I seem to remember that a scale model of NYC was built for one of the world fairs. There were elevated platforms that were built to allow people to view the model.
There's a large aerial photograph of Washington, DC, in the National Air and Space Museum, partially laid out on the floor. It's part of an exhibit about spy satellites and aerial reconnaissance.
There's no viewing platform above it -- the most you can do is stand next to it. But, maybe there's something similar of NYC somewhere?
Still on view at the Queens Museum when last I checked. They keep it updated with building changes.
But the fuzziness on this pic indicates distance — pics of this model would be sharp and close.