The 1936-1937 Great Lakes Exposition

The Great Lakes Exposition was held in Cleveland during the summers of 1936 and 1937, drawing seven million visitors over its two-year run. The exposition was intended to observe the city s centennial anniversary and to celebrate the Great Lakes Region. It was also hoped that it would help lift the city s economy out of the Great Depression. The exposition boasted a staggering array of ever-changing national-level attractions and feature events. In a single day, exposition visitors could experience the latest technological innovations; see a world-class aquatics show; watch a Shakespearean play; ride in a blimp; and hear the music, taste the food, view the architecture, and experience the culture of 40 of the world s countries.