Stylish and fashionable Milan often becomes the center of events of not only European, but also global scale - from May 1 to October 31, 2015 the World Exhibition EXPO, dedicated to the theme "Nutrition for the Planet. Energy for Life", takes place here. The idea of the event is to familiarize the world community with innovative food technologies, demonstrate how the latest achievements of mankind are combined with national traditions, and talk about the right of every inhabitant of the planet to a safe and healthy diet.
History of the World Exhibition
The first World Exhibition was organized in London in 1851. 32 states took part in the Great Exhibition of Industrial Works of All Nations, and the number of visitors reached 6 million. Exhibitions began to be held regularly - every two to three years, and to coincide with any event or a memorable date in the history of the host country.
Foody is the official mascot of the World Exhibition
In 1928, the International Bureau of Exhibitions was created, which still regulates all issues related to their organization - sets dates for events, selects venues, determines the subject. The headquarters of the bureau is located in Paris.
Large universal exhibitions are now held every five years and last no more than 6 months. In between, smaller specialized exhibitions are organized - they last no more than 3 months and occupy an area of no more than 25 hectares.
World Exhibition in Milan
Once Milan already hosted the World Exhibition of Achievements: this event was held here in 1906 and was timed to coincide with the launch of the Simplons tunnel in the Alps and connecting Milan with Paris.
Milan was chosen as the venue for the EXPO-2015 in March 2008 - Turkish Izmir also claimed this title, but Milan bypassed it during the vote, gaining 20 more votes.
Main entrance to EXPO 2015
The symbol of the Milan exhibition, actively used for advertising, was Foody - a cute character made of bright vegetables and fruits. His image can be found on brochures, posters, T-shirts of Expo 2015 volunteers. 145 countries have become participants of the EXPO, and the number of visitors by the end of the exhibition will certainly exceed the estimated 20 million people.
For the exhibition, an area was allocated in the northwestern part of Milan, not far from the Fiera Milano exhibition center. An entire town was built here, consisting of two axes-streets intersecting in the center - on Italy Square, where the main pavilion of the host country is located. There, on the square, an artificial lake with singing fountains was created, in the center of which stands a composition called the Tree of Life. Every evening at 21:00 a laser show is held in the square, accompanied by music and pyrotechnic effects.
Composition Tree of Life, Milan
On the Decumano axis, which stretches for 1.5 kilometers, the pavilions of the participating countries are lined up, as well as clusters that unite states that do not have their own pavilions, by the type of products produced - coffee, rice, spices, etc. On the shorter axis of Cardo are pavilions of Italy, representing the cities and regions of the Apennine Peninsula. In addition, the exhibition features pavilions of several large companies and non-governmental organizations, pavilions of the UN and the European Union, a biodiversity park, a children's town, many national restaurants, bistros, and cafes.
The architectural and design solutions of the exhibition halls and internal expositions amaze with their diversity. Their images reflected the culture, traditions, landscape features and natural wealth of the participating countries. Something constantly happens on the sites in front of the pavilions - orchestras play, dancers perform, shows for children are organized, street cafes work.
Malaysian Pavilion at the World's Fair in Milan
How to get to Expo 2015 in Milan
You can get to the Expo venue in Milan by one of the trains departing from the train stations of Milano Centrale and Port Garibaldi and arriving at the station specially built for the exhibition (Rho Fiera Expo Milano 2015). A ticket costs a little more than two euros, and the travel time does not exceed 15 minutes. Train tickets can be purchased at Trenitalia.com.
No less convenient and fast enough way to get to the exhibition is the Milan metro. You must use the red line M1, connecting the city center with its northwestern part. From Cadorna or Duomo stations, you can get to Rho Fiera Milano station without a direct connection in 25 minutes; a one-way ticket will cost 2.5 euros.
Milan Metro is a convenient and quick way to get to the exhibition
Alternatively, take a taxi or rent a car. Taxis will be able to drive to the southern or eastern entrances to EXPO Milano, near which parking is organized. But the car will have to be left in one of two specially equipped parking lots and transfer to a minibus that constantly runs between the parking lot and the exhibition.
Tickets and opening hours
The Expo 2015 exhibition in Milan is open daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. It should be noted that until 23 hours only cafes and restaurants are open, the pavilions are closed at 21:00.
Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased directly at the entrance, as well as on the official website. Guests are offered several types of tickets: with an open or fixed date, a two- or three-day ticket, unlimited subscription, as well as a more affordable evening ticket that allows you to visit the exhibition after 19 hours. Children under 3 years old are admitted to the exhibition area for free; visitors over 65 and under 13 years old can purchase discounted tickets.
Chinese Pavilion at Expo 2015
Expo Milan 2015 mobile app:
- Google play
- Apple store
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