1889 Exposition Universelle

Object Details

Description: Paris' 1889 Exposition Universelle commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of the French Revolution. Best known for introducing the Eiffel Tower, it was the fourth Exposition held in Paris, attracting over 32 million visitors between the months of May and October.; Held primarily on the Champ de Mars, the Exposition highlighted achievements in Science, Industry and the Arts. 35 nations were represented, with over 61,00 exhibitors. Because of the Exposition's revolutionary theme, the European monarchies declined participation.; In addition to the now iconic Eiffel Tower, there were numerous international pavilions, a Machinery Hall, two Palaces of the Arts, a reproduction of a Cairo Street, and numerous examples of homes and habitations.; Advancements in electricity were a highlight of the Exposition, and it was the first capable of staying open at night due to Thomas Edison's incandescent lamps. Other inventions highlighted included an electric streetcar/train, the phonograph and the moving sidewalk.; The Exposition also exhibited people's from French colonies, seen as degrading by many participants. This type of human zoo was common in Fair's of the time, reinforced racist stereotypes in a vulgar display of Western cultural elitism.
Location: Currently not on view

Physical Description: ceramic, ? (overall material); white (overall color); brown (overall color); green (overall color); blue (overall color)
Measurements: average spatial: 3/4 in x 8 1/2 in; 1.905 cm x 21.59 cm