Ford Rotunda
The Ford Rotunda was a tourist attraction that was originally located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, and later was relocated to Dearborn, Michigan. It was among the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, receiving more visits in the 1950s than the Statue of Liberty. It was destroyed by a fire on November 9, 1962.
| Ford Rotunda | |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Status | Destroyed |
| Town or city | Dearborn |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 42°18′43.44″N 83°10′36.14″W |
| Inaugurated | 1933 |
| Destroyed | 1962 |
| Owner | Ford Motor Company |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Albert Kahn |
The Rotunda was built for the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. After the World’s Fair, the Rotunda was dismantled and rebuilt in Dearborn, serving as the visitor center for what was then the equivalent of Ford Motor Company’s world headquarters. Albert Kahn, who designed the Rotunda for Ford’s exposition at the World’s Fair, was also called upon to update the design for its new purpose. Its ultramodern design, elaborate shows, and spectacular Christmas displays contributed to the Rotunda’s popularity among tourists during its existence.