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45-455: The Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries was a world's fair held in the Bronx , New York City , United States, in 1918. Meant to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Bronx's settlement, it failed to become popular, as the exposition was held during World War I . After the exposition ended, the site was used for an amusement park called Starlight Park . In 1914,
90-540: A universal exhibition or an expo , is a large global exhibition designed to showcase the achievements of nations. These exhibitions vary in character and are held in different parts of the world at a specific site for a period of time, typically between three and six months. The term "world's fair" is commonly used in the United States, while the French term, Exposition universelle ("universal exhibition" )
135-489: A capacity of 2,500,000 U.S. gallons (9,500,000 L), and ranging from 0 to 10 feet (0.0 to 3.0 m) deep. The pool contained diving boards and a wave pool machine at the deep end, as well as a 50-by-55-foot (15 by 17 m) beach with sand brought from Rockaway, Queens . The fair also contained a scenic ridable miniature railway on the Bronx River, a "mountain" exhibit with a 65-foot-tall (20 m) waterfall, and
180-637: A device to manufacture seamless stockings and tights for women. He made a fortune in that business, but failing health forced him to quit. Thompson is best known for his early work developing roller coasters and for inventing the scenic railway genre of rides. He is known as the "Father of the American Roller Coaster" and is often also called the "Father of the Gravity Ride". Over his lifetime, Thompson accumulated nearly thirty patents related to roller coaster technologies. An example
225-531: A former Major League Baseball team, was named for the 1967 fair). From World Expo 88 in Brisbane onwards, countries started to use expositions as a platform to improve their national image through their pavilions. Finland, Japan, Canada, France, and Spain are cases in point. A major study by Tjaco Walvis called "Expo 2000 Hanover in Numbers" showed that improving national image was the main goal for 73% of
270-637: A geographical block to share space (i.e. Plaza of the Americas at Seville '92). In the 21st century the BIE has moved to sanction World Expos every five years; following the numerous expos of the 1980s and 1990s, some see this as a means to cut down potential expenditure by participating nations. The move was also seen by some as an attempt to avoid conflicting with the Summer Olympics . World Expos are restricted to every five years, with Specialized Expos in
315-660: A hotel nearby. LaMarcus Adna Thompson built a roller coaster at the site, while the Eli Bridge Company's Ferris wheel from the Panama–California Exposition was brought over to the Bronx World's Fair. Other attractions included a bathing pavilion that could fit 4,500 people; a convention center; and 15 large pavilions, including Chinese and North Sea-themed pavilions, as well as those for fine arts, liberal arts, and American achievements. Plans for
360-444: A precise theme—such as "Green Desert, Better Environment" ( International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha Qatar ), "Growing Green Cities" ( Floriade 2022 ), or "Building a Beautiful Home Featuring Harmonious Coexistence between Man and Nature" ( Expo 2019 ). The purpose of these exhibitions is to foster cooperation and the sharing of knowledge and solutions between countries, horticultural producers and agricultural industries by addressing
405-509: A true world's fair did not materialize. The only country to actually exhibit there was Brazil. As a result, the fair failed after its first year, and the attractions were repurposed into Starlight Park , an amusement park that continued to operate through the mid-1930s. The "exhibition hall" became an ice rink and dance hall, and more amusement attractions were added. In December 1920 the Bronx Expositions Corporation
450-588: A typical universal exposition: national pavilions and exhibits concerning technology and/or the future, along with more typical amusement park rides. Meanwhile, several of the 1964 attractions that were relocated to Disneyland have been duplicated at the Walt Disney World Resort . Occasionally other mementos of the fairs remain. In the New York City Subway system, signs directing people to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park remain from
495-558: Is the patent granted December 22, 1884 for the Gravity Switch-back Railway . Thompson's work built upon an earlier patent for an "Inclined Plane Railway", filed in 1878 by Richard Knudson. Thompson's breakthrough ride was the "Gravity Switchback Railway ", which opened at Coney Island in 1884. A (6 mph) ride cost 5 cents. In 1887, along with designer James A. Griffiths, he opened the Scenic Railway on
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#1732781020826540-613: Is used in most of Europe and Asia; other terms include World Expo or Specialised Expo , with the word expo used for various types of exhibitions since at least 1958. Since the adoption of the 1928 Convention Relating to International Exhibitions, the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions has served as an international sanctioning body for international exhibitions; four types of international exhibition are organised under its auspices: World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos (regulated by
