(E) West Path and Torii Gate

In the area west of the Phoenix Pavilion (backside of building) there was a path along the shoreline that led to a torii gate that stood in the water along the bank.

The torii gate was made in Japan for the 1933 Century of Progress world’s fair in Chicago, and relocated to Jackson Park. Historically, a torii gate functions to mark the entrance to a sacred space.

The Torii gate stood over 20 feet tall. At the 1933 Century of Progress, it marked the entrance to the fair that was closest to the Japan’s exhibit area (which was immediately south of Soldier Field.

The torii viewed from the West side of the lagoon. This photo was taken in the 1950’s, which means that the torii gate remained after the loss of the Phoenix Pavilion in 1946.