Watch as astronaut Thomas Pesquet and Ambassador of the France Pavilion is projected on Al Wasl's dome, joining Expo live from the International Space Station (ISS) in celebration of France National Day.

Description

France National Day ISS Call

Join us in celebrating France National Day at Expo 2020.

France

Centuries ago, Paris earned the nickname “City of Light” for its early adoption of street lighting, which lit the way for great leaps in human development. With the France Pavilion, the nation brings this same concept to Expo 2020 in quintessentially French style, offering a collection of luminous spaces that explore how light enables human progress.
From the illuminated surfaces on the pavilion’s exterior to the glowing dreamscapes and lighthouse within, you’ll bask in an array of radiant exhibits, with a special emphasis on French mobility. Best of all, the photovoltaic tiles on the pavilion’s outer façade mean it’s all powered sustainably.

At first glance, the France Pavilion simply looks like a linked complex of grey, squared structures - a massive upside-down “L” shape hanging in space over a central plaza. And then, the lights blaze on: more than 2,000 square metres of illuminated surfaces cover almost the entire façade of the pavilion, from ceilings to walls.

of light

Pavilion 

France Pavilion

France National Day

stamp France

Image gallery

France Logo

Image gallery 

France Pavilion Web Image m3737

France: Space Station Call

The Kamal is a simple celestial instrument, just a board and knotted string, that was used by Arab navigators from the 9th century. Sailors also used poetry as a mnemonic to record and pass on directions in the easily memorised ruttier form. In Australia and New Zealand, indigenous mapping of the sky remains alive through a new generation of astronomers. Bridging these systems of knowledge through literature and memory, we consider how the cultural imagination of the celestial has been constructed and understood, continuing to hold meaning as we imagine space futures.

Considering astronomy, past and present

Learn to Read the Stars

How the cultural imagination of the celestial has been constructed, continuing to hold meaning as we imagine space futures.

A newly commissioned poem that will be shared in a live poetry reading by Emirati poet, Nujoom Alghanem

Exciting presentations from leading practitioners in the field of both Astrophysics and Cultural Astromony from the UAE, Australia and New Zealand

AUS 1

stamp Australia

Image Gallery

Capped by a digitally enhanced “cumulus cloud” that provides shade in the daytime and a canvas for dazzling light displays at night, the Australia Pavilion is a vibrant showcase for the kind of imagination Australians like to call “Blue Sky Dreaming”.

Inside and out, the focus here is on Australian innovation. From the ancient astronomy of the Aboriginal peoples, which you can learn about through an immersive projection show on the pavilion’s interior dome, to the sustainably produced timber that forms the pavilion’s hill-shaped exterior, there’s no shortage of blue-sky ideas here to explore.


Australia

With a crescent-shaped first level that resembles dusty hills and a cloud-like shade structure hanging overhead, the Australia Pavilion is designed to evoke a dramatic Outback landscape. 

AUS 2

Outback landscape

A dramatic

Australia Pavilion

Inside Expo: The Next Great Frontier 

Space travel and exploration has captured imaginations for generations and the dream of space tourism is now closer to being a reality than ever. At the same time, with outer space remaining one of our few truly shared resources, peacefully managing this distant realm remains crucial. During this fascinating week, we highlight the latest innovations in space research and travel, while also providing a platform to discuss critical issues.

Untitled design-5

How do we safely and productively explore new frontiers?

