Yugoslav Pavillon at Expo 67

 

Photo credit: © Bill Dutfield

In my last post I showed the Serbian Pavillon for the Expo in Shanghai 2010.World Exhibitions are always a good occasion to show off the best side of the country and the aspect of architecture representing a "nation" becomes very important and makes the choice very difficult. Serbia (who earlier participated under Yugoslavia) had always attractive well done Pavillons and always on the more modern edge of the other entries.

A very interesting one, is the Pavillon featured on the Expo 67 in Montreal. The Expo was already very forward, just think of the USA Pavillon designed by Buckminster Fuller or the Habitat 67 housing complex designed by architect Moshe Safdie.  So it was a challenge for Yugoslavia to be represented as a modern country. To compare: The Scandinavian Pavillon  , the Swiss Pavillon or the the Belgian Paviillon look kind of boring in compaire!

Photo credit: © National Archives of Canada

Here the description of the Pavillon from the Expo 67 site:
The Yugoslav Pavilion on Ile Notre-Dame close to the Expo-Express station presents Yugoslavs working for a democratic, prosperous society.

It endeavors to portray how, in the story of Man and his World (that was the main theme of the Expo), Yugoslavia has adopted the special role of a bridge among all countries of the world.

It relates a long and colorful history and ancient culture to the dynamic forward impetus of today.

There is music to match mood, and art displays including priceless national treasures and contemporary work. A section devoted to industry treats production not as an end but as a means for a free and democratic life.

The close ties that link Canada and the United States to Yugoslavia are remembered, a comradeship that spans two World Wars and years of peace.

The pavilion's theater shows feature films from Yugoslavia, documentaries and cartoons, live concerts and folklore programs by Yugoslav artists.

Yugoslav export goods are on display, and experts are ready to discuss business opportunities. Literature describing Yugoslavia is available.

Culture, the country's role in international affairs, economy and tourism, social system and government are principal theme subjects.

 Photo credit: © Commissioned by the Federal Corporation 
for Expo 67 and published by the Banque Nataionale de Paris.  

The Yugoslavian Pavilion is now located on the Marine Drive in Grand Bank, Newfoundland and has become part of the Provincial Seamen's Museum.