London

The first World's Fair was held in London's Hyde Park and visited by six million people.

The first Expo was known as The Great Exhibition or the Crystal Palace Exhibition, referring to the recognisable structure built especially for the event.

The building was lauded as an architectural marvel and was later moved to South London, to an area known today as Crystal Palace.

St. Louis, USA

Known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, and more informally as the St. Louis World's Fair, this world expo was attended by over 19 million people.

Contributions to science, technology and consumer goods were unveiled; from Alexander Graham Bell's 'radiophone' – the first wireless telephone, to the X-ray machine and the ice-cream cone. 

New York, USA

New York's first World's Fair took place in 1939 in Queens and welcomed over 44 million visitors.

During a tremulous time in world's history, the expo testified to the ingenuity of human imagination with inspiring exhibits from the Westinghouse Time Capsule that was to remain buried for 5,000 years, to the View Master – a concept close to today VR headsets, and the first colour television.

Osaka, Japan

Expo '70 was the first of three World's Fairs in Japan. The expo hosted 78 countries and welcomed over 64 million visitors. Similar to the first expo held in London, the designers used the roof of the single festival plaza as a unifying symbol.

Every day we use some of the most memorable attractions exhibited, including the first mobile phone, the first IMAX film, and conveyor belt sushi.

Nagoya, Japan

Japan's second World Expo, Aichi 2005, was held under the theme 'Nature's Wisdom', focusing on ecology and environmental wonders. 121 countries participated and 22 million visitors attended the event.

Showcases explored the relationship between people and nature, with exhibits such as the first humanoid robot and a screening of the film My Neighbour Totoro in the 'Forest Experience Zone'.

Dubai, UAE

Expo 2020 will see people come together for the first time after overcoming one of the biggest global challenges in recent history. The expo will, once again, host displays of new and unprecedented scientific and technological advances, from medicine to space travel.

Dubai invites you meet 190 countries and organisations from around the globe, and witness a new era of innovation at Expo 2020.