Source: en.expo2010.cn

04-21-2009 16:40

Luxembourg today unveiled its national pavilion design for World Expo Shanghai 2010, giving visitors a preview of its unique "forest and fortress" scene.

The scene of signing ceremony

The idea "forest and fortress" comes from the literal meaning of the Chinese term for Luxembourg. The pavilion, built from steel, wood and glass, will be an open fortress around with greenery.

The 15-meter-high main structure will resemble an ancient castle with large openings surrounded by medieval towers,

"All the materials are recyclable," said the architect of the pavilion, Francois Valentiny. Also, the outside walls will be translucent, on which Chinese characters will be shown.

The exhibition area of the pavilion is about 1,300 square meters. The downstairs hall will stage a satellite video show displaying live scenes from the country.

Layout of outside look of Luxembourg pavilion

"Visitors will be able to talk with Luxembourg people through satellite. And we will bring live programs of Luxembourg events here," said Jeannot Krecke, the country's Minister of the Economy and Foreign Trade.

The surrounding medieval castles will have a kindergarten and a restaurant. The restaurant will provide special food and drinks from Luxembourg, such as beer, wine, sausages and traditional dishes, as well as Chinese food.

Visitors will also be able to buy Shanghai stamps, which will be printed in 2010 by the Luxembourg Post, and special Shanghai Euro coins issued by the Luxembourg Central Bank to celebrate the Expo.