New York World's Fair Collection
1937-1940
Norman Bel Geddes (1893-1958) Delano and Aldrich (1903-1940) Donald Deskey (1894-1989) Albert Kahn (1869-1942) Gilbert Rohde (1894-1944)
The New York World’s Fair, which opened in New York City in 1939, was organized around the theme, “building the world of tomorrow.” In seven zones—Amusement, Food, Communications and Business Systems, Community Interests, International Affairs, Production and Distribution, and Transportation—modern achievements of the 20th century and proposed visions of the future were presented to an international audience. The fair’s avant-garde aesthetic style received particular acclaim, as seen through the work of such architects and designers as Norman Bel Geddes, Delano and Aldrich, Donald Deskey, Harrison and Fouilhoux, Albert Kahn, and Gilbert Rohde. This collection of press releases, published materials, ephemera, and photographs documents many of the exhibitions and activities of the fair.
View finding aid.
View entirely digitized collection.
Find all New York World’s Fair digital images.
See also: [page name]
Collection access:
Collections may be accessed in the Franke Reading Room of the Research Center at The Art Institute of Chicago, by appointment only. For further information, consult the FAQ.
Finding aids by subject
Browse all finding aids
Browse images and media
Oral histories
Contact the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives:
archives@artic.edu
Printed papers, photocopied papers, color and black and white photomechanical prints, and black and white photographic prints.