International Museum Day: “See the world” at the World Expo Museum

On the occasion of International Museum Day on 18 May, and coinciding with the 10th anniversary of Expo 2010 Shanghai, the World Expo Museum (WEM) has released "See the world", a series of miniature-films recounting some of the most memorable World Expos in history.

The clips were filmed in the World Expo Museum using existing mock-ups of celebrated Expo monuments. Produced using an innovative wide-angle macro-photography method, combined with slides, aerial photography and a variety of transport mirrors, the films offer a snapshot journey into the past, from Expo 1851 London through to Expo 2010 Shanghai. Passing by Expo 1880 Melbourne and Expo 1939 New York, the short video showcases Expos from four different continents and highlights some of the architectural wonders these mega-events brought with them.

The first clip features the legendary Crystal Palace, the venue for Expo 1851 London – the first ever World Expo.

Moving to the southern hemisphere, the second clip showcases Expo 1880 Melbourne, the first and only World Expo in Australia. The building it was held in – the Royal Exhibition Building - remains in place to this day.

Representing the 20th century is Expo 1939 New York, a grandiose celebration of modernity that offered a glimpse of a world where technology plays a role in all aspects of daily life. 

Finally, discover Expo 2010 Shanghai, the most visited Expo in history that celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a range of events and activities being organised by the World Expo Museum.

As a bonus, the World Expo Museum offers two making-of videos, offering some behind-the-scenes footage of how the miniature series was produced. On International Museum Day, these videos illustrate the magic of the world in miniature at WEM combined with the enchantment of World Expos.