On April 21, 1962, President John F. Kennedy officially opened the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair via satellite from Palm Beach, Florida.
Using the same gold telegraph key that President Howard Taft used to signal the opening of the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition that was held in Seattle in 1909, President Kennedy tapped the gold key that beamed a signal through space, accompanied via telephone with these words:
“With this key may we open not only a great world's fair, may we open an era of peace and understanding among all mankind. Let the fair begin.”
In the not too distant future, the calendar will turn to a new year.
2022 will mark the 60th anniversary of this spectacular event that attracted over 10 million visitors. The fairgrounds now make up a great deal of the permanent buildings at what we now know of as the Seattle Center, owned and operated by the City of Seattle.
How it all began.
Souvenir Program. Issued by the Washington State Dept. of Commerce & Economic Development. This program goes into great detail about the fair, the exhibits, and how Seattle welcomed the world to the fair!
Souvenir Program, my collection.
In the Post War era following WWII, the United States emerged as a victor and a new world superpower. There was a desire to look forward to the future vs back to the past. The mood was optimistic and hopeful.
There was concurrently a movement that revolutionized the shape of our lived environment in the mid 20th century. In the aftermath of World War II, this movement— Mid-Century Modern architecture—introduced a new way of experiencing the built world around us.
The modern style embraces the glass skyscraper and the ranch house alike. The style was open and simplistic. The shapes were geometric. The materials were novel uses of steel and concrete and glass and wood. The natural environment and light were incorporated into the designs. Mid-Century Modern applied to all aspects of modern, postwar living including interior, product, and graphic design, architecture, and urban development. It was a mindset of how to live.
This is the national setting in the United States at the time in the post-war era of the 1950s: The country was optimistic and hopeful looking to the future shaped by modernity, technology, and science. The space program was the new frontier.
Seattle decided it wanted to be the launch pad to the future with the presentation of this fair.
Year at-a-glance.
The origins of the Seattle World's Fair formed when in 1957, Seattle City Council member, Al Rochester, who grew up on Capitol Hill in Seattle posited a festival to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. The 1909 exposition was held on the present-day grounds of the University of Washington campus in Seattle.
The Seattle World’s Fair was created and developed in the spirit of civic collaboration, championed by the business community and State and local elected officials.
The construction of the fair required money and support. Civic leaders and legislators were enthusiastic boosters seeing the opportunity for an influx of money to the government coffers. The public was a little slow to come on board. With grounds being developed and the construction of the buildings underway, what really switched the gears in the mindset of the public was when they saw the legs of the Space Needle sprout upwards from the ground.
"When the Needle’s legs went up, “That did it,” said Ewen Dingwall, Vice President and General Manager, Century 21 Exposition. “Community morale just took off.”
"The privately funded Needle, which became the symbol of the fair and all of its aspirations, energized everyone. That was in part due to its fun, graceful and optimistic feel. Here, the Needle embodied the upward lift of looking to a new frontier, but also our expansive world view." - Seattle Magazine, 2012.
The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair took a thought-provoking look at the future along the course of five major themes: The World of Science, The World of Century 21/The World of Tomorrow, The World of Commerce and Industry, The World of Entertainment, and the World of Art.
Let’s take a look at some of the structures and settings of the fair that existed then and exist now.
ABOUT THE ART
Here are the twelve images from my 2022 postcard calendar, “Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.”
JANUARY 2022 - “Space Gothic Arches.”
The World of Science.
Minoru Yamasaki. Graphite on paper. 5x7.” 2021.
Interestingly, a visitor to the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair was from the Port Authority in New York City. The Port Authority wanted to build the largest building in the world, The World Trade Center. Impressed by Yamasaki’s U.S. Science Pavilion, Yamasaki was invited to compete for the project. Yamasaki was awarded the project and construction on the Twin Towers began in 1966 and were completed in 1970.
Arches, U. S. Science Pavilion, 1962. The US Science Pavilion developed by Seattle-born and raised Minoru Yamasaki with Naramore, Bain, Brady, and Johnson (NBBJ) of Seattle was a critical building element of the fair. Yamasaki called the arches “space gothic” as a nod to gothic architecture melded with the space age theme of the fair.
The U.S. Science Pavilion was created “to tell the story of science as the scientist would like to have it told.-- The exhibit crosses time and space as it takes audiences into the ocean depths and to the outer galaxies, from the beginning of the scientific era into the next century. It has as its dual aims ‘to present the role of man in a search for truth in science’ and ‘to stimulate youths’ interest in science.” - Official Guide Book, 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair.
The architecture of this setting represents the ethos of Mid-Century Modern: open, use of geometric forms, hopeful. The arches and the science pavilion are one of the signature buildings of the Seattle World’s Fair still in use today. Now the U.S. Science Pavilion is the Pacific Science Center.
