The American National Exhibition was held in Sokolniki Park, Moscow in the summer of 1959.
Carter Jones had more photographs in the exhibition than any other American photographer.
The exhibit was sponsored by the American government, and it followed a similar Soviet Exhibit in New York City earlier that year. This exhibit was intended to narrow the gap between the Americans and the Soviets and improve the political relations between them. However, the "exhibition was also a tool of cultural diplomacy against the Soviet Communist Regime" as the American politicians wanted to demonstrate the advantages of capitalism to the Soviets.
The various displays of the exhibit were all successful in promoting the American way of life as superior to the Communist regime and lifestyle. For instance, the model of the modern kitchen was a great attraction for most visitors and even sparked the infamous "Kitchen Debate." A multi-screen film was presented, "Glimpses of the USA" by Charles and Ray Eames.
The 1959 American National Exhibition in Moscow was the first introduction of the USA to Soviet people. It went with great success and was attended by millions of Soviet people.
This photograph was blown up to 8 feet square and exhibited in Moscow.