San Francisco’s Jewel City: The Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915

World’s fairs showcased the human spirit and technological advancements of their time, and brought cachet, commerce, and tourism to host cities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Panama-Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) represented a pivotal moment in history, marking the successful completion of the Panama Canal and the rebuilding of San Francisco after the Great Earthquake and Fire of 1906. Architectural historian Laura Ackley takes us on a “Whirlwind Tour” of the PPIE with rare and dramatic images, insights on the social and cultural context of the era, and the elaborate construction process needed to create the fantastical “Jewel City." The Fair had a powerful and lasting impact that transformed views of art and design (including those of artist Maynard Dixon, whose style was greatly influenced by the Fair), and introduced new technologies to its nearly 19 million attendees.