Leuchtende Pavillons, Seilbahn und Riesenrad spiegeln sich am Abend im Wasser der Expo Plaza in Hannover.Hassan Mahramzadeh

25 years of EXPO Hannover

#Expo2000Revisited: 25 years later - The legacy of the World Expo in Hanover

A quarter of a century ago, the Expo 2000 opens its doors in Hanover. From 1 June to 31 October 2000, 155 nations presented themselves on the 160-hectare site under the motto "Man, Nature and Technology - A New World is Emerging". With around 18 million visitors, it was the first and so far only world exhibition in Germany.

Sustainable subsequent use: Expo Park Hanover

A central concern of Expo 2000 was the sustainable utilisation of the exhibition grounds. Today, Expo Park Hannover is a living example of successful re-use. Around 85 % of the area is still in use - a record in comparison to other world exhibitions. The site is now home to Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the multimedia vocational schools and numerous companies from the IT and media sector. The Expo Plaza serves as a venue for concerts and events.

Architectural icons in transition: some of the pavilions have been given new functions:

  • Dutch Pavilion: The striking building with its stacked landscapes has not been used for a long time. There are currently plans to convert it into an innovative co-working space.
  • Expowal: The former Pavilion of Hope now serves as a venue for church services and concerts.
  • Nepal Himalaya Pavilion: After the Expo, it was rebuilt in Wiesent (Bavaria) true to the original and is now a popular destination for excursions.

Preserving cultural heritage

The Exposeeum on the Expo site commemorates the world exhibition and displays exhibits, photos and films from the time. It offers guided tours of the site and keeps the memory of Expo 2000 alive.

Events to mark the anniversary

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary will take place in Hanover events instead:

  • Film evening at the Kommunales Kino: Highlights and bizarre items from the Expo 2000 film archive will be shown.
  • Discussion event in the New Town Hall: Contemporary witnesses talk about their experiences and the effects of the Expo on Hanover.
  • Exhibition "Expo 2000 - 20 years later": Photographer Piet Niemann presents his photographic survey of the Expo site at the Weissenhof Galerie in Stuttgart

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