Worldfairs Forum - Expositions Universelles et Spécialisées

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The beautiful Palace of Electricity is one of the central structures of the Exposition, standing opposite the Palace of Education on the west side of the Grand Basin. The Lagoon system extends entirely around the building and the approach is by means of several ornamental bridges. The entire setting is most beautiful. The Palace of Varied Industries stands on the north, the Palace of Machinery on the west and the Cascade Gardens rise on the south. The building covers eight acres and is one of the most costly on account of the many lofty columns and entablatures, the high towers at corners and entrances and the liberal use of sculpture. The architecture is such as to make a picture of unusual beauty when the electric current is turned on and the thousands of bulbs glow with festive radiance. In the brilliant night picture the statuary on the lofty corner towers and elsewhere stands out prominently against the dark sky. The sculpture on the corners is by Bela L. Pratt. The standing figure represents Light, while at her feet crouch in the shadow of their mantles, figures representing Darkness.

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A very large building is devoted to the exhibits of the Department of Electricity. Including the court, the building covers eight acres and the cost was $400,000. The groups of lofty columns about the entrances and their classic details give the building a dignity worthy of its central position in the “main picture” of the Exposition. The exhibits in the Palace of Electricity will make it a center of attraction for all who are concerned in electrical progress. The remarkable advance in electrical engineering and the new discoveries of the science during the last ten years made possible the most comprehensive exhibit ever assembled. Dynamos and motors of many kinds and new electrical machinery for a multitude of uses may be seen in operation. Definite progress has been made during recent years in the use of electricity in the treatment of diseases. How it is thus used is illustrated with X-ray apparatus and the famous Finsen light. The progress in electric lighting and the use of electric power is shown. Small but powerful electric locomotives for mining purposes make an interesting exhibit. The wonders of electro-chemistry are illustrated.

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The architects of the World's Fair have found their chief opportunities for decorative effects at the entrances of the great exhibit palaces. Notwithstanding the huge size of the buildings, architectural ornamentation has been used everywhere without stint, but every building has its special decorative features in the stately portals.

The picture shows one of the several beautiful entrances of the Palace of Electricity, one of the costliest of the Exposition palaces in proportion to its size. One does not appreciate the massive character of the building till he learns that the cornice line is 65 feet above ground and that it is more than 100 feet to the top of the ornament at the apex of the gable. The statue in front is that of Joseph Henry, inventor of the silk-wound wire spool magnets and other important electrical apparatus. In the foreground is seen the lagoon which entirely surrounds the palace and supplies a means for delightful boating.

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The view here shown is that seen from the Lewis and Clark Bridge, at the southwest corner of the Palace of Electricity, a structure that is one of the architecture triumphs of the Exposition. In the center of the south facade, at the right of the picture, may be seen one of the great Roman gables, with arched window. The corner pavilion, reduplicated in each of the other three extremes of the building, rises in pyramidal form, and provides excellent opportunity for sculptural ornamentation. On the very summit of the pyramid stands the nude figure of Light, holding aloft a star, and at her feet crouch images of Darkness. The groups lower down represent Wonders of the .Lightning and Wonders of the Aurora. Around the building there extends a Corinthian cornice, with decorative supports for flagstaffs above. The doors in the corner pavilion are noteworthy, being adapted from the design of an ancient door still existing at Athens. With the waterways, the line trees and the green sward, this is one of the best aspects of this noble building, which shelters the evidence of so many modern triumphs.

The most recent achievements of many nations are displayed in this building.


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On account of tis majestic architecture the illumination of the building is very beautiful.


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