Paris in 1900 was a city of innovation, progress, and cultural diversity. The city was bustling with activity as the world gathered for the Exposition Universelle, a world fair celebrating the achievements of the past century.
This event brought together people from around the globe to showcase their cultures, arts, and technologies. Let’s take a closer look at what was happening in Paris in 1900.
The Exposition Universelle
The Exposition Universelle was held from April to November 1900 and covered an area of 216 hectares in central Paris. The fair had over 76,000 exhibitors from around the world and attracted over 50 million visitors during its run. It was here that many famous inventions were first showcased including escalators, moving walkways, and even cinema!
Architecture
The architecture of the fair was impressive and grandiose. The main entrance was marked by an ornate arch that towered over visitors. It was called the Porte Monumentale or Grand Entrance and it led to a central court where several pavilions were located.
Art
One of the most popular attractions at the fair was art exhibitions which featured works from many famous artists including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Auguste Rodin. These exhibits marked a turning point for art as they showcased new styles such as impressionism and post-impressionism.
Entertainment
The Exposition Universelle also had plenty of entertainment options for visitors including music halls, theaters, and amusement rides such as Ferris wheels and carousels. One popular attraction was “Le Tour du Monde”, an attraction that took visitors on a simulated trip around the world.
Parisian Society
While all this excitement was happening at the fairgrounds, Parisian society itself was also undergoing significant changes. The city was in the midst of a cultural renaissance and many famous writers, artists, and philosophers made Paris their home during this time.
Artists
The art scene in Paris was thriving with famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, and Georges Braque making their mark on the world. They were part of a new movement called “Les Fauves” or “The Wild Beasts” which used bright colors and bold brushstrokes to create vibrant works of art.
Writers
Paris was also home to many famous writers during this time such as Marcel Proust, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce. They were part of a group called the “Lost Generation” who sought to break away from traditional values and create new literary styles.
Women’s Rights
Paris was also at the forefront of women’s rights during this period. Women were fighting for their right to vote and be treated as equals in society. Many famous suffragettes such as Emmeline Pankhurst and Simone de Beauvoir visited Paris to attend conferences on women’s rights.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paris in 1900 was a city full of energy and excitement. The Exposition Universelle brought together people from around the world to showcase their cultures and technologies.
Meanwhile, Parisian society itself was undergoing significant changes with artists, writers, and suffragettes all making their mark on history. It truly was an unforgettable time in history that has left an indelible mark on the world today.