It was presented a possible model of the world 20 years into the future (1959–1960). The installation was sponsored by the General Motors Corporation and was characterized by automated highways and vast suburbs.

GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.

The 35,738 square-foot “Highways and Horizons” exhibit by Architect, Albert Kahn, Inc. had 322 moving chair-cars, each equipped with its own sound system for a “personal tour,” to view the “future world of the 1960s”.

General Motors was a star of the 1939 World’s Fair, held in New York City, with its vast “Highways and Horizons” exhibit and “Futurama” model of the future, depicting the prospects and possibilities of industrial and transportation progress. Designed by noted American industrial designer Norman Bel Geddes, Futurama introduced the concept of autonomous travel with its vision of technologically advanced superhighways where cars would navigate curves at speeds up to 50 miles per hour using “automatic radio control” to maintain safe distances.

GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
Postcard of the GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
Postcard of the GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
Floorplan of the GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
Floorplan of the GM Futurama building at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
GM Futurama "Magic Motorways" cover by Norman Bel Geddes.
GM Futurama “Magic Motorways” cover by Norman Bel Geddes.
1939 New York Wold's Fair "Highways and Horizons" display by GM poster.
1939 New York Wold’s Fair “Highways and Horizons” display by GM poster.
Body by Fisher postcard for the GM Futurama at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
Body by Fisher postcard for the GM Futurama at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
"I Have Seen The Future" button from the GM Futurama event at the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
“I Have Seen The Future” button from the GM Futurama event at the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
1940 New York Wold's Fair Greyhound luggage tag.
1940 New York Wold’s Fair Greyhound luggage tag.
Key to the 1939 New York Wold's Fair.
Key to the 1939 New York Wold’s Fair.
1939 New York Wold's Fair 3¢ postage stamp.
1939 New York Wold’s Fair 3¢ postage stamp.
1939 New York Wold's Fair 3¢ postage stamp.
1939 New York Wold’s Fair 3¢ postage stamp.
1939 New York Wold's Fair handkerchief.
1939 New York Wold’s Fair handkerchief.