By: HISTORY.com Editors

First-ever “Great Exhibition” opens in London

Published: February 09, 2010Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On May 1, 1851, the Great Exhibition opens to wide acclaim in the Crystal Palace in London. Inside the Crystal Palace, a giant glass-and-iron hall designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, more than 10,000 exhibitors set up eight miles of tables. Technological wonders from around the world were on display, but the exposition was clearly dominated by Britain, the premier industrialized nation and workshop of the world.

Conceived by Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, the Great Exposition was a rousing success, hosting 6 million visitors before it closed in October. The many goods displayed ranged from kitchen appliances to false teeth, silks to farm machinery.

Timeline

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1898

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1915

International Congress of Women adopts resolutions on peace, women’s suffrage

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1926

Ford factory workers get 40-hour week

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1931

Empire State Building dedicated

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1941

“Citizen Kane” released

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1955

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1958

First “Law Day” observed

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1960

American U-2 spy plane shot down over Soviet Union

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1963

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1967

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2002

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Citation Information

Article Title: First-ever “Great Exhibition” opens in London
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/may-1/great-exhibition-opens

Date Accessed: October 21, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: February 09, 2010

First-ever “Great Exhibition” opens in London

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How the 1966 Aberfan Mine Disaster Became Elizabeth II’s Biggest Regret

Is ‘Ring Around the Rosie’ Really About the Plague?

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Citation Information