World's Fairs & Expos

About World's Fairs & Expos

Step back into the age of optimism with trivia about the dazzling World's Fairs, from the 1939 Trylon to the 1964 Unisphere and Space Age wonders. World's Fairs & Expos packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 7 easy, 6 medium, 2 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.

A few sample questions

1. 1. What were the two iconic structures that served as the symbols of the 1939 New York World's Fair?

   Answer: The Trylon and the Perisphere

   The Trylon — a slender 610-foot spike — and the Perisphere — a huge white globe — stood together as the centerpiece of the 1939 fair, symbolizing the theme 'The World of Tomorrow.' Visitors could walk inside the Perisphere to view a diorama of a model city of the future.

2. 2. The 1962 World's Fair was held in Seattle, Washington. What was its futuristic theme?

   Answer: Century 21 Exposition

   The 1962 Seattle World's Fair was officially titled the 'Century 21 Exposition,' celebrating the space age and scientific progress. It drew nearly 10 million visitors over its six-month run.

3. 3. Which famous landmark, still standing today, was built as the centerpiece of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair?

   Answer: The Space Needle

   The Space Needle was constructed specifically for the 1962 World's Fair and still towers over Seattle's skyline at 605 feet tall. Its futuristic flying saucer design became one of the most recognized landmarks in America.

4. 4. The 1964 New York World's Fair featured the Unisphere, a giant stainless steel globe. How tall is it?

   Answer: 140 feet

   The Unisphere stands 140 feet tall and weighs approximately 700,000 pounds, making it the largest global structure ever built. It was created by U.S. Steel as a tribute to the dawn of the space age.

5. 5. At the 1964 New York World's Fair, which beloved Disney attraction made its very first appearance?

   Answer: It's a Small World

   Walt Disney debuted 'It's a Small World' at the 1964 World's Fair, where the boat ride was sponsored by Pepsi-Cola as a tribute to UNICEF. It proved so popular that Disney moved it permanently to Disneyland after the fair closed.

Things you'll learn along the way

• ✓The 1939 fair's theme was 'The World of Tomorrow,' an optimistic vision at a time when America was still climbing out of the Great Depression. Exhibits showcased television, nylon, and other marvels that seemed like science fiction.
• ✓GM's 'Futurama' exhibit transported visitors on moving chairs over a detailed scale model depicting what American cities and highways might look like by 1960, complete with superhighways and skyscrapers. It was the single most popular attraction at the fair.
• ✓The Vatican Pavilion at the 1964 fair displayed Michelangelo's Pietà, the first time the precious sculpture had ever left Italy. Millions of visitors waited in long lines to view it, and it was protected behind bullet-proof glass.