This summer, a new exhibition will celebrate Philadelphia’s role in hosting the 1876 World’s Fair. The exhibit, called Revisit 1876, will open in late June at the Lits Building at Eighth and Market streets and will be free to the public until November.
The 1876 Centennial Exhibition was the first World’s Fair in North America, and this exhibit invites visitors to explore four large pavilions that replicate the original buildings. Inside, you’ll find displays featuring a giant Corliss steam engine, Baldwin locomotives made in Philadelphia, and various farming and factory machines. The exhibit also highlights new consumer products from that year, including the typewriter, Alexander Graham Bell’s first telephone, and even popcorn and root beer.
Revisit 1876 goes beyond just showcasing inventions. It tells the story of the first women’s pavilion at a World’s Fair, the rise of international cuisine, and the racial and ethnic diversity of the time. Wall graphics will show how innovations have evolved, from early telephones to today’s smartphones and social media.
Paul R. Levy, the executive director of the Center City District Foundation, shared that the goal is to connect the past with the present. He encourages visitors to explore modern destinations linked to the Centennial Exhibition. The exhibit is designed by Drexel University’s Lenfest Center for Cultural Partnerships, ISA, and Art Guild, with funding from several local organizations. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and see how far we’ve come!
