1964 New York World's Fair

1964–1965 New York City
The Unisphere (center) and United States Pavilion (left background), viewed from the observation towers of the New York State Pavilion
Overview
BIE-classUnrecognized exposition
Name1964 New York World's Fair
MottoPeace through Understanding[1]
Building(s)Unisphere,[1] 139 pavilions, 34 concessions[2]
Area646 acres (2.61 km2)[3]
Visitors51,607,448[4][5]
Organized byRobert Moses
Participant(s)
Countries66[6][7] (80 including nations without full exhibits[1])
BusinessNearly 350 companies
Location
CountryUnited States
CityNew York City
VenueFlushing Meadows–Corona Park
Timeline
Bidding1959[8]
AwardedN/A[6]
Opening
  • April 22, 1964 (1964-04-22) (first season)[9]
  • April 21, 1965 (1965-04-21) (second season)[10]
Closure
  • October 18, 1964 (1964-10-18) (first season)[11]
  • October 17, 1965 (1965-10-17) (second season)[12]
Universal
PreviousCentury 21 Exposition in Seattle
NextExpo 67 in Montreal
Internet
Websitewww.nywf64.com

The 1964 New York World's Fair (also known as the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair) was an international exposition at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, United States. The fair included exhibitions, activities, performances, films, art, and food presented by 80 nations, 24 U.S. states, and nearly 350 American companies. The 646-acre (261 ha) fairground consisted of five sections: the Federal and State, International, Transportation, Lake Amusement, and Industrial areas. The fair's theme was "Peace through Understanding", and its symbol was the Unisphere, a stainless-steel model of the Earth. Initially, the fair had 139 pavilions, in addition to 34 concessions and shows.

The site had previously hosted the 1939 New York World's Fair. Several businessmen devised plans for a 1964 fair in the 1950s, and the New York World's Fair 1964 Corporation (WFC) was formed in 1959. Although U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower approved the fair, the Bureau International des Expositions refused to grant the fair formal recognition. Construction began in late 1960, and over a hundred exhibitors signed up for the fair over the next three years. The fair ran for two six-month seasons: April 22 to October 18, 1964, and April 21 to October 17, 1965. Despite initial projections of 70 million visitors, the fair had just over 51.6 million guests. After the fair, some pavilions were preserved or relocated, but most structures were demolished.

The fair showcased mid-20th-century American culture and technology. The different sections were designed in various architectural styles, though anyone could host an exhibit if they could afford to rent the land and pay for a pavilion. The fairground had several amusement and transport rides, as well as various plazas and fountains. The fair had 198 restaurants at its peak, and dishes served at these restaurants, such as Belgian waffles, were popularized through the fair. There were more than 30 entertainment events at the fair, in addition to 40 theaters and various music performances. Exhibitors also displayed sculptures, visual art, and artifacts, along with consumer products such as electronics and cars. The contemporary press criticized the event as a financial failure. Nonetheless, the fair helped influence 21st-century technologies and popularized consumer products such as Belgian waffles and the Ford Mustang.

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