World's Fairs: Visions of Tomorrow

The wonders of 19th- and 20th-century world's fairs—towering architecture and dazzling displays of the latest in technology, science, industry, and art—promised fairgoers a bright and modern future. 

Featuring Wolfsonian collection works such as posters, books, souvenirs, and one of the first consumer TVs, World's Fairs: Visions of Tomorrow spotlights the centerpiece pavilions, spellbinding attractions, and uplifting themes that drew millions to cities from Paris to Spokane, often during times of crisis and change. 

The exhibition leads up to contemporary artist Marco Brambilla's new video installation, After Utopia (opening fall 2025), which imagines a virtual expo of iconic structures from fairs held across time and around the globe.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website 

Image credit: Poster, Chicago World’s Fair: A Century of Progress, 1833–1933, c. 1933. Weimer Pursell (American, 1906–1974), designer, Neely Printing Co., Chicago, printer 40 x 26 1/8 in (101.6 x 66.4 cm)  The Wolfsonian–FIU, The Mitchell Wolfson, Jr. Collection, 85.4.91