Midcentury Design - American National Exhibition, Moscow 1959: Home

Image from Library of Congress. https://lccn.loc.gov/2013645900

The American National Exhibition, held from July 25-September 4, 1959 in Moscow's Sokolniki Park, was an exhibition of American art, design, and capitalism. The Cold War era event attracted over 3 million visitors, and is remembered for its influential art and design exhibitions.

At the opening of the American National Exhibition, a precursor to the final design of the Leisurama house was shown. Leisurama was a line of inexpensive prefabricated houses available for purchase through Macy's department stores in the United States during the 1960s. The precursor at the American National Exhibition prompted U.S. Vice President Richard Nixon and Soviet Premier Nikita Kruschev to engage in a series of impromptu exchanges which are now known as the "Kitchen Debate". 

This guide will provide you with resources on the American National Exhibition and the Leisurama.