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New York World's Fair 1939

In 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, a group of New York City businessmen decided to create an international exposition to lift the city and the country out of depression.Created by: LOC's Public Domain ArchiveDated: 1939
World's Fair. Singing Tower of Light at night
In 1935, at the height of the Great Depression, a group of New York City businessmen decided to create an international exposition to lift the city and the country out of depression. On April 30, 1939, a very hot Sunday, the fair had its grand opening, with 206,000 people in attendance. The April 30 date coincided with the 150th anniversary of George Washington's inauguration, in Lower Manhattan, as the first President of the United States. Although many of the pavilions and other facilities were not quite ready for this opening, it was put on with pomp and great celebration.
482 Media in collectionpage 5 of 5
World's Fair. Wonder Bakery at night with "Wonder Bakers" and Alice in Wonderland characters in window display

World's Fair. Wonder Bakery at night with "Wonder Bakers" and Alice in...

Public domain photograph of New York historic building, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, U... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant locomotives. Locomotive I, from side

World's Fair, railroad pageant locomotives. Locomotive I, from side

Public domain photograph of a steam locomotive, train car, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internat... More

World's Fair, Home Furnishing Building, at night. General entrance, from right, at night

World's Fair, Home Furnishing Building, at night. General entrance, fr...

Picryl description: Public domain image of park architecture, palace, chateau, open space, 18th, and 19th-century architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large int... More

Icon World's Fair. Birds, public domain photograph

Icon World's Fair. Birds, public domain photograph

Public domain image of wetland, water, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View V

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View V

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair. Holland Garden, from Polish Building

World's Fair. Holland Garden, from Polish Building

Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Man in military costume with tricorne hat

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Man in military costume with tricorne ...

Public domain image of a military uniform, officer portrait, armed forces, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New... More

World's Fair, Florida Building. Bird diorama

World's Fair, Florida Building. Bird diorama

Public domain photograph of 1940s-1950s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. First canal boat

World's Fair, railroad pageant. First canal boat

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair views. George Washington, trylon and perisphere

World's Fair views. George Washington, trylon and perisphere

Picryl description: Public domain image of a fountain, historic landmark, classical or neoclassical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exp... More

World's Fair, 1939. Plaza toward French and British buildings

World's Fair, 1939. Plaza toward French and British buildings

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was themed "Peace Through Understanding" and ... More

World's Fair, concert hall. General view of foyer

World's Fair, concert hall. General view of foyer

Public domain photograph of hall, lobby, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in... More

World's Fair, Schaefer Center. General view at night

World's Fair, Schaefer Center. General view at night

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair. Theme Center and statue of George Washington at  night

World's Fair. Theme Center and statue of George Washington at night

Public domain photograph of statue, sculpture, monument, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, ... More

World's Fair, Home Furnishing Building. Statue detail close-up (woman)

World's Fair, Home Furnishing Building. Statue detail close-up (woman)

Picryl description: Public domain image of a fountain, historic landmark, classical or neoclassical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exp... More

World's Fair. Line at General Motors Highways and Horizons exhibit

World's Fair. Line at General Motors Highways and Horizons exhibit

Public domain photograph related to the United States industrial history, General Motors Company, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large interna... More

World's Fair, concert hall. Auditorium, to stage

World's Fair, concert hall. Auditorium, to stage

Public domain photograph of auditorium building, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Poke bonnet III

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Poke bonnet III

Public domain image of carnival, parade, celebration, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United St... More

World's Fair. Petroleum diorama, Westinghouse Building

World's Fair. Petroleum diorama, Westinghouse Building

Public domain photograph of department store, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United Stat... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View II

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View II

Picryl description: Public domain image of a locomotive, train tracks, rail transportation, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large i... More

World's Fair. View toward U.S. Government Building

World's Fair. View toward U.S. Government Building

Picryl description: Public domain image of a fountain, historic landmark, classical or neoclassical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exp... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Bar, cross view toward alcoves

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Bar, cross vi...

