Crystal Palaces

The World’s Fairs of the mid-nineteenth century marked the advent of large-scale art, science, and industry showcases that are multitudinous and commonplace across the globe today. Whereas nowadays these types of events—Art Basel, SXSW, the Venice Biennale, just to name a few heavy-hitters—take place across a variety of venues, the first World Fairs were held in palatial greenhouses. “Crystal Palaces: The London, New York, and Paris World’s Fairs, 1851-55,” presented by Francis Morrone on behalf of the National Arts Club, detailed the impetus behind and construction of these buildings.

In his lecture, Morrone was almost thorough in examining the World’s Fairs held in London (1851), New York City (1853), and Paris (1855). There was one glaring omission: Morrone neglected to acknowledge the colonial violence that procured much of the wares for the host countries’ displays. Still, his stimulating presentation revealed how the zeitgeist of this innovative age manifested in the then-unprecedented technological feat of constructing grand glass buildings in record time.