Equipped with all the museum display cases customized by WANGDA SHOWCASES, World Expo Museum of China(in Shanghai) is the world’s only official World Expo-themed museum co-built with the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). It also serves as BIE’s sole official museum and the global documentary center for World Expositions, and is classified as a National Class Museum of China.
With 6 floors above ground, 1 basement floor, the construction area is totaled 46,550 sq.m. (31,950 sq.m. area above ground, 14,600 sq.m. area underground). Collection cover 28,000 artifacts, historical archives and state gifts from all countries, covering the full history of World Expositions dating back to the inaugural Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations in London, 1851.
Permanent Exhibition Halls
The exhibition narrates the complete chronicle of World Expositions from the 1851 London Great Exhibition, through Expo 2010 Shanghai, to future expos. The exhibition design was jointly developed by Chinese, Western and Italian teams.
Hall 1: Global Stage (1st Floor)
Opening gallery tracing the origins of World Expositions
- Core Exhibit: 1:100 scale miniature replica of London’s Crystal Palace, landmark building of the first World Expo.
- Content: The industrial revolution backdrop that gave birth to World Expositions, early participation of nations; interactive ground projection triggering animations of national flags when stepped on.
Hall 2: Path of Progress (2nd Floor)
History of World Expositions from 1851 to 1945 Displays steam machinery, industrial innovations and early urban planning artefacts, documenting how science and technology transformed human life.
Hall 3: Faith in Optimism (2nd Floor)
World Expositions between the two World Wars, featuring art, decorative styles and new lifestyle concepts, with a large collection of vintage Expo posters and craftworks.
Hall 4: Facing Global Challenges (3rd Floor)
Post-war modern expos addressing worldwide issues including urbanisation, the environment and population; a replica of the giant ecological green wall from the Urban Planet Pavilion of Expo 2010.
Hall 5: A Grand Global Gathering (4th Floor)
Comprehensive overview of Expo 2010 Shanghai China, recreating the vibrancy of the original expo site, silhouettes of national pavilions, volunteer archives and a full range of Haibao mascot collections.
Hall 6: World Civilisations (4th Floor)
A curated collection of precious state gifts presented by national pavilions worldwide Highlights include an emerald-inlaid Haibao from Colombia, the sacred peace flame lantern from Nepal, Thai guardian sculptures from Wat Pho, Austrian crystal tiger, Arabian horse sculpture from the UAE, Solomon Islands canoe bust, Bangladeshi memorial tapestry and hundreds of other national treasure-level diplomatic gifts.
Hall 7: Wisdom of China (5th Floor) – Must-See Gallery
- Signature Exhibit: Dynamic version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival, the star exhibit originally housed in the China Pavilion of Expo 2010, a giant LED scroll with animated pedestrians, boats and flowing water.
- Supplementary Displays: Replicated exhibits from Chinese provincial and municipal pavilions, including a replica of the Houmuwu Ding, Chao embroidery, Jingdezhen porcelain, Tibetan prayer wheels and Huanghuali wood carvings.
Hall 8: Visions for the Future (5th Floor)
Post-2010 World Expositions (Milan, Dubai, Osaka etc.), focusing on sustainability, new energy and future cities; equipped with VR interactions, voice-activated star projection and an interactive message wall for visitors to leave notes on the future of expos.