Missouri History Museum | 1904 World’s Fair
A revitalized exhibit at the Missouri History Museum invites visitors to step back in time and immerse themselves in the grandeur of the 1904 World’s Fair. The exhibit offers visitors a mesmerizing journey through history via a recreated landscape that unveils the fair’s intricate details and vast scope.
The exhibit goes beyond conventional photos, allowing visitors to witness the fair’s sprawling 1,200 acres in a scale model with over 300 3-D crafted structures. Every building and landscape was meticulously designed using historical maps, photographs, and other references. An animated color landscape is projected onto the model, providing a dynamic and living view of history. Visitors watch as the 1904 World’s Fair comes to life, offering a vivid and immersive experience that ties the past to the present-day landscape.
While the exhibit showcases the opulence of the fair, it also aims to provide an honest portrayal of the whole story. Media pieces share untold stories, addressing challenging aspects, including the fair’s “human zoo” and issues of segregation. It’s a narrative that unfolds with sensitivity, allowing visitors to connect with history on a deeper and more meaningful level.
