The Chicago World's Fair, also known as A Century of Progress International Exposition, was a massive event that was planned for nearly five years. The expo was a two-year event that welcomed more than 48 million attendees from around the world during its active operation. Of course, Kohler was there in a big way.
Like many other of the main exhibitors, Kohler constructed an entire building to showcase its brand, products and latest innovations. The “Kohler of Kohler” exhibition building had a 132-foot-long gallery used to display plumbing and power systems products. Floor-to-ceiling images depicted Kohler projects around the world, as well as the factories and garden community of Kohler Village. Model bathrooms were on display, including a children’s bathroom, which at that time was a new idea in home design. When the fair reopened in 1934, Kohler had increased the size of the building, adding two large wings to the east and west sides and moving the entrance to a more-prominent location on the main thoroughfare. The new entrance walls featured murals by six artists that depicted scenes from places around the world where Kohler obtained its raw materials.