Why did they knock down the columbian exposition buildings?

The World's Columbian Exhibition, also known as the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, showcased various architectural styles and technologies. Contrary to popular belief, most of the buildings erected for the fair were not demolished. Here's what happened to these remarkable structures:

1. Palace of Fine Arts:

- The Palace of Fine Arts, a beautiful Beaux-Arts structure, was repurposed as the Museum of Science and Industry. Today, it stands as a prominent cultural landmark in Chicago.

2. Art Institute of Chicago:

- The original building designed by Shepley, Rutan and Coolidge is still a crucial component of the Art Institute of Chicago. While subsequent expansions and renovations have taken place, the foundational structure remains.

3. Jackson Park:

- Many pavilions and structures were located in Jackson Park. Several of them were eventually dismantled, but some like the Japanese Pavilion, were incorporated into the park's landscape, adding historical and cultural significance to the park.

4. Ferris Wheel:

- George Ferris' iconic Ferris Wheel initially stood at 264 feet tall. After the fair, it was relocated to St. Louis, Missouri for another fair in 1904. Sadly, it was demolished in 1906.

5. Temporary Structures:

- Temporary and exhibition buildings were constructed for the World's Fair, many of which were designed to be ephemeral and were indeed dismantled after the event concluded.

It is crucial to note that while certain buildings were demolished or dismantled, Chicago took efforts to preserve some of the notable structures associated with the fair, integrating them into the city's cultural and historical fabric.