Innovation
First Seen At Expo
Here are some of the landmarks, inventions, and attractions that were born out of World Expos. The world’s first Expo took place in London in 1851, after which the concept became repeated globally. In 1928, the Bureau International des Expositions was established to regulate and oversee these megaevents. Throughout their 170-year history, World Expos have debuted life-changing ideas that highlight scientific, technological, economic, and social progress.
Columbus 1888 Monument
Phonograph 1878 Paris, France Thomas Edison introduced his phonograph invention at the 1878 Paris Expo, which was one of his first creations to bring him global recognition. The device was capable of recording and playing back sound, enabling conversations to be recorded. It was composed of a rotating brass cylinder that recorded sound through a needle and tinfoil.
Barcelona, Spain
The 60-metre Columbus Monument (Monument a Colom) was built by Gaietà Buïgas for the 1888 Barcelona Expo in honor of Christopher Columbus and his first voyage to the Americas. The seven-meter tall bronze statue of Columbus points with its index finger towards America. The structure was erected at the lower end of Las Ramblas and still stands today.
1889
Eiffel Tower
Paris, France Gustave Eiffel built the Eiffel Tower for the 1889 Paris Expo in just two years, two months, and five days. Considered a feat of French engineering at the time, the iconic Parisian attraction was constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution. The 300-meter tower was only intended to last 20 years but stands to this day.
Ferris Wheel 1893 Chicago, U.S. Designed and named after structural engineer George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., the Ferris wheel was unveiled at the 1893 Chicago Expo. The metal wheel stood 264 feet tall and was meant to rival the Eiffel Tower in height. In 1906, a demolition company destroyed the wheel, and its remnants were sold for scrap metal. Inspired by the original Ferris Wheel, a 200 feet Centennial Wheel debuted in 2016 and stands as an iconic part of Chicago’s skyline. F O R B E S M I D D L E E A S T.C O M
OCTOBER 2021
BY JAMILA GANDHI ; OSCAR ESPINOSA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; EIFFEL TOWER FROM WIKIMEDIA.ORG; PHONOGRAPH AND FERRIS WHEEL FROM WIKIPEDIA
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