585-656: The 1964 New York World's Fair (which was held over into 1965) were moved to Disneyland after the closing of the Fair. Many of the rides, including " It's a Small World ", and " Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln ", as well as the building that housed the Carousel of Progress are still in operation. The concept of a permanent world's fair came to fruition with the Disney Epcot theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort , near Orlando, Florida . Epcot has many characteristics of
630-733: The Eiffel Tower , built for the Exposition Universelle (1889) . Although it is now the most recognized symbol of its host city Paris , there were contemporary critics opposed to its construction, and demands for it to be dismantled after the fair's conclusion. Other structures that remain from these fairs: Some world's fair sites became (or reverted to) parks incorporating some of the expo elements, such as: Some pavilions have been transported overseas intact: The Brussels Expo '58 relocated many pavilions within Belgium :
675-727: The International Association of Horticultural Producers ), and the Milan Triennial . Astana , Kazakhstan , held the most recent Specialised Expo in 2017 while Dubai , United Arab Emirates , hosted World Expo 2020 (which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic ) and Doha , Qatar hosted Horticultural Expo in 2023 . In 1791, Prague organized the first World's Fair in Bohemia (modern-day Czech Republic ). The first industrial exhibition
720-552: The New York City borough of the Bronx was separated from New York County (which included Manhattan ) to become Bronx County. At the time, the borough was growing quickly due to the expansion of the subway , and the Bronx Borough Courthouse had just been completed. To draw attention to the newly independent county, numerous persons sought to create a world's fair in the borough. The West Farms area on
765-776: The Panama–Pacific International Exposition in 1914, signed a 21-year lease for the site. Although planning for the fair coincided with the start of World War I in August 1914, organizers believed that the war would be over quickly. However, when a groundbreaking ceremony was hosted on August 1, 1916, the war was still ongoing, and news of the groundbreaking was overshadowed by the Black Tom explosion in New York Harbor , which had occurred two days prior. The U.S. Congress refused to provide funding for
810-461: The telephone were first presented during this era. This era set the basic character of the world fair. The 1939–1940 New York World's Fair , and those that followed, took a different approach, one less focused on technology and aimed more at cultural themes and social progress. For instance, the theme of the 1939 fair was "Building the World of Tomorrow"; at the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair , it
855-664: The "Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations" was held in the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, London , United Kingdom. The Great Exhibition , as it is often called, was an idea of Prince Albert , Queen Victoria 's husband, and is usually considered to be the first international exhibition of manufactured products. It influenced the development of several aspects of society, including art-and-design education, international trade and relations, and tourism. This expo
900-509: The 1964–1965 event. In the Montreal Metro subway at least one tile artwork of its theme, "Man and His World", remains. Also, a seemingly endless supply of souvenir items from fair visits can be found, and in the United States, at least, often turn up at garage or estate sales. Many fairs and expos produced postage stamps and commemorative coins . LaMarcus Adna Thompson LaMarcus Adna Thompson (March 8, 1848 – May 8, 1919)
945-667: The Boardwalk in Atlantic City, N.J. Thompson's scenic railway concept initially was intended to give riders a scenic view of the surrounding landscape; later, Thompson created elaborate painted backgrounds and scenes so that riders would feel like they were touring the Swiss Alps or other foreign landscapes. Thompson was managing director of the L. A. Thompson Scenic Railway Company, 220 West 42nd St., incorporated in 1895. Thompson's scenic railways were immensely popular during
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#1732781020826990-547: The Dutch economy. It also identified several key success factors for world-exposition pavilions in general. At present there are two types of international exhibition: World Expos (formally known as International Registered Exhibitions) and Specialised Expos (formally known as International Recognised Exhibitions). World Expos, previously known as universal expositions, are the biggest category events. At World Expos, participants generally build their own pavilions. They are therefore
