Exhibitions and Expositions

F

New York World's Fair (1939-1940)

The New York World's Fair of 1939-1940 cost $155 million. The buildings and exhibits, based on the theme of the “World of Tomorrow,” were erected in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, in New York City. The site consisted of swamplands and garbage dumps that had been drained and landscaped to serve as exposition grounds. Two structures, the trylon and perisphere (a triangular needle skyscraper set beside a huge sphere), were erected as architectural symbols. The perisphere enclosed a large model of a future city. More than 57 million persons attended the fair during its two seasons.

G

Brussels’ World's Fair

The next world's fair was held in Brussels in 1958. Its symbol was the so-called Atomium, a structure representing an iron molecule. Participating in the fair, which featured industrial and artistic exhibits as well as dramatic productions, dance recitals, and concerts, were 48 nations and 7 international organizations. An estimated 42 million persons visited the Brussels’ Fair.

H

Century 21 Exposition

The Century 21 Exposition was held in Seattle, Washington, in 1962. The symbol, a tall steel and glass Space Needle, represented the theme of the fair in a preview of the life possible through the advancements of science. Among the exhibitors were 48 foreign countries. The fair attracted more than 9.5 million persons and was the first world's fair to be financially successful in one season.

I

New York World's Fair (1964-1965)

The 300th anniversary of the city of New York was commemorated by the New York World's Fair of 1964-1965. Built on the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park site of the 1939-1940 exposition, the fair was based on the theme “Peace Through Understanding.” Its symbol, the Unisphere, a stainless-steel globe above a reflecting pool, was encircled by three orbits, each representing the path of an artificial satellite. More than $1 billion was invested in the fair. Among the participants were 62 nations, 25 states, and many major industries. About 51.5 million admissions were counted during the two seasons of the fair.

---

---

J

Expo '67

Held in Montréal in 1967, the exposition celebrated the centennial of Canada's confederation, as well as Montréal's 325th anniversary. Built around the theme of “Man and His World,” Expo '67 stressed the increasing urbanization of the population of the world. More than 70 nations participated in the fair, which was visited by approximately 50 million people.