The Universal Exhibitions (Expositions Universelles) played a major role in the cultural history of Europe, and over the years became an important influence worldwide. It's history began in 1851, and slowly but surely the life and developments of great European capitals were influenced by it. The brilliant idea of a peaceful international contest and exhibition, that combined science, trade, industry and the best of Fine Arts was a success from the start, and gained more popularity in the following years. The very first edition would take place in London, the centre of attraction being the so-called Crystal Palace, a monument that surprised by it's size and ingenious contruction techniques. The first Parisian edition took place in 1855, the event being considered a response to the success of the London show. The main creation was the Palais de l'Industrie, at the lower end of the Champs-Elysees, destroyed at the turn of centuries, in order for the organisers to have sufficient space for the 1900 edition.
Even if in the beginning the exhibitions were rather small, the crowds were fascinated by the event. Starting with the 1867 edition, these exhibitions grew larger and larger, up to the point where they became really ephemereal cities, filled with colours and bright arhictectural ideas, eclectic and artistic. Also, the place occupied by the Exposition Universelle in Paris slowly grew, as until 1900 it stretched onto the Champs de Mars, the Esplanade des Invalides, the Trocadero, part of the Champs-Elysees and both banks of the Seine. From the mere 16 hectares in 1855, by 1900 the exhibition had more than 135 hectares, becoming the most important event of it's kind in the whole world.
The exhibition hosted by the Musee d'Orsay brings back to life the history and charm of this long lasting show, as well as the major projects and ideas that were presented there, focusing on the diversity of the buildings and the new themes that further influenced modern cities. Due to the rich collection of architectural drawings in the museum's possession, the show is the most important one dedicated to the subject.
2007-09-06