Public domain photograph of restaurant, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in ... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Boiler room

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Boiler room

Public domain photograph of midcentury American office, workers, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New Yor... More

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Railroads on Parade entrance

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Railroads on Parade entrance

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair, House no. 10. Living room II

World's Fair, House no. 10. Living room II

Public domain photograph of living room, apartment, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, Unite... More

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Old locomotives in yard

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Old locomotives in yard

Picryl description: Public domain image of a power station, dam, electric generator, industrial building, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition ... More

World's Fair, concert hall. Mural detail in foyer

World's Fair, concert hall. Mural detail in foyer

Public domain photograph of 1940s-1950s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant locomotives. Locomotive, from side

World's Fair, railroad pageant locomotives. Locomotive, from side

Picryl description: Public domain image of a locomotive, train tracks, rail transportation, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large i... More

World's Fair, 1939. General view from perisphere

World's Fair, 1939. General view from perisphere

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was themed "Peace Through Understanding" and ... More

World's Fair. Soviet Socialist Republics Building at night

World's Fair. Soviet Socialist Republics Building at night

Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Three historic locomotives

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Three historic locomotives

Picryl description: Public domain image of a locomotive, train tracks, rail transportation, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large i... More

World's Fair. General view toward helicline, trylon and perisphere

World's Fair. General view toward helicline, trylon and perisphere

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair. Hall of Nations area toward British Pavilion

World's Fair. Hall of Nations area toward British Pavilion

Public domain image of a large historic building, city hall, urban architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held ... More

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Exterior from right

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Exterior from right

Picryl description: Public domain image of a modernist architecture building, 20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New Yo... More

World's Fair. Heineken's on the Zuider Zee II

World's Fair. Heineken's on the Zuider Zee II

Public domain image of a romantic landscape with windmill, Netherlands, 16th-17th century artwork, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internationa... More

World's Fair. Women in costume near George Jessel's Knickerbocker Inn with National Cash Register Building in far background

World's Fair. Women in costume near George Jessel's Knickerbocker Inn ...

Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a military parade, 20th-century armed forces, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New ... More

World's Fair. Soviet Socialist Republics Building II

World's Fair. Soviet Socialist Republics Building II

Picryl description: Public domain image of a historical building, landmark architecture, world heritage, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition h... More

World's Fair. Fireworks over water II

World's Fair. Fireworks over water II

Picryl description: Public domain image of a power station, dam, electric generator, industrial building, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition ... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Bar, cross view from in alcoves

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Bar, cross vi...

Public domain photograph of restaurant, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in ... More

World's Fair, electric farm. View III

World's Fair, electric farm. View III

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Group on locomotive platform

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Group on locomotive platform

Public domain photograph of a steam locomotive, train car, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internat... More

World's Fair night views. Trylon and perisphere

World's Fair night views. Trylon and perisphere

Picryl description: Public domain image of an architectural element, dome, cathedral, classical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposit... More

World's Fair, Elgin National Watch Co. Entrance pergola and dome

World's Fair, Elgin National Watch Co. Entrance pergola and dome

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair, House of Glass no. 4. Dining alcove and dining terrace

World's Fair, House of Glass no. 4. Dining alcove and dining terrace

Picryl description: Public domain image of a living room, fireplace, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States ... More

World's Fair. Singing Tower of Light and Westinghouse Building, view from right II

World's Fair. Singing Tower of Light and Westinghouse Building, view f...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a power station, dam, electric generator, industrial building, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition ... More

World's Fair, Food Building no. 3. General view II

World's Fair, Food Building no. 3. General view II

Picryl description: Public domain image of a stadium, public building, sports arena, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City... More

Just one long step to Sea Cliff, L.I. By land or water : 250 feet above sea level : No mosquitos!

Just one long step to Sea Cliff, L.I. By land or water : 250 feet abov...

Poster promoting Sea Cliff, Long Island for tourism, showing buildings of the New York World's Fair. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-... More

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. New York Central 999

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. New York Central 999

Public domain photograph of a steam locomotive, train car, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internat... More

World's Fair night views. U.S. Steel and reflections, overhang, and Petroleum Building

World's Fair night views. U.S. Steel and reflections, overhang, and Pe...

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair night views. General view, U.S. Steel and General Electric

World's Fair night views. General view, U.S. Steel and General Electri...

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair. Interior, looking up inside Polish tower

World's Fair. Interior, looking up inside Polish tower

Public domain photograph of New York, midcentury American architecture, 1940s-1950s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposi... More

World's Fair. Historic locomotives at Railroad Exhibit

World's Fair. Historic locomotives at Railroad Exhibit

Public domain photograph of a steam locomotive, train car, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internat... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Across waterfall, to other terrace

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Across waterf...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a historic park, open terrace, world heritage landmark, classical or neoclassical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was ... More

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Pageant, the Atlantis

World's Fair, Railroad Building. Pageant, the Atlantis

Public domain image of a large historic building, city hall, urban architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held ... More

World's Fair, railroad exhibit. Historic locomotives at Court of Railways

World's Fair, railroad exhibit. Historic locomotives at Court of Railw...

