Giants Lighter than Air

June 4–October 8, 2013
The Wolfsonian–FIU @ 1001 Washington Avenue

Zeppelins successfully competed with other means of passenger air transport in the 1930s. They could carry significantly more passengers than other contemporary aircraft, while providing amenities similar to those on ocean liners: private cabins, observation decks, dining rooms, and more. Zeppelins were also faster than ocean liners, crossing the Atlantic in three days instead of the five-day journey by ship. On May 6, 1937, in front of a large crowd gathered in Lakehurst, the German-built Hindenburg burst into flames and crashed, killing thirty-five of the ninety-seven people on board and one member of the ground crew—a major contributing factor to the zeppelin’s eventual demise.

A small installation presented by The Wolfsonian Library, Giants Lighter than Air included books, photographs, postcards, brochures, advertisements, and other materials that document these monumental and magnificent airships.