EXPOZIłII UNIVERSALE EUROPENE ORGANIZATE ÎN SECOLUL AL XIX-LEA
WORLD EXHIBITIONS ORGANIZED IN EUROPE IN THE 19th CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: Exhibitions are not exclusively a creation of the modern society; they have existed since Antiquity, though under a different form. In spite of their similarities with fairs, exhibitions originated from events accompanying fairs. Exhibitions might be also seen as public shows in which products and objects are presented to informative, pragmatic, educational and commercial ends. Exhibitions differ therefore from fairs, markets and auctions, which might be dedicated to the industry, the handicrafts, agriculture or science. Fairs, markets or auctions have a single purpose, be it economic, intellectual or pedagogic, while exhibitions combine all these aims. Exhibitions are also perceived as the product of one culture, a cultural trademark. The first exhibitions proper were organized in France in the 17th century and they were dedicated solely to arts. The first industrial exhibition held in Europe was in Prague in 1791. The 1798 exhibition presenting French industrial products was meant to glorify the Republic. It was extremely successful and was imitated over the next decades by all European countries. The first World exhibition was held in London in 1851. Other similar exhibitions soon followed: Paris in 1855, London in 1862, Paris 1867, Vienna 1873, Paris 1878 and 1889, Budapest 1896 and Paris 1900. These exhibitions reflected the changes that the whole world was undergoing. They also became an area of activity in themselves.

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