History – Hungary at world expositions

Hungary participated regularly in World Expositions during the history of these great events since 1851. The World Expo Shanghai 2010 will be the 23rd time when Hungary introduces itself to the world.

The first exhibition of Hungary was already a great success on the famous World Expo in London in 1851. The exhibition introduced several inventions, many of which have become world famous since then. The porcelain from Herend, the products of our first glass factory and the shotgun of Kirner were only a few of them.

At World Expo 1867 in Paris, Hungary presented itself as a sovereign county, independent from Austria. By then, Hungarian specialties like Tokaji Aszú, special machinery of the Ganz factory or the high level of agricultural development already took wind. A world sensation, the steamboat of Ödön Széchenyi called Mermaid was introduced here. Arriving to the harbor of Paris on board of his ship directly from Budapest, he drew attention to a very rare way of travelling at that time.

It was at the turn of the century in Paris, when the participating countries could build their own pavilions for the first time. Hungary built its own pavilion in Art Noveau style and was awarded the blue ribbon of the exposition.

During the years Hungary has participated in almost every World Expo with spectacular pavilions and scientific inventions. The Hungarian Pavilion had 800 000 visitors at World Expo Zaragoza 2008. Hungarian organizers expect even more, over 1.5 million people to visit the Hungarian Pavilion in Shanghai.

For further interesting facts about the history of World Expos Vilmos Gál’s book “Világkiállító magyarok” is a good choice.