How do you feel about leftovers? Imagine a collection of pavilions, exhibits, and structures that once captured the world’s imagination, now standing as a reminder of the events. These leftover treasures, scattered across the globe, echo grandeur of past international expositions, from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the Space Needle in Seattle.
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Eiffel Tower
Eiffel Tower
One of the most iconic structures in the world, the Eiffel Tower stands as a symbol of France. Originally built as the entrance for the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris by Gustave Eiffel. It was the tallest structure in the world until 1929, and was only saved from demolition in 1909 for its ability to help with radio transmissions. It is now the most visited paid monument in the world with over 250 million visitors per year.
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Space Needle
Space Needle
Built in 1962, the Space Needle in Seattle was a structure built to express the theme of sciences and space exploration at the World’s Fair. Designed by John Graham to withstand winds of up to 200 mph and earthquakes, the top deck provides a 360-degree view of Seattle. It rises above the city at 605 ft, while the observation deck and rotating restaurant are at 520ft.
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Unisphere
Unisphere
Located in Queens, New York City, the Unisphere is a massive sphere of steel that represent the Earth. It was commissioned for the 1964 New York World’s Fair that had a theme of peace through understanding. This sphere is 140 ft in diameter was designed by Gimore D. Clarke, a relic of the 1960’s cultural movement of Space Age optimism featured in movies and TV. Featured in the movie “Men in Black.”
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Atomium
Atomium
Built to resemble the atom of an iron crystal magnified 165 billion times is actual size, the Atomium is a steel structure that rises up 335 ft. It was built for the 1958 Brussels World Fair. Designed by André Waterkeyn and architect André Polak. The nine spheres and their connections are dynamically lit up by 3000 lights at night.
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Seattle Center Monorail
Seattle Center Monorail
The Seattle Center Monorail was built for the 1962 World’s Fair, its purpose to connect the fairgrounds with downtown Seattle. The ride is only about 1 mile long, but makes up for this in the view of Seattle from about 45 feet about the streets. It has been continuously in operation for over 50 years — making it a historic landmark on the Seattle skyline.
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Tower of the Sun
Tower of the Sun
The Tower of the Sun was slated to be demolished after it was built for the 1970 World’s Fair in Osaka. Made of metal and concrete, it represents the relationship between nature and technology — through past and future. At a 229 ft height, it is now kept as a reminder of the first World Expo held in Asia.
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Museum of Science and Industry
Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry sits on the site of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Officially opened in 1933, it spans 14 acres with exhibits such as the Transportation Hall that contains 20 historical locomotives and cars, and others like science themed playgrounds with educational opportunities… and much more. It celebrates the growth of industrial and scientific growth of the time.
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Brisbane City Hall
Brisbane City Hall
Located in Brisbane’s city center, the Brisbane City Hall was designed by Robin Gibson. Originally constructed in 1920-1930, the copper dome, reaching 260 ft, and classical style facade were built for the 1988 World Expo in the city. It covers a city block with over 500 rooms and 15 floors.
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Parque de las Naciones
Parque de las Naciones
Constructed after the World Expo 1992 in Seville, Spain, it is a massive urban complex that covers 1000 acres of fountains, plazas, walkways, gardens, buildings and monuments from the Expo. A more modernist design, it remains an example of renewing urban districts with a beauty and feeling of restoration following a World’s Fair.