SOM was selected by the New York World’s Fair Commission to provide master planning and design coordination, as well as exhibit design, for the 1939 World’s Fair in New York City. The theme of the landmark event was “World of Tomorrow.” The fair presented perceived images of the future to approximately 60 million visitors.

The fair encompassed more than 1,200 acres within Flushing Meadows – Corona Park in Queens. SOM designed pavilions for eight exhibitors: Continental Baking Company, Radio Corporation of America, Gas Industries, Standard Brands, Swift & Company, Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, New York City, and the Republic of Venezuela.