On this day in 1900 the Exposition Universelle began in Paris.

At the end of the 19th and 20th century many famous world fairs (or expositions) took place in major cities in the Western world. Usually they would take place every 2-4 years for about half a year. At these exhibitions countries showcased technological innovations, other achievements and their culture. Inventions featured at this exposition in Paris were among others the escalator and talking film.

Host countries would erect grand structures in a designated area of the city to impress visitors from all over the world. Famous examples are the Eiffel Tower from the 1889 exposition in Paris and the Crystal Palace bulit for the first world exhibition in 1851 in London which unfortunately burnt down.

World expositions were a typical product of the industrialising and fast-changing world of the 19th century. They still take place, the next one will be in Dubai this year if the pandemic permits it, but they receive far less attention. It would be cool to attend one though! 

Originally posted on Instagram on April 14, 2021