1035-633: The countries participating in Expo 2000 . Pavilions became a kind of advertising campaign, and the Expo served as a vehicle for "nation branding". According to branding expert Wally Olins , Spain used Expo '92 and the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona in the same year to underscore its new position as a modern and democratic country and to show itself as a prominent member of the European Union and
1080-496: The east bank of the Bronx River at 177th Street and Devoe Avenue. Amusement park rides and exhibition halls operated next to each other. The free attractions at the Bronx World's Fair included various sideshows such as a "Comedy Circus"; the Lunette Sisters; performances by high-diver Kearney P. Speedy; and a "monkey cabaret". Another attraction at the fair was the submarine USS Holland . The fair's initial intention
1125-559: The first and second decade of the 1900s, and his company operated six major scenic railways at Coney Island alone during that time. Dozens of scenic railways operated throughout the U.S. and in Europe. Eventually, the scenic railway was eclipsed by faster and more thrilling roller coaster rides made possible by improvements in roller coaster safety technology. Thompson died at his home, Thompson Park, Glen Cove, Long Island , on May 8, 1919, at age 71. This United States biographical article
1170-502: The global community. At Expo 2000 Hanover, countries created their own architectural pavilions, investing, on average, €12 million each. Given these costs, governments are sometimes hesitant to participate, because the benefits may not justify the costs. However, while the effects are difficult to measure, an independent study for the Dutch pavilion at Expo 2000 estimated that the pavilion (which cost around €35 million) generated around €350 million of potential revenues for
1215-655: The host committee and participants because the architectural fees are lower and they only have to customize pavilion space provided free of charge from the Organiser, usually with the prefabricated structure already completed. Countries then have the option of "adding" their own colours, design etc. to the outside of the prefabricated structure and filling in the inside with their own content. Horticultural Expos (formally known as A1 International Horticultural Exhibitions) are co-regulated by International Association of Horticultural Producers . Like Specialised Expos are organized in
1260-494: The in-between years. Specialized Expos (formally known as International Recognized Exhibitions) are usually united by a precise theme—such as "Future Energy" ( Expo 2017 Astana ), "The Living Ocean and Coast" ( Expo 2012 Yeosu ), or "Leisure in the Age of Technology" ( Brisbane , Expo '88 ). Such themes are more specific than the wider scope of world expositions. Specialized Expos are usually smaller in scale and cheaper to run for
1305-522: The lawsuit was unknown and McGarvie died in 1922. The United States Army took over the site between 1942 and 1946, while the northeastern part of the site became the West Farms Depot of MTA Regional Bus Operations . In the late 1950s, a city park called Starlight Park opened on the riverbank opposite the original amusement park and exhibition site. Notes Citations Sources World%27s fair A world's fair , also known as
1350-686: The most extravagant and most expensive expos. Their duration may be between six weeks and six months. Since 1995, the interval between two World Expos has been at least five years. World Expo 2015 was held in Milan, Italy, from 1 May to 31 October 2015. Specialised Expos are smaller in scope and investments and generally shorter in duration; between three weeks and three months. Previously, these Expos were called Special Exhibitions or International Specialized Exhibitions but these terms are no longer used officially. Their total surface area must not exceed 25 hectares (62 acres) and organizers must build pavilions for
1395-472: The paramount issues of healthy lifestyles, green economies, sustainable living, education and innovation. List of official world expositions (Universal and International/Specialised/Horticultural) according to the Bureau International des Expositions . Most of the structures are temporary and are dismantled after the fair closes, except for landmark towers. By far the most famous of these is
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1440-496: The participating states, free of rent, charges, taxes and expenses. The largest country pavilions may not exceed 1,000 m ( 1 ⁄ 4 acre). Only one Specialised Expo can be held between two World Expos. An additional two types of international exhibition may be recognized by the BIE: horticultural exhibitions, which are joint BIE and AIPH-sanctioned 'garden' fairs in which participants present gardens and garden pavilions; and
1485-480: The pavilion of Jacques Chocolats moved to the town of Diest to house the new town swimming pool. Another pavilion was relocated to Willebroek and has been used as dance hall Carré ever since. One smaller pavilion still stands on the boulevard towards the Atomium : the restaurant "Salon 58" in the pavilion of Comptoir Tuilier. Many exhibitions and rides created by Walt Disney and his WED Enterprises company for
