The Century 21 Exposition (Seattle World’s Fair) was held from April 21-October 21, 1962. Nearly 10 million tickets were sold, making the fair a financial success and giving Seattle international recognition. Years of planning, building and preparation went into the fair, and it left behind a permanent legacy of public buildings and landmarks at the site now known as the Seattle Center.

The main theme of the fair was science, and the organizers actively sought out Fortune 500 companies to develop exhibits to showcase their commercial products and also give visitors a glimpse of future technology. In the months leading up to the fair, the Exhibits Department sent a team of “development agents” across the country with a well-organized sales pitch. Most of the large eastern companies, as well as the local Boeing Company, had no initial interest in participating, but they were soon convinced the fair would be high-quality experience with an exciting futuristic theme.

Ford Motor Company was one of the first corporate sponsors to commit to the fair, and others followed. Hundreds of complex exhibits were soon under development. Ford’s “An Adventure in Outer Space” was one of the most popular fair attractions, and Boeing’s “Spaceaerium” was also a hit. The “World of Commerce and Industry” had exhibits ranging from furniture companies to the Encyclopedia Britannica, all housed in a massive building that spread for 500 feet along Broad Street. The Forest Products Pavilion was surrounded by a grove of trees and included an all-wood theater. Standard Oil of California celebrated the fact that the first filling station opened in Seattle in 1907. The Bell Telephone exhibit featured a display of direct long-distance dialing, and a film called “Century 21 Calling…” The American Library Association displayed a “Library of the Future” exhibit, centered on a Univac computer.

As the opening approached, some organizers felt that more than just science was needed to attract large numbers of visitors, and the adult entertainment “Show Street” concept was expanded. Attractions included a Vegas-style floor show, an adult’s only puppet show, and (briefly) a nude show called “Girls of the Galaxy.” A $15 million dollar entertainment program ranged from boxing and folk dancing to classic ballet and opera. Dozens of theatrical and musical productions were staged at the new Opera House and Playhouse. Internationally famous performers included Isaac Stern, Hal Holbrook, Victor Borge, Lawrence Welk and Ella Fitzgerald. Civic promoters and fair boosters canvassed the country to promote the fair, and images and stories appeared on films, television, magazines and newspapers. Soon thousands of people were planning family vacations and trips to Seattle to attend the Century 21 Exposition.