The 1889 Exposition Universelle, also known as the Paris World’s Fair, was a world’s fair held in Paris, France, from May 6 to October 31, 1889. It was organized to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution and aimed to stimulate the economy and showcase France’s industrial and cultural achievements.

Key Highlights

• Eiffel Tower: The most famous structure created for the exposition, the Eiffel Tower was initially met with criticism but has since become an iconic symbol of Paris.
• Visitors: The exposition attracted over 32 million visitors.
• Exhibits: The fair featured numerous international pavilions, a Machinery Hall, two Palaces of the Arts, and a reproduction of a Cairo Street. It highlighted advancements in electricity, including Thomas Edison’s incandescent lamps, and showcased inventions like the phonograph and the moving sidewalk.
• National Participation: Thirty-five nations participated, although several European monarchies boycotted the event due to its revolutionary theme. Private sponsors funded the participation of many individuals and companies from these countries.
• Human Exhibits: The exposition also displayed people from French colonies, which has since been criticized as a degrading practice.

The 1889 Exposition Universelle was a significant event in Parisian history, leaving a lasting legacy with the construction of the Eiffel Tower and showcasing the technological and cultural advancements of the time.