Public domain photograph of a steam locomotive, train car, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large internat... More

World's Fair. View across Lagoon of Nations to British Pavilion I

World's Fair. View across Lagoon of Nations to British Pavilion I

Picryl description: Public domain image of a historical building, landmark architecture, world heritage, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition h... More

World's Fair, Ford Motor Building. Noguchi statue II

World's Fair, Ford Motor Building. Noguchi statue II

Picryl description: Public domain image of a fountain, historic landmark, classical or neoclassical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exp... More

Icon World's Fair. Fireworks I, public domain photograph

Icon World's Fair. Fireworks I, public domain photograph

Picryl description: Public domain image of fireworks, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1... More

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view IV

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view IV

Public domain photograph of American trade card, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was themed "Peace Through Understanding" and had pavilions from over 14... More

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. Eastern R.R. locomotive, general view

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. Eastern R.R. locomotive, g...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a locomotive, train tracks, rail transportation, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large i... More

Icon World's Fair. Holland Garden, public domain photograph

Icon World's Fair. Holland Garden, public domain photograph

Public domain photograph of park, trees, outdoors, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Woman with pink bonnet and parasol

World's Fair, railroad pageant. Woman with pink bonnet and parasol

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View VI

World's Fair, railroad pageant. View VI

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Mural in dining room III

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Mural in dini...

Public domain photograph of New York, midcentury American architecture, 1940s-1950s, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposi... More

World's Fair. View from trylon and perisphere toward AT&T Building from ground level

World's Fair. View from trylon and perisphere toward AT&T Building fro...

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair. Hall of Communications

World's Fair. Hall of Communications

Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United... More

World's Fair. Fireworks from U.S. Steel Building platform

World's Fair. Fireworks from U.S. Steel Building platform

Picryl description: Public domain image of fireworks, free to use, no copyright restrictions image. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1... More

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. Pennsylvania Railroad 6759, general view

World's Fair, railroad exhibit locomotives. Pennsylvania Railroad 6759...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a locomotive, train tracks, rail transportation, railroad, railway, 19th-20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large i... More

World's Fair. Night shot of Westinghouse

World's Fair. Night shot of Westinghouse

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair night views. Lighting stands and theme center

World's Fair night views. Lighting stands and theme center

Picryl description: Public domain image of an architectural element, dome, cathedral, classical architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposit... More

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Mural in dining room IV

World's Fair, Italian Line restaurant, Italian Building. Mural in dini...

Picryl description: Public domain image of a mural painting, architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair, House of Glass no. 4. Entrance facade, sharp view

World's Fair, House of Glass no. 4. Entrance facade, sharp view

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York C... More

World's Fair. Mural, Netherlands exhibit II

World's Fair. Mural, Netherlands exhibit II

Public domain photograph of decorated panel, decor, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, Unite... More

World's Fair. Food vendors at night

World's Fair. Food vendors at night

The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United States in 1939-1940. The 1939-1940 World's Fair was themed "The World of Tomorrow" and featured pavilions and exhibit... More

World's Fair, Florida Building. Miami and yacht diorama

World's Fair, Florida Building. Miami and yacht diorama

Public domain photograph of 1940s-1950s America, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair. Polish Pavilion by Netherlands Pavilion

World's Fair. Polish Pavilion by Netherlands Pavilion

Public domain photo of a monument, historic place, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United... More

World's Fair, Ford Motor Building. Noguchi statue III

World's Fair, Ford Motor Building. Noguchi statue III

Public domain photograph of industrial architecture, factory building, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in N... More

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view II

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view II

Public domain photograph of American trade card, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was themed "Peace Through Understanding" and had pavilions from over 14... More

World's Fair. General Motors Building

World's Fair. General Motors Building

Public domain photograph related to the United States industrial history, General Motors Company, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The New York World's Fair was a large interna... More

Icon World's Fair. Ecuador mural, public domain photograph

Icon World's Fair. Ecuador mural, public domain photograph

Picryl description: Public domain image of a mural painting, architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New York City, United S... More

World's Fair views. Base of trylon I

World's Fair views. Base of trylon I

Picryl description: Public domain image of a modernist architecture building, 20th century, free to use, no copyright restrictions. The New York World's Fair was a large international exposition held in New Yo... More

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view I

World's Trade Fair at the Coliseum. New York marine exhibit, view I

Public domain photograph of midcentury American architecture, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description The 1964-1965 New York World's Fair was themed "Peace Through Understanding" and ... More

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