How the ‘World’s Fair’ Has Celebrated International Achievements for Over 150 Years

New York World's Fair 1964-1965

For over 150 years, the public has been inspired by and in awe of the world's fair. Since making its grand debut in Victorian London, the international spectacle has celebrated the achievements of countries across the globe, including industrial inventions, scientific advancements, and cultural contributions.

From the beautiful Eiffel Tower to a beloved ride at Disneyland, many attractions from some of the most significant world's fairs remain prevalent and popular today. Before we explore these expositions, however, let's take a look at how the world's fair came to be.

History

Inspired by a string of national exhibitions in 18th and 19th-century Britain, London hosted the first world's fair, The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, in 1851. With a focus on both enlightening and entertaining, this exposition showcased the industry of nations around the world, introducing audiences to “exotic” ideas and paving the way for future world's fairs.

Since this inaugural event, over 100 world's fairs have been held in over 20 countries. Many famous figures across all creative and commercial disciplines have exhibited work at these expositions, including Modernisme master Antoni Gaudí and pioneer of Surrealism Salvador Dalí.

What is the World's Fair History

The Unisphere, symbol of the New York 1964-65 World's Fair (Photo: Everett Collection via Shutterstock)

Notable World's Fairs

 

The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in 1851

What is the World's Fair History

Photo: Read & Co. Engravers & Printers via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Housed in Hyde Park's specially-made glass-and-iron Crystal Palace, the “Great Exhibition” put international expositions on the map. The event took place between May 1 and October 15, 1851, and was planned and executed by British inventor Sir Henry Cole and Prince Albert. This show placed an emphasis on new technologies—including an early model of the fax machine and an advanced telescope—as well as extraordinary curiosities, like a rare Celtic brooch and the world's largest diamond.

What is the World's Fair History

Photo: V&A via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain {PD-1923}

The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations was such a success that leftover funds were used to build the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum, and the Natural History Museum—all of which remain major London attractions today.

 

The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893

What is the World's Fair History

Photo: Travalance via Wikimedia Commons Public Domain

Between May 1 and October 30, 1893, Chicago hosted the World's Columbian Exposition. As this event was held to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus‘ American arrival, its most popular exhibit showcased life-sized replicas of his three ships.

It also boasted an array of rides, including the world's first ferris wheel and a moveable walkway. Additionally, the World's Columbian Exposition was the first to feature international pavilions, an important element of fairs to follow.

What is the World's Fair History

Daniel Chester French's Statue of the Republic in basin at the World's Columbian Exposition (Photo: Everett Historical via Shutterstock Royalty-free stock photo)

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Kelly Richman-Abdou

Kelly Richman-Abdou is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. An art historian living in Paris, Kelly was born and raised in San Francisco and holds a BA in Art History from the University of San Francisco and an MA in Art and Museum Studies from Georgetown University. When she’s not writing, you can find Kelly wandering around Paris, whether she’s leading a tour (as a guide, she has been interviewed by BBC World News America and France 24) or simply taking a stroll with her husband and two tiny daughters.
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