The Tower of Jewels, the centerpiece of the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco, stood at an impressive 435 feet tall. Designed by renowned architect Thomas Hastings, this magnificent structure captivated visitors with its dazzling display of over 100,000 cut glass “jewels” known as Novagems.
In This Article
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco in 1915, celebrated the completion of the Panama Canal and showcased the city’s resilience after the devastating 1906 earthquake. The Tower of Jewels, a temporary structure that served as the exposition’s focal point, embodied the event’s grandeur and innovative spirit.
Key Points
- The Tower of Jewels was the central building at the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.
- The tower was adorned with over 100,000 cut glass “jewels” called Novagems, which sparkled in the sunlight and were illuminated at night.
- The Tower of Jewels served as a gateway to various courts and palaces within the exposition grounds.
Architectural Design and Illumination
Thomas Hastings, of the architectural firm Carrere and Hastings, designed the Tower of Jewels as a combination of a triumphal arch and a tower. The structure was built using a temporary construction method called “staff,” which involved applying plaster and burlap-like fiber over a wooden and steel framework.
The tower’s most striking feature was the 100,000 Novagems that adorned its surface. These cut glass “jewels” measured 1-7/8 inches in diameter and sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight. At night, more than fifty spotlights illuminated the tower, creating a mesmerizing display of light and color.
The exposition’s lighting scheme was a marvel in itself. On the night of April 13, 1915, just four days before the opening, thousands of people gathered to witness the final test of the illumination. The Tower of Jewels, along with other structures like the “Fountain of Energy,” “Palace of Horticulture,” and “Festival Hall,” created a breathtaking spectacle that left visitors in awe.
Exposition Layout and Courts
The Tower of Jewels served as the gateway to the Court of the Universe, which led to the Court of the Four Seasons to the west and the Court of Abundance to the east. These courts were designed to create a sense of grandeur and unity within the exposition grounds.
In front of the tower, the “Fountain of Energy” flowed at the center of the South Gardens, flanked by the “Palace of Horticulture” on the west and the “Festival Hall” to the east. This layout created a harmonious balance between the various elements of the exposition.
Legacy and Memorabilia
After the exposition ended, the Tower of Jewels was demolished, as it was never intended to be a permanent structure. However, the Novagems that adorned the tower were removed prior to its demolition and sold as memorabilia. Each “jewel” came with a small brass medallion indicating that it had hung on the tower during the exposition. These mementos allowed visitors to take a piece of the magical experience home with them.
Today, the legacy of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition lives on in San Francisco. Buildings like the Palace of Fine Arts and the Legion of Honor were either rebuilt or designed in the style of the exposition. The fair’s influence can also be seen in the city’s landscape, as the exposition grounds required significant changes, such as filling in acres of waterfront marshland. Popular recreational areas like the Marina Green and Crissy Field are direct results of these transformations.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition?
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition was held to celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal and showcase San Francisco’s recovery and resilience after the 1906 earthquake.
How tall was the Tower of Jewels?
The Tower of Jewels stood at an impressive height of 435 feet (132.59 meters).
What were Novagems, and how were they used on the Tower of Jewels?
Novagems were cut glass “jewels” measuring 1-7/8 inches in diameter. Over 100,000 of these jewels adorned the surface of the Tower of Jewels, creating a dazzling display in the sunlight and when illuminated at night.
What happened to the Tower of Jewels after the exposition ended?
As the Tower of Jewels was a temporary structure, it was demolished following the exposition. However, the Novagems were removed prior to demolition and sold as memorabilia, each accompanied by a small brass medallion indicating its connection to the tower.
How did the Panama-Pacific International Exposition influence San Francisco’s landscape?
The exposition required significant landscape changes, such as filling in acres of waterfront marshland. These transformations led to the creation of popular recreational areas like the Marina Green and Crissy Field that San Franciscans enjoy today.
