On March 31, 1893, the United States and Japan dedicated the Hō-ō-den (Phoenix Pavilion) on the Wooded Island for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Japan’s intention was to showcase for the first time in America the greatest achievements of Japan’s artistic heritage.

For the millions of visitors that summer, including young Frank Lloyd Wright, the building—and the canon of Japanese art that it contained—would begin to transform their understanding and appreciation of Japan and its people.

At the close of the Exposition, the Phoenix Pavilion was gifted by the Emperor of Japan to the City of Chicago to serve as a symbol of the relationship between Japan and the United States, and as a place for future generations to continue to learn about Japan and experience Japanese culture.