New York World's Fair (1939-1940

The 1939 New York World's Fair (also known as the 1939–1940 New York World's Fair) was an international exposition held at Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens, New York City, United States. The fair featured exhibitions, activities, performances, films, artworks, and food presented by 62 nations, 35 U.S. states and territories, and more than 1,400 organizations and companies. Slightly over 45 million people attended across two seasons. Themed to "the world of tomorrow" and promoted with the slogan "Dawn of a New Day", the 1,202-acre (486 ha) fairground was divided into seven color-coded zones and two standalone focal exhibits, with approximately 375 buildings. Plans for the fair were first announced in September 1935, and the New York World's Fair Corporation (WFC) began construction in June 1936. The fair officially opened on April 30, 1939, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the first inauguration of George Washington. Four months after the fair’s opening, World War II began in Europe, prompting several exhibitions to close or scale back. Although the fair ultimately drew more than 45 million visitors, it recouped only 32% of its original cost. When the exposition closed on October 27, 1940, most pavilions were demolished or removed, while others were relocated or reused during the 1964 New York World's Fair. Throughout its run, the fair hosted a wide array of cultural programming, including themed celebration days for participating nations, states, businesses, and organizations. Musical performances, sculptures, and visual artworks were displayed throughout the grounds and within individual pavilions. Numerous restaurants and concession stands operated across the site, and a variety of consumer products such as new household appliances and early electronic devices were showcased to the public. The exposition stimulated significant spending within New York City and contributed to the broader development of Queens. Many artifacts from the fair survive in museums and private collections, and the event has been referenced or dramatized in film, television, and other media.