Virtual Tour of the 1893 Columbian Exposition from UCLA's Urban Simulation Team

You still have time!

The Museum of Science and Industry will be presenting the World's Fair Virtual Tour today and Monday.

Step back in time to the World’s Columbian Exposition! Lisa Snyder from the Urban Simulation Team at UCLA will be presenting real-time visual simulation technology that recreates Chicago’s famous White City. This virtual tour will allow guests to marvel at the fair’s classical structures—including the Museum (formerly the Palace of Fine Arts) façade—from a gondola, just as in 1893! Tim Samuelson, the City of Chicago’s Cultural Historian will provide fascinating insight on the rich history of World’s Fair.

About the Project:

Real-time visual simulation technology has the potential to radically alter our understanding of historic urban environments. Unlike fixed computer animations, real-time technology allows interactive exploration of the modeled site, thereby creating unprecedented opportunities for experiential interpretation and innovative pedagogy. The World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 is a perfect test case for the educational applications of this remarkable technology. The exposition was a milestone for American architecture and urban planning. As Director of Works, Daniel Burnham coordinated a team of the most notable architects in the country, each designing one of the fair’s major buildings. As a group, these architects created a classical city that would have lasting repercussions on American design ideals and spark the American Renaissance and City Beautiful movements. Our understanding of this important complex has heretofore been based solely on static images and written descriptions. This is no longer the case. Real-time visual simulation technology allows us to reclaim the lost experience of navigating through the White City. Just as in 1893, the completed model will allow users to stroll along the virtual Court of Honor, tour the Wooded Island, and marvel at the fair’s classical structures from a gondola.

Visit the project website
The World's Columbian Exposition of 1893: A real-time visual simulation model currently under construction

Chicago Tribune article: A virtual tour of the White City High-tech simulation offers a fresh look at fair By William Mullen