For the next six months (May 1 – Oct 31, 2010),
Shanghai will host the World Expo on the theme “Better City, Better Life”.
Three million visitors are expected at the Monaco Pavilion
where “Monaco Past, Present, and Future; The Challenges of an Evolving City-State” takes centerstage.
Located in the European countries section of the expo, the Monaco pavilion covers an area of 2,000 m² (over 21,000 sq. ft.) and is 12 meters (40 ft) high representing the ‘rock’ symbol of the Principality of Monaco. The facade features blue-lighted rings of water illustrating the Principality’s commitment to the environment.
Upon entering, visitors are invited to watch a six-minute animation movie exclusively produced for the Expo. “Monaco, a rock for eternity” sends viewers back to prehistoric times. The theater sits 250 people and features a 56-meter HD screen.
The visit continues with a highly realistic reconstruction of the streets of the Principality transporting visitors to the heart of Monaco. Wall‐mounted screens show scenes depicting the city’s cultural life including concert, ballet and theater. An area dedicated to the Formula 1 Grand‐Prix tells the story of the event from its beginnings in 1929 to the present
day including information on the development of the motor car, and the KERS system where the kinetic energy generated during the race is
recovered. Visitors can also experience a virtual Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix race, as if they were driving the car.
A gallery of portraits of the Princes of Monaco – including Charles III, Albert I, Rainier III and Princess Grace and H.S.H. Prince Albert II – leads visitors into an area dedicated to the environment and the work of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The space features interactive tactile globe, videos and displays along with the prototype of the luxury ecological car Venturi Volage.
The visit concludes with an information area and souvenir shop.
For more information, visit the official website of the Monaco Pavilion.