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Art

Chicago World's Fair captured in souvenirs

By TIMES STAFF WRITER
Published December 21, 2006

ADVERTISEMENT [Henry B. Plant Museum]

The 1893 Chicago World's Fair was a sprawling, ambitious project that put Chicago on the international map and was documented in Erik Larson's bestselling book, The Devil in the White City (along with a bizarre parallel story of gruesome murders). Tampa developer Henry B. Plant was one of the 27-million visitors and brought back souvenirs that are on display, along with other memorabilia, in the exhibition "Trivial Pursuits of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair" at the Henry B. Plant Museum on the campus of the University of Tampa, 401 W Kennedy Blvd. Shown is a vintage print of the world's first Ferris Wheel, an engineering marvel which debuted at the fair.

The exhibit continues through Dec. 31. If you go, you'll have the extra pleasure of seeing the museum's lavish Victorian holiday decorations, which also continue through Dec. 31. Hours and admission through Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $10, $4 ages 3-11. Beginning Tuesday through Dec. 31, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children. (813) 254-1891; www.plantmuseum.com.

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[Last modified December 20, 2006, 10:35:36]