Ford Rotunda, Architectural structure in Dearborn, United States.
The Ford Rotunda was a visitor center at the River Rouge Plant complex featuring a distinctive plastic geodesic dome and limestone walls. The building housed exhibition galleries, a theater, and facilities for guided tours of the surrounding manufacturing operations.
The building was originally constructed for the Chicago World's Fair in 1934 and relocated to Dearborn in 1936. It operated as a visitor destination until 1962, when it ceased welcoming the public.
The facility presented automotive displays, innovations, and yearly Christmas Fantasy events that drew more visitors than the Statue of Liberty during the 1950s.
The site sprawled across roughly 13.5 acres and provided visitors with guided tours and multiple exhibitions to explore. It was accessible and drew about one million people each year.
The building was destroyed by a fire that broke out during roof waterproofing work, causing the plastic dome to collapse. The collapse happened with shocking speed, reducing the structure to rubble in just minutes.
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