| When the 1939-40
New York Worlds Fair closed, things looked dark for the future of
international expositions. World War II was actively underway in Europe, and
almost two decades would pass before the climate was right for a fair. In
1958 the city of Brussels was host to the first post-war fair, titled Expo
58. Coming after the dark days of war and economic recovery Expo 58 was a
welcome diversion for many Europeans. Due to the high cost of international
travel it was not heavily attended by American visitors. |
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| Like all good fairs, Expo 58
featured a memorable theme structure, which was called the Atomium. Designed
by André Waterkeyn, the Atomium represents an iron molecule, magnified 150
thousand million times. Visitors could travel inside the structure for a
look at the fairgrounds. The use of a giant atom was a fitting symbol
for the times, for the world was still exploring the peaceful uses of atomic
energy. The Atomium was retained when Expo 58
closed, and was recently re-opened following a lengthy refurbishment.
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| One of the more unusual
structures was the Civil Engineering Pavilion, which featured a giant spire
reaching over a three-dimensional map of Belgium. |
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| Many foreign countries
exhibited at Expo 58. This imaginative exhibit was the Netherlands or
Holland pavilion. The nautical theme was designed to showcase the
Holland-America Line, a prominent shipping company. |
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| This imposing looking
structure is the France Pavilion. The large tower on the left side of the
picture actually supported most of the weight of the building, which was
constructed without any interior support poles. |
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