Great Exhibitions: The World Fairs 1851–1937 looks at the extraordinary world exhibitions that occurred during the second half of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. These enormous exhibitions were trade fairs on a grand scale and celebrated progress in technology, manufacturing, design and the fine and decorative arts. They are the model for the modern day blockbuster exhibition.

Great Exhibitions begins with the famous London Great Exhibition of 1851 and ends with the supremely sophisticated Art Deco and modernist fairs of Paris 1925 and 1937. This exhibition is held in celebration of a magnificent gift of works coming to the National Gallery of Victoria, many of which are featured in the exhibition.

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