, and one of the world's most celebrated sporting events.

As New York welcomes visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the longtime Meatpacking gallery is showcasing original World Cup posters spanning two landmark tournaments, including official artwork from 1994, the last time the United States hosted the competition, and a recently rediscovered collection created for the 1982 World Cup in Spain.

The collection's most intriguing story begins with the 1982 posters.

Commissioned from 15 artists to celebrate the diverse regions and cultures of Spain, the posters were unexpectedly rejected by tournament organizers before they were ever displayed. Rather than being distributed, they disappeared for decades.

"The reason they have survived and are in such incredible condition is these posters were never used," said Molly of La Belle Epoque. "Rejected by organizers at the time, the posters disappeared and have only been rediscovered."

The collection also includes the tournament's official poster by celebrated Spanish artist Joan Miró, completed shortly before his passing and recognized as one of his final public works.

Another highlight is an official 1994 World Cup poster by Peter Max, who was named an Official Artist by FIFA for the tournament. With the World Cup returning to the United States this summer, the artwork serves as a reminder of the country's last time on the global stage.

Established in 1985, La Belle Epoque specializes in authentic vintage posters, advertising art, and original ephemera dating from the 1880s through the early 2000s. Every piece in the gallery is guaranteed to be an original.

"We love what we do," Molly said. "We hope locals and visitors stop by to explore our collection of posters that date from the 1880s to the 2000s. For soccer fans, this collection is an amazing opportunity to view and even acquire a piece of art and sporting history."

More than four decades after they were created, these posters have found a new audience in Meatpacking, where art, history, and design continue to spark conversation.