The World's Fair, 125 Years Later
Meet Me in Paris. Postcard from the 1933 World’s Fair. Kaufmann & Fabry Photo, 1933.
This year marks 125 years since Chicago hosted the illustrious World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. At the end of September, the Newberry Library opened the exhibition Pictures from an Exposition: Visualizing the 1893 World’s Fair as part of Art Design Chicago, showcasing a trove of World’s Fair ephemera from their extensive collection.
Pictures from an Exposition is just one of many related programs. Over the next few months, Art Design Chicago and our cultural partners are delving into different aspects of the monumental event—from nostalgia to critique—for fair enthusiasts of all levels across the city.
Emilo Rojas performing Memorial to an Unbuild Monument and/or A Litany of Reduction at EXPO Chicago 2017
NEW—Emilio Rojas on the 1893 World’s Fair
Curator Tricia Van Eck interviews Chicago-based artist Emilio Rojas for the Art Design Chicago Storytelling Series, a live podcast taping at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. Emilio's current project critically examines the fair's history and influence. His work is featured in the exhibition Living Architecture, on view now at 6018North as part of Art Design Chicago.
Listen here.
“Harmony Reigns at the World’s Fair,” from Puck Magazine, 1893
October 17, 6–7:30 p.m.
Music at the 1893 World’s Fair
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
What role did music play at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893? Stop by the Newberry Library for a special musical performance featuring original compositions written for and performed at the fair in the late 19th century, then stroll through the accompanying exhibition Pictures from an Exposition: Visualizing the 1893 World's Fair.
Tiffany And Gorham Exhibits-Manufactures Building from Official Views Of The World’s Columbian Exposition, by C. D. Arnold and H. D. Higinbotham, 1893.
On view through January 6
Treasures from the White City: The Chicago World’s Fair of 1893
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 East Erie Street, Chicago
Displaying original objects and memorabilia shown at the fair, this exhibition includes photographs, prints, and more. The objects are drawn from the Museum’s permanent collection, as well as the Richard H. Driehaus private collection, and are exhibited in two galleries in the Nickerson Mansion, the building that now houses the Museum, which not only stood during the World’s Fair in 1893 but also hosted a large reception to celebrate the event.
Hubert Howe Bancroft, "A Summer Day at the Exposition," from "The Book of the Fair," Chicago; San Francisco: The Bancroft Co., 1893. The Newberry Library, Call No. Case oversize R 1832 .07
On view through December 31
Pictures from an Exposition: Visualizing the 1893 World's Fair
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
Featuring manuscripts, books, and ephemera from the Newberry Library’s extensive collection, Pictures from an Exposition explores the fair’s tremendous power of attraction, from past to present.
Cover, The Most Magical World's Fair! by Laura Montenegro.
November 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
Second Saturday in November: Crafting the World's Fair*
Featuring: Laura Montenegro, author of The Most Magical World’s Fair
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
Join the Newberry in a unique interactive reading and crafting workshop that brings to life the World’s Fair and the mix of cultures it fostered. What clothes do they love to wear? What games do they love to play? What do they dream about? Author and artist Laura Nyman Montenegro reads her book The Most Magical World’s Fair and leads children in a craft project inspired by the historic exposition.
*Presented as part of Near North Design Day, a day of exploration and hands-on design activities for all ages at multiple cultural institutions on Chicago’s Near North Side.
“Travels on the ‘Midway’: A Trip to Egypt,” from Puck Magazine, 1893. The Newberry Library.
November 10, 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
Middle Eastern Dance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition*
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
Maiver de la Cruz, Visiting Professor of Dance at Oberlin College, discusses the history of belly dance and the way it was adapted to American tastes at the fair. Following the lecture, Erika Ochoa, a Chicago-based Middle Eastern dancer, demonstrates the Ghawazee style dance as fair-goers would have experienced it in addition to other traditional styles of dance. The program closes with a workshop on belly dance for beginners. Registration is required by Saturday, November 10.
*Presented as part of Near North Design Day, a day of exploration and hands-on design activities for all ages at multiple cultural institutions on Chicago’s Near North Side.
The Nutcracker performed by The Joffrey Ballet.
December 4, 6–7:30 p.m.
Christmas at the Fair: The Joffrey's New Nutcracker
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
Travel back to the 1893 World’s Fair with a conversation exploring The Joffrey Ballet’s 2018 production of The Nutcracker, set during the Columbian Exposition.
From William Walton, Art and Architecture, an official illustrated publication of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. The Newberry Library.
December 8, 10–11:30 a.m.
Behind the Model: Reconstructing the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition
Newberry Library, 60 West Walton Street, Chicago
Reclaim the lost experience of navigating the White City! Architectural historian Lisa Snyder presents her digital visual simulation of the fair, including the technology and research process she underwent in building this innovative computer reconstruction of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.