1530-564: The semi-regular Milan Triennial (not always held every third year) art and design exhibition, held in Milan, Italy , with the BIE granting official international exhibition status to 14 editions of the Triennale between 1996 and 2016. World Expos (formally known as International Registered Exhibitions) encompass universal themes that affect the full gamut of human experience, and international and corporate participants are required to adhere to
1575-432: The theme in their representations. Registered expositions are held every 5 years because they are more expensive as they require total design of pavilion buildings from the ground up. As a result, nations compete for the most outstanding or memorable structure—for example Japan, France, Morocco, and Spain at Expo '92 . Sometimes prefabricated structures are used to minimize costs for developing countries, or for countries from
1620-473: The west bank of the Bronx River , in the south-central part of the Bronx, was seen as an optimal site for such a fair, as it was located close to the subway and could be accessed by ferries. The site had originally contained the estate of politician William Waldorf Astor . The fair was also intended to inspire real estate development in the area. The project's director, Harry F. McGarvie , who had worked at
1665-489: The world's fair due to the ongoing war and issues with the proposed large Latin American buildings at the fair. The New York, Westchester and Boston Railway declined to build a train station for the fair, even though the railroad's line ran right next to the fair site. In November 1917, the organizers bought land on Tremont Avenue to create an entrance for the fair. The job employed over 400 workers. The Bronx World's Fair
1710-560: The years from 1850 to 1938. In these years, world expositions were largely focused on trade and displayed technological advances and inventions. World expositions were platforms for state-of-the-art science and technology from around the world. The world expositions of 1851 London , 1853 New York , 1862 London , 1876 Philadelphia , Paris 1878 , 1888 Barcelona , 1889 Paris , 1891 Prague , 1893 Chicago , 1897 Brussels , 1900 Paris , 1904 St. Louis , 1915 San Francisco , and 1933–1934 Chicago were notable in this respect. Inventions such as
1755-550: Was "Peace Through Understanding"; at the 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal, it was "Man and His World". These fairs encouraged effective intercultural communication along with sharing of technological innovation. The 1967 International and Universal Exposition in Montreal was promoted under the name Expo 67 . Event organizers retired the term world's fair in favor of Expo (the Montreal Expos ,
1800-540: Was an American inventor and businessman most famous for developing a variety of gravity rides and roller coasters . Thompson was born in Jersey, Licking County, Ohio on March 8, 1848. His parents were Adna Thompson (father), and Nancy D Thompson (mother). He had a brother named Olvid. In his adolescence, he became a skilled carpenter. In 1873 he began operating a grocery store in Elkhart, Indiana . There he began designing
1845-691: Was on the occasion of the coronation of Leopold II as king of Bohemia . The exhibition was held in the Clementinum , and celebrated the considerable sophistication of manufacturing methods in the Czech lands during that time period. France had a tradition of national exhibitions , which culminated with the French Industrial Exposition of 1844 held in Paris . This fair was followed by other national exhibitions in Europe. In 1851,
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1890-445: Was originally supposed to open on May 30, 1918, one year after the Bronx's 300th anniversary of its settlement, and was to run for five months per year. At the time, they expected that the fair could be converted into a permanent attraction after 1918, and it was marketed as the city's first "permanent exposition". The actual opening was not until the following month. The fair was located on a 28-acre (11 ha) site at Exposition Park on
1935-418: Was the precedent for the many international exhibitions, later called World Expos , that have continued to be held to the present time. The character of world fairs, or expositions, has evolved since the first one in 1851. Three eras can be distinguished: the era of industrialization, the era of cultural exchange, and the era of nation branding. The first era, the era of "industrialization", roughly covered
1980-514: Was the subject of a breach of contract lawsuit filed by Exposition Catering, which at the time was one of the largest lawsuits filed in the entertainment industry. According to the lawsuit, the Expositions Corporation had failed to uphold a contract to build an elaborate entrance, a convention center, and a permanent exposition, and had instead erected "a cheap amusement park" because of their mismanagement of money. The outcome of
2025-432: Was to "attract foreign trade to this country after the war." Organizers had received applications from numerous countries to host exhibits at the fair. The organizers also planned for dozens of buildings to eventually be erected at the fair; estimates ranged from 70 to more than 100. The swimming pool at the Bronx World's Fair was marketed as the world's largest saltwater pool, measuring 300 by 350 feet (91 by 107 m) with
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