Insight Report from Space Week

Space Week

Space Theme Week Video

Kevin Jones is an arts consultant, writer, critic and educator. In 2019, he founded Juniper Mind, a consultancy that challenges artists, brands and institutions to think more critically. At Alserkal, he created a content strategy for the brand, which informs both the editorial direction for alserkal.online and seasonal programming. Consequently, he has become Commissioning Editor for alserkal. online, and provides curatorial guidance for Alserkal programming throughout the year. New York-born and Paris-bred, Kevin has lived in the Middle East for the past fourteen years, serving as UAE Desk Editor for the magazine ArtAsiaPacific, while contributing criticism both internationally (The Art Newspaper, Artforum, 
ArtReview and FlashArt International) and regionally. 


space 1

Founder, Juniper Mind and Strategic Consultant, Alserkal

Kevin Jones 

Professor Rangi Matamua (Tūhoe) is a pioneering Māori scholar who has revolutionised understandings of Māori astronomy, and in particular Matariki. His research has been ground-breaking in terms of its contribution to mātauranga Māori; he has enlightened both national and international populations on the mātauranga of astronomy. He is renowned for his role communicating his research in an accessible and engaging way, and reaching both academic and non-academic audiences. Rangi is both the author of the bestselling book Matariki: The Star of the Year and presenter of the award winning te reo Māori web series Living by the Stars. He has challenged widespread misconceptions about Māori astronomy and has enhanced our understandings of a Māori world view of the stars. 

space 2

Rangi Matamua

Dr. Mashhoor is a coordinator of the academic programs at Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology (SAASST). He has more than 45 publications in scientific journals. He has a method for analyzing close visual binary stars (Al-Wardat’s Method), and has a good international collaboration and recently is working on the data of Gaia. His Scientific and research interests include spectrophotometry of stars, interferometry of binary and multiple stars, atmospheric modelling of single and binary solar type and carbon stars, light curves of eclipsing X-ray binary stars, astronomical site selection and testing, and history of Astronomy.

space 3

Dr. Mashhoor Ahmad Salameh

Dr. Duane Hamacher is Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy in the ASTRO3-D Centre of Excellence and the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne in Australia. His research focuses on astronomy in a cultural, social, historical, and heritage context. Dr. Hamacher is a president and founder of the Australian Association of Astronomy in Culture, Secretary of the International Society of Archaeoastronomy and Astronomy in Culture, member of the International Astronomical Union Working Group on Star Names, an associate editor of the Journal of Astronomical History & Heritage, and a heritage expert for UNESCO.
Dr. Hamacher is passionate about communicating research with the public, as well as promoting First Nations students in this space. 

space 4

Associate Professor of Cultural Astronomy


Duane Hamacher

Nujoom Alghanem is an Emirati artist, poet, and multi award-winning film director. She was born in Dubai in 1962, has published eight poetry collections and produced around twenty films including short fiction, short documentaries, art films and seven feature length documentaries. Her films have won local, regional and international prizes. She is the founder of Nahar Productions, a film production company based in Dubai and a professional trainer and mentor in filmmaking, art and creative writing. In 1999, she graduated with a Master’s Degree in Media Production, from the School of Film, Griffith University in Australia. 
In 1996, she finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Video Production from Ohio University in the United States.

space 5

Nujoom Alghanem

Cultures in Conversation I Never Be Lost: Learn To Read The Stars 

World Expos have always been meeting places for people across cultures and geographies; an opportunity to come together and celebrate human ingenuity and forge meaningful human connections. As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, and with the participation of more than 192 countries, Expo 2020 Dubai looks to take this legacy even further. The Build Bridges track of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet features a tapestry of event series and experiences that celebrate our common humanity and the vital connections that can help us prosper together as a worldwide community.

Knowing One Another Better

Build Bridges image

Build Bridges 

Build Bridges Icon

We bring together space heroes from across the globe for an out-of-this-world experience in the heart of Expo 2020 - Al Wasl Plaza. Be enthralled by a stunning audio-visual show that brings the universe to you and meet the extraordinary explorers who have dedicated their lives to the exploration of the great unknown. 

Launch into Space at Expo 2020

Astronauts Al Wasl

Meet astronauts from around the world in a spectacular show in Al Wasl Plaza, with remarks by Her Excellency Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and Chairwoman of the UAE Space Agency.