The exhibit designers were titans of the Mid-Century Modern era of industrial design: Charles Eames, Raymond Lowey, George Nelson. This video created by Charles Eames played on a loop to visitors of the Science Pavilion and set the stage for 1962’s view of science.
Paul Thiry, (University of Washington, School of Architecture, class of 1934) who was the chief architect of the Seattle World’s Fair. submitted plans to then Seattle Mayor Gordon Clinton regarding the layout of the “post-fair” Seattle Center. The Fair closed on October 21, 1962 and on the next day, October 22, the United States Science Pavilion reopens as Pacific Science Center.
“Unlike any international exhibition before it, the Seattle World’s Fair will leave a legacy. Seattle is proud to host at the spectacular display of science, entertainment, and fun. We are also proud to have had the foresight to plan a fair with buildings which will remain to form one of the most beautiful civic centers in our county.” Seattle Mayor Gordon S. Clinton, 1962 Seattle World’s Fair Official Souvenir Program.
Considered one of the single largest works of art in the Pacific Northwest and nationally, the mural, designed by Paul Horiuchi, was commissioned as a gift to the City of Seattle and developed for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The mural, 69’x17,’ is composed of Venetian glass tiles. Using 160 color variations, Horiuchi intended the mural to evoke the natural beauty and colors of the Northwest.
The base on which the mural stands is called the Mural Amphetheatre was designed by Paul Thiry, chief architect of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
The mural acted then and now as a sound-reflecting acoustic backdrop for the amphitheatre stage. Towering behind the mural and amphitheatre are the legs of the Space Needle.
The World of Entertainment.
These posters can also be seen in the film “It happened at the World’s Fair.”
Artistic posters promoting the fair were plastered everywhere on the grounds of the event.
This image recreates the mosaic feel of overlapping posters.
Soundtrack. My vinyl collection.
“It happened at the World’s Fair” starring Elvis Presley was filmed on site during the fair. I would say that the real star of the film is the Seattle World’s Fair, although Elvis and his co-stars are pretty darn charming too.
Probably the closest experience of going back in time to visit the 1962 fair is to watch this film. The film offers a fabulous experience of “old Seattle” that was a blend of old world classic architecture and new world mid century, of the Seattle I remember as a kid. The film is an engaging experience especially as there are surviving structures of that fair that we know today—The Space Needle, Coliseum, Monorail, International Fountain—all which appear in the film as touchstones of the present to the past.
Exhibitors.
1962 Seattle World’s Fair Guide Book.
Visitors to the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair not only experienced a potential world of the future, they were visiting an international setting that attracted countries from all over the world that had a presence at the fair.
In 1960, the fair was officially sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE.)
With this endorsement, the Bureau’s 30 member nations were authorized to participate in the fair. The fair attracted over 20 participating nations and was truly an international gathering and sharing of cultures.
Thus, the festival-a kernel of an idea--became a true World Exposition with this designation.
Back to the Future.
![Plate 5. Van Allen belts. from “Impressions,” 19 artist prints sold at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Private collection.“Both science and art delineate creations of the mind invisible to the eye. Artists portray in religious paintings products of [the] mind stemming from [an] inner need of a philosophy and direction in life. Scientists perceive, by extending their vision with instruments, the nature of our invisible surroundings.”](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5368082be4b0e77173ccc284/1633044127638-WNSUOCO0TGNPG66EOPFW/IMG_4265.jpeg)
Plate 5. Van Allen belts. from “Impressions,” 19 artist prints sold at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Private collection.
“Both science and art delineate creations of the mind invisible to the eye. Artists portray in religious paintings products of [the] mind stemming from [an] inner need of a philosophy and direction in life. Scientists perceive, by extending their vision with instruments, the nature of our invisible surroundings.”
Did you know the wireless telephone was first introduced at the 1962 Seattle Worlds Fair, decades before it became a ubiquitous presence of daily life?
“The Century 21 Exposition was also a venue for showcasing innovations and offering visitors a glimpse of what the future had in store. One of these innovations was the first ever cordless telephone [developed by Pacific NW Bell] specially created so as to allow calls to be made from the Space Needle’s revolving restaurant without the complication of cables. The futuristic cordless phones were a hit “with the public, but would not become commonplace for another several years.” BIE
In addition to telephone technology, futuristic developments that were showcased at the world fair: computers, flat screen televisions placed on walls, touch screens, watches that served as telephones, all products that are staples of daily life now were originally showcased in its conceptual form sixty years ago at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
Pretty cool, huh?!?
The World of Commerce and Industry.
