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Unless you're a Chicago history buff, you may not know that the Columbian Exposition—also referred to as "The White City" or the World's Fair of 1893—was a source of inspiration for Daniel Burnham's audacious 1909 Plan for Chicago, which provided a vision of what a well-ordered and attractive city of the future could be. The Plan for Chicago has inspired generations of Chicagoans and city lovers worldwide. This year, the Burnham Plan Centennial is a regional event celebrating the Plan's legacy and looking forward to the bold, new plans for the region.
In coordination with this special anniversary year, the Museum will be offering guests another chance to "stroll" through the White City. This fascinating virtual simulation tour of the 1893 World's Fair is back by popular demand and enhanced with new visuals and content. The simulation now includes an exploration of Columbus' three ships: the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. This area of the Fair is often overlooked in current discussions even though the Columbian Exposition was organized to celebrate the 400th Anniversary of the discovery of America.
Other fascinating new elements include the Convent of La Rabida and enhanced imagery of the Agriculture building, the Casino and Music Hall. Another highlight of the tour is the Museum of Science and Industry! While the Museum opened its doors 40 years after the World's Fair, we are housed in the only remaining building from the Exposition: the Palace of Fine Arts by Burnham & Root architect Charles Atwood.
Dr. Lisa Snyder, associate director of outreach and operations for UCLA's Experimental Technologies Center and the UCLA Urban Simulation team, will be presenting the recreation of the White City using real-time video simulation technology. Tim Samuelson, cultural historian for the City of Chicago, will provide expert commentary and insight. -- www.msichicago.org
Posted June 16th, 2009 by ruzik_tuzik
