"1855 Paris Exposition universelle", Universal Exhibition of agricultural products, industry and fine arts in Paris 1855[L'exposition universelle des produits de l’agriculture, de l’industrie et des beaux-arts de Paris 1855]

The landscapes of Progress and Industry invite themselves to the heart of imperial Paris, yet another modern form of rivalries between two empires and two capitals wanting to impose their own vision of the world, namely London and Paris. The very first universal exhibitions - Great Exhibition were held in London in 1851 and in Paris in 1855. They represented an object of communication for nations on an international scale. International exhibitions are a mirror and a portrait, more or less legitimate, of a country allowing its power and influence to be showcased and recounted through a dynamic urban society. The universal exhibition is organized as part of a project to beautify the city, accompanied by cultural events Who really remembers the effects of the first Parisian universal exhibition of 1855? If we are willing to look closely at its origins, its actors, its atmosphere, the architecture and the urban landscape produced, the lasting effects of this ephemeral event are numerous like the future free trade agreement between France and England.