Alweg from Germany was awarded the contract to build the first monorail to operate in a city environment in the U.S. The monorail trains were built in Cologne, Germany and shipped by freighter to Seattle in January 1962.
“The whole construction period in Seattle took just ten months and traffic on busy Fifth Avenue, main artery for the monorail line, was only minimally obstructed during this time.” - Alweg Archives.
The monorail is the last existing monorail in the world and continues to operate from the downtown city core about one mile away to Seattle Center, the location of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair.
Almost 10 million people attended the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The Seattle fair was the first World’s fair held in the United States since New York hosted the world’s fair in 1939 prior to the United States entering World War Two. Interestingly, the theme of the New York fair was “Building the World of Tomorrow,” a futuristic theme shared with Seattle.
The World of Entertainment.
One of the favorite past times of the world’s fair was people watching. Here is a scene where people are sitting outdoors from the U.S. Science Center being spectators of the attendees of the World’s fair passing before them.
“The American Association for the United Nations sponsors a lounge where visitors can meet and talk with officials and persons from United Nations member countries. The pavilion also has a film center, and a variety of displays.” - Seattle World’s Fair Official Guide Book.
September 2022 - “Kiosk.”
Because of this fair, commerce in Seattle and surrounding regions became vital hubs of economic activity and productivity. The Boeing Company founded in Seattle in 1916, invited visiting scientists and engineers to its Professional Employment Center on 2nd Avenue in downtown Seattle. Boeing would go on to develop the 747 jumbo jet in the late 1960s and other commercial aircraft used all over the world. A great deal of the braintrust that accrued in aerospace engineering in Seattle is no doubt a result of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair.
OCTOBER 2022 - “Coliseum, International Fountain.”
The World of Century 21 - The World of Tomorrow.
The French exhibit inside the Coliseum promoted a balance between the inevitability of technological advances and an appreciation for the arts, to love nature and beauty.
Watercolor, 4x6.” 2021.
As discussion of the Seattle fair was getting started, the city of Seattle was building a new civic center on lower Queen Anne Hill, a neighborhood of Seattle, and merged its plans with the fair.
Then the Washington State Legislature got involved as a participant and built the Washington State Coliseum, designed by Seattleite Paul Thiry.
The Coliseum has hosted thousands of music, sports, and cultural events since it was built. Seattle-born and raised, Jimi Hendrix performed at the Coliseum, September 6, 1968. The 1979 NBA World Champions, the Seattle Sonics, played at the Coliseum. The building is now known as Climate Pledge Arena.
The international Fountain was designed by Tokyo-based architects Kazuyuki Matsushita and Hideki Shimizu for the 1962 Seattle World/s Fair.
Both structures are situated close to one another on the grounds of the Seattle Center.
The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair expanded Seattle’s taste for international food. Housed in the 1939 Armory building in a gigantic open space of what is now know as “Center House” was an international food pavilion.
“It was meant to be a “gigantic farmers’ market” of global dining, offering French, Thai, Japanese, Mongolian, Mexican, Swedish, Danish, German, Creole, Native American, Chinese, Korean, and many other types of cuisine.” - Crosscut Magazine.
International cuisine and culinary artistry were propelled in Seattle as a result of this fair and particularly by the wealth of international menus offered during the fair.
DECEMBER 2022 - “Space Needle.”
The Space Needle is an internationally known city symbol, second only to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, as a remaining structure of a world’s fair.
In keeping with the 21st Century theme of the World’s Fair, the final coats of paint were dubbed ‘Astronaut White’ for the legs, ‘Orbital Olive’ for the core of the structure, ‘Re-entry Red’ for the Halo and ‘Galaxy Gold’ for the sunburst and pagoda roof. The Space Needle’s chief engineer, John Minasian, had also designed rocket gantries for NASA.
Eddie Carlson’s doodle of his idea for the Space Needle.
Architects John Graham, Jr. and Victor Steinbrueck were charged with the design of the Space Needle. The original concept was a drawing made by Edward (Eddie) Carlson, Seattle hotel executive and chief organizer of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, who, on a trip to Stuttgart, Germany was inspired by a broadcast tower that had a revolving restaurant perched at the top. Seattle World’s Fair developers wanted something similar to the broadcast tower, but more space-agey, like a TV tower with a round lollipop-like top.
Steinbrueck wanted something more elegant. When he saw a small wooden abstract sculpture created in 1950 that resembled a narrow-waisted, three-legged dancer with upstretched arms, called “The Feminine One,” he knew he found his inspiration.
The Space Needle was privately financed by Bagley Wright, contractor Howard S. Wright, architect John Graham, Jr., financier Ned Skinner, and timber magnate Norton Clapp. The Howard Wright Construction Company was the general contractor. Construction of the 605’ Space Needle was completed in December 1961 almost 400 days after it was initiated. The Space Needle officially opened the first day of the World’s Fair, April 21, 1962.
