The Universal Exposition is unique in several regards. For one, it is non-commercial. Secondly, it is more than just as large-scale exhibition; it is a place for industry, cultural and political players to meet.
The first historical World Expo dates back to 1851 in London: “the Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of all Nations” – with its 25 guest countries and a 6 million visitors.
After that of London in fact, during the years lots of Universal Expositions were organized that touched the most famous capitals of the world: Paris, Vienna, Melbourne and Paris again with the extraordinary Expo in 1889 – from May 5th to October 31st 1889 – entitled “Celebration of the Centennial of the French Revolution”, that had the theme of French Revolution’s 100th anniversary as a protagonist and left us the Tour Eiffel, the steel tower 300 mt high, especially built on this occasion.
The great phenomenon of expositions affected also the city of Milan, that entered the global economic scenery thanks to the Sempione International Exposition in 1906, sawing the extraordinary participation of 25 countries and 10 million visitors from all over the world.
Since 1933, B.I.E. (Bureau International des Expositions ) has officially recognized many universal and specialized Expositions, many of which have left important legacies. With an ever more connected and globalised world, the phenomenon and success of universal exhibitions is growing ever more important.
Ever since the first Expo in 1851, the aim of the event has always been to highlight changes that affect people on a global scale.
Past editions have focused on topics such as transportation, education, war and the arts.
