The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair - When America Invented the Future

Part 2

-- Throughout history, people have imagined what the future might look like, sometimes in bold visions, and sometimes in outlandish predictions. Dreams of a Future Past is a podcast that explores how humanity has dreamed of the future through movies, technology, philosophy, and design.

In Part 2 of this episode, we dive into the forces that shaped the fair, the dark side of the fair including "The Devil" in the White City, and its lasting impact on Chicago and world in which we live today. Join Ian, Greg, and McKay as they explore the many futuristic themes of the fair and uncover more of what they got right, and missed, at this amazing World's Fair.

What it Missed

• The just plain weird and gimmicky including Glow-in-the-dark cocktails and electroshock “Health Machines.”
• Depictions of global cultures.

Its Lasting Impact

• The structures with you can still visit today, including the Palace of Fine Arts which became the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry and the World’s Congress Building which became the Art Institute of Chicago.
• The serial killer "Devil" at the fair and his murder hotel.

Join us to find out how much of The White City was a blueprint for our future and how much a dream that faded with the lights.