As the world prepares to watch and celebrate the thirty-third Olympic Summer Games in July and August, the beautiful host city of Paris gets to also celebrate one hundred years since it lasted hosted the games in 1924. This will be the third time Paris has hosted the Summer Games, more than any other city, having also hosted the Olympics in 1900.
1900 was one of the greatest years ever for the wonderful city of Paris. The Marvelous Ville Lumiére hosted the Paris Universal Exhibition, or the Paris Expo, the 5th World Exhibition which was a showcase for world-leading art, architectural wonders, technology, and industry, ensuring Paris’ reputation as a leader in innovation in the modern age. The Paris 1900 Olympic Games saw women compete for the first time with British tennis star Charlotte Cooper becoming the first female Olympic champion. Many major attractions were unveiled to the public during these ambitious, large-scale events, making Paris during the turn-of-the-century one of the world’s most popular destinations.
Bird’s eye view of the Universal Exhibition of 1900. Paris. France by Lucien Baylac (1851-1913). Credit: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group 
Six archery events took place during the Olympic Games, Paris, 1900. Credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group 
Paris, France: July 16, 1924. Hawaii’s trio of great swimmers, Sam, Dave and Duke Kahanamoku at the Paris tank for the Olympic elimination swimming trials. Credit: Underwood Archives/Universal Images Group 
View on the monuments of the 1900 World Exhibition in Paris Credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group 
Frederick Lane, swimmer; Olympic Games, Paris, 1900. Credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group 
At the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, Alvin Schoenfield’s high jump syle is much admired by the public. Credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group 
At the 1900 Paris Olympic Games, Josiah McCracken wins silver medal at the shot put event. Credit: Photo12/Universal Images Group 
Arthur Francis Duffey (1879-1955), American track and field athlete who competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. Credit: World Hstory Archive/Universal Images Group 
Gaston Ragueneau (Adolphe Gaston Ragueneau); (1881-1978), French athlete. He competed at the 1900 Summer Olympics in Paris and the 1908 Summer Olympics in London. Credit: World Hstory Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing a plan of the exhibition areas for the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Eiffel Tower and the Paris Exhibition, 1889. From Great Engineers, published circa 1890. Credit: Ken Welsh/Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the Greek Pavilion with a portrait of King George I; at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the Italian Pavilion with a portrait of King Umberto I (died 1900); at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the opening ceremony led by President Loubert of France at the start of the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing a plan of the exhibition areas for the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the opening ceremony at the start of the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the French river police and mounted bicycle policeman at the time of the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Illustration showing the USA Pavilion with a portrait of President McKinley, inset; at the Exposition Universelle of 1900 in Paris. Credit: World History Archive/Universal Images Group 
Universal Exhibition, Paris 1900. Felix Thiollier (French, 1842–1914. Credit: Sepia Times/Universal Images Group 
Olympic Games Poster. Paris 1924. Credit: SeM/Universal Images Group 
Antique engraving showing view from above of the International Exhibition in Paris, 1900. Credit: Igor Golovniov/Universal Images Group 
Visitors walking past bales of wool from Victoria, Australia, at the entrance to the Australian Section, Paris Exposition Universelle, 1867. Credit: Florilegius/Universal Images Group 
Olympic Games Poster Paris 1900. Entry ticket to the Universal Exposition. Credit: SeM/Universal Images Group
The 1924 Games featured the very first Olympic Village, which has become customary at every Games since. Also, the Olympic motto “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger) was used for the first time.
Photography in its early years documented these events and UIG fortunately represent some wonderful historical collections that feature them. Please let us know how we can help research and locate images of Paris and France as you prepare for the 2024 Games.
All images featured in this post and on Kaleidoscope are available for licensing. Please contact us at info@universalimagesgroup.com
Sources:
How Many World Fairs Did Paris Host in the 19th Century? (thecollector.com)
-by Mar 15, 2023 • By Rosie Lesso, MA Contemporary Art Theory, BA Fine Art
Wow, this blog post about Paris really captured the essence of this incredible city! It made me feel like I was strolling along the charming streets, savoring the delicious cuisine, and admiring the breathtaking architecture. I can’t wait to visit someday and experience it all firsthand!
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