The 1899 World Fair was one of the historic global exhibitions which attracted millions of people from different countries of the world. The fair was also very important for France, it was the celebration of the hundredth anniversary of the French Revolution. There were twenty-two different entrances to the Exposition, around its perimeter. The Exposition was held on the Champ de Mars in Paris, from 6 May to 31 October 1889. The major ceremonial entrance was located at Les Invalides consisting of two tall pylons with colorful ornaments, like giant candelabras.
The main symbol of the Fair was the Eiffel Tower, which served as the entrance arch to the Fair. On the shores of the Seine River, an exhibit on the history of human dwelling was held. The Palais des Beaux-arts and Palais des Arts were also stood next to the Eiffel Tower. The Palais des arts libéraux showcased exhibits on geography, music instruments, medicine, photography, teaching, and many other things. While the Palais des, Beaux-arts housed many Naturalist paintings.
The 1889 Paris World Fair was also financially profitable for the state, because it made a profit of 8,000,000 Francs, and acquired substantial real-estate in the process. Most of the European countries boycotted the Exposition, however, many people and companies from these nations participated in the Fair.
#1 The Eiffel Tower viewed from the Champ du Mars.
#2 Visitors strolling between exhibitions.
#3 Map of the 1889 World Fair.
The top image represents the Champ-de-Mars, from the Trocadéro Palace to the Galerie des machines (next to the École Militaire, which still exists today). The bottom print represents the Esplanade des Invalides, about half a mile from the Champ-de-Mars. This second site of the World Fair housed the Exposition coloniale as well as an agricultural fair.