Architecture II: Al Wasl Plaza

EXHIBITOR Magazine's World Expo Awards

EXHIBITOR Magazine Announces World Expo Award Winners

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl 

Al Wasl Plaza Images

Expo 2020 Dubai, the first Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region in the 170 years of World Expo history, opened with a celebration of global togetherness and optimism. Spectacular storytelling, performances, fireworks, and immersive projections on the dome of Al Wasl, the heart of Expo 2020, all told a story of collaboration and hope for the future, echoing Expo 2020 Dubai's theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". Global artists joining in the celebration included Andrea Bocelli, Ellie Goulding, Lang Lang and Mohammed Abdu.

Description 

The first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 opened with a celebration of global connection and hope for the future.

Expo 2020 Dubai Opening Ceremony

Long ago, travellers referred to Dubai as Al Wasl, or “the connection” – a name that reflects the area’s heritage as a meeting point. This spirit of coming together takes shape in Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020’s spectacular centrepiece and gathering ground for celebration and wonder. 

Situated at the meeting point of Expo’s three thematic districts, Al Wasl Plaza's dome is tall enough to fit the Leaning Tower of Pisa beneath it. By night, she transforms into a 360-degree projection screen, blanketed by more than 250 state-of-the-art projectors. Al Wasl Plaza is a hub for visitors and the vibrant heart of our Expo.

Daily performances, national day ceremonies and more

Immersive 360-degree domed projection screen

Lush garden spaces for relaxation and connection

Al Wasl features

Al Wasl Logo-01

Al Wasl Plaza 360

Al Wasl Plaza is 130 metres in diameter and more than 67 metres tall. Delicate-looking despite its titanic scale, her pattern is inspired by our Expo's logo, which is fully visible at the oculus.

and magical

Extraordinary

The life force of the Expo 2020 site, Al Wasl Plaza proudly carries the old name of Dubai.

The beating heart of Expo 2020

A series of immersive 360° videos of Al Wasl's projection shows that put you centre stage for each stunning performance. 

Al Wasl Plaza 360° Immersive Experiences

The Beating Heart of Expo 2020

Astronauts @ Al Wasl

Music meets space in the “Music of the Spheres” concert, which will take you on an imaginary journey to explore the symbiosis between musical genius and images registered by Italian satellites and projected onto a screen at Expo 2020. Metaphorically immersed in the depth of space, the young virtuoso musicians of the Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani will perform pieces taken from the soundtracks of famous blockbusters, by two of Italy’s greatest film music composers: Ennio Morricone and Nino Rota. 

Music of the Spheres 

Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani perform The Music of the Spheres at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre - Al Forsan m4766

An incredible concert that connects music with images of outer space. 

Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani perform The Music of the Spheres at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre - Al Forsan m4767

Orchestra Sinfonica Nazionale dei Conservatori Italiani perform The Music of the Spheres at Dubai Millenium Amphitheatre - Al Forsan m4768

Explore the pavilion's materials which begin with the concept of circularity.

Italy Pavilion

stamp Italy

Italy Image Gallery

Italy’s voyage to Expo 2020 began long before opening day, when three custom-crafted boats set sail from Venice, Genoa and Naples. Nearly 10,000 kilometres later, the vessels arrived in Dubai and were hoisted up on steel pillars to form the roof of the Italy Pavilion, a striking showcase of culture, science and the nautical arts.

Inside the pavilion, beyond a dramatic veil of LED strands, stylish exhibits await. See a five-metre-tall 3D-printed replica of Michelangelo’s legendary David statue, learn about algae at a cluster of naturally multicoloured pools or gaze up and contemplate the fanciful hanging gardens embedded in the boats’ hulls.


Italy logo

The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 is a dramatic, open structure reminiscent of a giant carnival tent, with a swooping canopy and a layer of 20-metre-tall white strands surrounding its interior like a veil. A set of high steel pillars support its imaginative roof, which is formed from the hulls of three boats.  

Description

Participants

France National Day.