ClipArt ETC

The World's Fairs and Exhibitions ClipArt gallery offers 20 illustrations of historic international exhibitions.

The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official World's Fair in the United States, was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

Centennial Exhibition Buildings

The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876, the first official World's Fair in the United States,…

"At the Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia, 1876."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

Centennial Exposition

"At the Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia, 1876."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

A cotton press yard of the Cotton Centennial in the 1884 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Cotton Centennial

A cotton press yard of the Cotton Centennial in the 1884 World's Fair in New Orleans, Louisiana.

This is the exterior of the Crystal Palace in Great Britain. This building was the site of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Many people are milling about outside.

Crystal Palace

This is the exterior of the Crystal Palace in Great Britain. This building was the site of the Great…

"But perhaps the most effective and suitable employment of iron is shown in connection with glass, as has been exemplified in the temporary buildings for exhibitions, for which the Great Exhibition in London, in the year 1851, furnished the model which has so often been followed subsequently. This building was afterwards removed to Sydenham, and is now known as the Crystal Palace. In this structure the walls as well as the vaulted roof consist of glass inserted between iron girders, after the pattern of large conservatories and winter-gardens, especially of that in the Champs Élydées at Paris, which is no longer in existence. Although this building scarcely seems like an architectural construction, but appears to form a peculiar specialty, still an impression is produced, which is hitherto unparalleled by its transparent termination in all directions, and by its dimensions, which have never been before attained in enclosed spaces. The distinguishing height of the main body of the building, which is divided into several naves and galleries , and if the loftier transept, which is 174 English feet high, is too considerable to recall the conservatory, which first suggested the idea to Paxton of constructing such a building on a large scale for the Great Exhibition. The visible stability of the system of construction gives a certain feeling of security as a counterpoise to the astonishment which the enormous size creates. On the other hand it is not to be denied that artistic execution in the forms of the constructive parts is wanting, though many difficulties would perhaps have had to be overcome to attain this without the structure suffering as regards solidity. These constructive elements, moreover, are not used as leading to further æsthetic development, so that a real artistic value can only be attributed to the novel impression of the whole, which is produced by the large dimensions and transparent walls."

Crystal Palace at Sydenham

"But perhaps the most effective and suitable employment of iron is shown in connection with glass, as…

Men and women are standing outside the entrance to the Crystal Palace. Horses and carriages are also outside. At the top of the building is a flag, and there are more flags along the top of either side of the building.

Crystal Palace Entrance

Men and women are standing outside the entrance to the Crystal Palace. Horses and carriages are also…

The main avenue of the Crystal Palace is filled with artistic pieces in the form of statues, busts, tables, lamps and frames, among other things.

Crystal Palace Main

The main avenue of the Crystal Palace is filled with artistic pieces in the form of statues, busts,…

The Medieval Court at the Great Exhibition of 1851 featured many intricately shaped and decorated chandeliers as well as ornate decorative benches and screens.

Crystal Palace Medieval Court

The Medieval Court at the Great Exhibition of 1851 featured many intricately shaped and decorated chandeliers…

London Exhibition in 1851.

London Exhibition

London Exhibition in 1851.

"The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904. One of the bridges and lagoons, with the Palace of Education." -Gordy, 1916

Louisiana Purchase Exposition

"The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, St. Louis, 1904. One of the bridges and lagoons, with the Palace…

The Petit Palais (Small Palace) is a museum in Paris, France. It was built for the Universal Exhibition in 1900 and now houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.

Petit Palais

The Petit Palais (Small Palace) is a museum in Paris, France. It was built for the Universal Exhibition…

Paris Exhibition in 1878.

Paris Exhibition

Paris Exhibition in 1878.

Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876.

Philadelphia Exhibition

Philadelphia Exhibition in 1876.

An illustration of the original Trocadero Palace. For the 1878 World's Fair, the Palais du Trocadéro was built here (where meetings of international organizations could be held during the fair). The palace's form was that of a large concert hall with two wings and two towers; its style was a mixture of exotic and historical references, generally called "Moorish" but with some Byzantine elements. The architect was Gabriel Davioud. The concert hall contained a large organ built by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll, the first large organ to be installed in a concert hall in France. It was removed to a hall in Lyon and subsequently destroyed by fire. The building proved unpopular, though the cost expended in its construction delayed its replacement for nearly fifty years.

Trocadero Palace (old)

An illustration of the original Trocadero Palace. For the 1878 World's Fair, the Palais du Trocadéro…

The entrance to the Turkish Department at the Great Exhibition of 1851 shows a fabric-draped ceiling and glass cases containing exhibit items. Firearms are hanging on the right-hand wall. A sign reading "EGYPT" and another reading "TURKEY" are at the top of the entryway.

Crystal Palace Turkish Department

The entrance to the Turkish Department at the Great Exhibition of 1851 shows a fabric-draped ceiling…

This view of the United States Department at the Great Exhibition of 1851 depicts people viewing exhibits such as statues and a depiction of Native Americans their home. Men and women are sitting on risers on the second floor. A border along the right side names several states of the union. Several flags and an eagle act as a decoration on the top left side of the image.

United States Department in the Crystal Palace

This view of the United States Department at the Great Exhibition of 1851 depicts people viewing exhibits…

Vienna Exhibition in 1873.

Vienna Exhibition

Vienna Exhibition in 1873.

"The World's Fair at Chicago. In Cairo Street."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

World's Fair

"The World's Fair at Chicago. In Cairo Street."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

"The World's Fair at Chicago. The doorway of the transportation building."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

World's Fair

"The World's Fair at Chicago. The doorway of the transportation building."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

"The World's Fair at Chicago. Dome of horticultural building at night."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895

World's Fair

"The World's Fair at Chicago. Dome of horticultural building at night."—E. Benjamin Andrews 1895