Souvenir mug commemorating the 1893 Columbian Exposition, held in Chicago, Illinois. The mug features the Fair's Agricultural Building.
The 1893 Worlds' Columbian Exposition was an assertive statement about American culture and identity. Celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' arrival in the New World. The fair was created by American business, political and artistic leaders to exhibit American progress and to proclaim America's arrival as an economic and cultural force on the world scene. The Columbian Exposition's centerpiece was the remarkable Ferris Wheel, invented and designed to challenge the 1889 Paris Exposition's Eiffel Tower as the world's most modern wonder. The Fair was an enormous success, having 27 million visitors during its May through October run.
In addition to exhibits relating to agriculture, science and industry, the Fair hosted a variety of cultural displays, including an exhibit of American art and performances from artists such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and John Philip Sousa. The exotic Midway attractions featured performers such as ragtime pianist Scott Joplin and the dancer Little Egypt.
The African American community was essentially excluded except as performers and for the allowance of a single day for coloreds only. Black leaders disagreed on the proper response to this slight, some encouraging participation, while others demanding a change in policy, continuing America's ongoing national discussion about racial representation and exclusion.
Souvenir mug commemorating the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations. Mug reads A Present from the Crystal Palace.
The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, or Great Exhibition, was held in England in 1851. Considered the first World's Fair, the exposition showcased international industrial advancements as well as artistic and cultural products.
25 countries, including the United States, participated in the event, popularly referred to as the The Crystal Palace Exhibition, after the immense (1,851 feet long, 128 feet high) glass and iron building constructed in London's Hyde Park to house over 14,000 exhibitors.
Between May and October 1851, The Great Exhibition attracted about 40,000 daily visitors, for a total of six million guests.
Following the conclusion of the Exhibition, the Crystal Palace was dismantled and relocated to another area of London whose environs were eventually renamed after the building. The palace was destroyed in a fire in 1936.
Souvenir mug from the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations.
The Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, or Great Exhibition, was held in England in 1851. Considered the first World's Fair, the exposition showcased international industrial advancements as well as artistic and cultural products.
25 countries, including the United States, participated in the event, popularly referred to as the The Crystal Palace Exhibition, after the immense (1,851 feet long, 128 feet high) glass and iron building constructed in London's Hyde Park to house over 14,000 exhibitors.
Between May and October 1851, The Great Exhibition attracted about 40,000 daily visitors, for a total of six million guests.
Following the conclusion of the Exhibition, the Crystal Palace was dismantled and relocated to another area of London whose environs were eventually renamed after the building. The palace was destroyed in a fire in 1936.