NOTE: Victor Steinbrueck is wildly credited with saving the Pike Place Market from the threat of the wrecking ball and developers. Steinbrueck was active in historic preservation in Seattle and led the fight to preserve the market beginning in the 1960s. Because of Steinbrueck's advocacy, the Market was designated with historic status in 1971.
“Feminine One II” Photo ML. 2021.
There is a bronze replica of the original wooden statue on the grounds near the Space Needle. The plaque reads:
“Inspired by David Lemon, 2016. Outside Space Needle | In 1960, Seattle architect Victor Steinbrueck was hired by John Graham & Company to work toward the final design concepts for the centerpiece of the 1962 Century 21 World's Fair, the Space Needle. In Steinbrueck's sketch, the dancing figure became three figures leaning back together, giving the Space Needle its iconic form. Commissioned by and on loan from the family of Howard S. Wright.” (Howard S. Wright Construction built the Space Needle.)
Art Program, 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. The program is signed by Richard Fuller. Dr. Fuller founded the Seattle Art Museum in 1933. - Collection, Seattle Art Museum.
The Painters.
Artwork and the performing arts were of great import at the fair. Don Foster, Director, Exhibits Divisions of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, would go on to form Foster White Gallery in Pioneer Square, a leading art gallery in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest and internationally.
The artistic and musical talent that performed during the event are the luminaries of another era: Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Count Basie performed at the Arena. New York City Ballet, concert pianist Van Cliburn, the Seattle Symphony, orchestras from Philadelphia to San Francisco and Vancouver B.C., London’s “Old Vic” theatre company performed “Romeo and Juliet” at the Opera House. Renowned journalist Edward R. Murrow gave a talk at the Playhouse. This is just a sampling.
During its six months in operation, the Seattle World’s Fair drew almost 10 million visitors to the event. It attracted U.S. elected officials and international dignitaries. VIPS such as U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, King Olaf of Norway, The Shah and Empress of Iran, CBS anchor Walter Cronkite, Astronauts John Glenn and Neil Armstrong attended. Prince Philip of Great Britain and the Commonwealth flew in on his helicopter from Vancouver, B.C. Even Walt Disney came to Seattle to check out the fair. His own Disneyland attracted less attendance to-date (5 million) than the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair had produced in six months (10 million.)
The team that made it happen.
1962 Seattle World’s Fair Guide Book.
The Seattle World’s Fair was created and developed in the spirit of civic collaboration, championed by the business community and State and local elected officials. The fair attracted Federal support through the US Government commissioning one of its signature buildings of the fair, The U.S. Science Pavilion (now called the Pacific Science Center,) that was designed by Seattle-born and raised Minoru Yamasaki, architect of the World Trade Center Twin Towers.
“From its earliest beginnings, Seattle has distinguished itself by its determination to move ahead, defying odds and obstacles to reach for achievement. -- As your great mountains lift our hearts above the cares of every day existence, so the Fair lifts our minds and our sights and subordinates the irritations of the present to the potentialities of the future. Above all, it inspires us to visualize the kind of world and the kind of nation we want to have in the 21 Century.” Robert F. Kennedy, Excerpted from Address given at the Seattle World’s Fair, August 7, 1962.
On October 21, 1962, the final day of the fair, the Seattle World’s Fair welcomed its final guests. The fair was a profitable success. It provided Seattle with an iconic international landmark, The Space Needle. Only one other city in the world, Paris, France with its Eiffel Tower shares such a distinction of possessing a national landmark as a product of a world’s fair. The 1962 Seattle fair gave the world a vision of the future. In its wake, the fair left the city with major infrastructure serving as a cultural nexus to this day.
The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair also inspired the world to come together, to share cultures, to dream, to innovate, to embrace science and technology and the arts as integral to each other as well as to the progress of humanity.
Is it possible, as we move from this time of pandemic, the post pandemic world will be like it was 60 years ago in the post WWII/mid century era in the United States--hopeful and filled with optimism for the possibilities of the future, shaped by science coupled with artistic vision, collaboration and cooperation to shape a future that is beneficial and inclusive of all?
The 1962 Seattle World’s Fair is still about the future. The future is now.
Mary Lamery is a lifelong resident of Seattle, Washington, USA and native of the Pacific Northwest.
Lamery paints regional landscape and makes drawings in a manner that leans towards 19th century French Impressionism.
Her landscapes and drawings invite the viewer to add to the backstory of the composition through personal identification with the paintings and story telling of the experience.
Follow Mary on Instagram.