Exposition Internationale de l'Automobile 1923

Poster in French with advertising for the International Automobile Exhibition in Gothenburg 1923, which was part of the larger jubilee exhibition that year. The exhibition was not uncontroversial and was opposed by the established car dealers in Stockholm who saw it as unwanted competition, both in the form of new European car brands and competition from dealers in Gothenburg. They tried to stop the exhibition by banning members of the Swedish Car Dealers Association from attending. But through support from the important industrial organization Bureau Permanent International des Constructeurs d'Automobiles, the exhibition could be held between May 9 and June 30 with an entrance where Burgårdsplatsen is today. Approximately 70 car brands attended from all over the world.

The Jubilee Exhibition's aim was to celebrate the city's 300th anniversary and led to the founding of a number of well-known institutions. Götaplatsen with the Art Museum, Liseberg, the Swedish Fair and the Botanical Garden were all added as a result of the exhibition. The exhibition showcased art, design, history and industrial progress and was visited by 4.2 million people and by celebrities such as Albert Einstein. Partly because it rained 111 out of 161 days, however, the budget was exceeded and the city had to step in and cover the deficit.

Creator: Carl Meurling