The Czech Pavilion at the World Expo aims to present the Czech people's achievements over the ages, the country's ambassador said on April 29, 2010.

"The Shanghai Expo is a great opportunity for us to show all sides of Czech society, our whole history, and how we have enriched civilization. That's why our pavilion at Shanghai Expo is called the 'Fruit of Civilization'," the ambassador told China.org.cn

The Czech Pavilion is modeled on the Old Town in the center of Prague, the country's capital and cultural center. "It exemplifies the creativity of Czech architecture," said the ambassador. The fa?ade is made of 63,415 ice-hockey pucks – reflecting the Czech people's mania for their national sport.

A spiral resembling a ribbon stands at the entrance to the pavilion. "This design makes our pavilion vivid and alive, very different from the others," The ambassador said. "There are big screens in the ribbon. While people are waiting at the entrance, they won't be bored because they can watch the screens and get information about the Czech Republic."

Inside the pavilion, visitors will experience a high-tech floating city. A network of the streets and squares will appear above their heads as they walk across grassland. "It's all about fantasy, invention and creativity. We wanted to make something original, something unique. So we decided to build a virtual city above visitors' heads, not at eye-level," said the ambassador.

Libor Se?ka, Czech Ambassador to China [Zhou Jing / China.org.cn]

There will be a day-long program of activities to celebrate Czech National Day on May 17. "The highlight will be a performance by the Czech National Theater Ballet specially prepared for the Expo. We have also invited some Chinese artists, including the painter Huang Rui, to take part."

There will even be an exhibition about legendary Chinese hero Sun Wukong - the Monkey King. Czech painter Zdenek Sklendar became famous for his 1950s illustrations of the Monkey King stories. Now a film has been made based on his illustrations. "It's a Czech interpretation of Chinese culture," said the ambassador.

"We have also brought some pieces of Prague's famous Charles Bridge, including a statue. According to a Czech tradition, visitors to Prague touch a special area of the statue for good luck. Now in the Czech Pavilion you can touch the statue and make a wish. The wish should come true," the ambassador added.

Besides cultural activities, the Union of Czech Industry and Chambers of Commerce will deliver presentations on the Czech economy. In July a week of events celebrating Czech regions and provinces will be held.

The ambassador said Prague is using modern technology to protect its ancient heritage. "Six years ago, we had a catastrophic flood in Prague. The water of the River Vltava rose so high that it destroyed some parts of the old city where much of our historical and cultural heritage is located. Because of climate change, we are experiencing more floods than before. So we set up an early warning system and protective walls. We have brought the know-how and technology in Shanghai to share it with our Chinese partners. The Czech people should work together with people from the rest of world to keep our cities alive, safe and protected."

The Czech government was the first country to accept a pavilion at the Shanghai Expo. "We did this because of the scale and location of the Expo. It's a good opportunity for Czech Republic to show where we are, what we can do and in which fields we can collaborate with the world. We have a long tradition of being a part of the World Expo," said the ambassador.

The Czech Republic has also issued a special Expo stamp featuring its pavilion. "It's another of our Expo traditions; we did the same for Brussels in 1958, Montreal in 1967, Osaka in 1970 and Seville in 1992. It will be a great souvenir for stamp collectors and others who are interested in the event," said the ambassador.

 

1. China.org.cn: What is the significance of the Czech Pavilion's theme - the "Fruits of Civilization"? >>>

2. China.org.cn: Could you tell us about some of the highlights of the Czech Pavilion? What is special about it compared with other pavilions? >>>

3. China.org.cn: Could you tell us how you have been promoting the Czech Pavilion, both in China and back home in the Czech Republic? >>>

4. China.org.cn: Could you tell us what activities you will be organizing on May 17 – the Day of Czech Pavilion? >>>

5. China.org.cn: What is the meaning of the unique architectural spiral resembling a ribbon that stands at the entrance to the pavilion? >>>

6. China.org.cn: The Czech economy has historically been dependent on heavy industry, which as we know, can pollute the environment. Will new environmental protection measures feature in the Czech Pavilion? Can you tell us about them?>>>

7. China.org.cn: The description of the Czech Pavilion on the Expo website says visitors will walk on grass through a hi-tech floating city with towers, and see a grid of streets above their heads. Why are the streets above visitors’ heads and not at eye level? >>>

8. China.org.cn: The Czech Republic was the first country to accept a pavilion at the Expo in April, 2009. Does this mean the country is particularly enthusiastic about the Expo? >>>

9. China.org.cn: The Czech Republic has issued special postage stamps for five World Expos - Brussels in 1958, Montreal 1967, Osaka 1970, Seville 1992 and Shanghai 2010. What is special about the stamps for the Shanghai Expo? >>>

10. China.org.cn: Could you introduce some of the new and cutting edge technologies that will be on display in the Czech Pavilion? >>>