FAQ

What is SEEI?

The mission of the SEEI is “to conceive and implement all activities, studies and projects regarded by its governing and administrative bodies as suitable for representing Spain at the international exhibitions organised by the International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE), alone or in collaboration with other institutions of any kind, and held in Spain or abroad”.

What is BIE?

The Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE), with headquarters in Paris, is the organization in charge of considering and ruling on the growing number of international exhibition proposals submitted by its member states. Since its founding by 31 countries in 1928, the BIE has worked to coordinate and develop these events which serve to advance international cooperation while also exploring the limits of human experience and knowledge.

Where will be the next Universal Exhibition?

For the first time a nation with an emerging economy - China - will host a universal exposition. Because of its size, number of participants and visitor expectations, Expo Shanghai 2010 is being heralded the greatest Expo in history. Thus, the Asian giant will take a step further in bolstering its international image following the success of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Where can I get more SEEI and Spanish Pavilion information and pictures?

You can find more resources in our News section.

Let me know more about Universal and International Exhibitions

The international exhibitions coordinated by the BIE must meet three conditions: they must last for more than three weeks; they must be neither chiefly commercial nor artistic in nature, and they must be organized by a national government which invites others, via diplomatic channels, to participate. 

What is SEEI doing for Expo Shanghai 2010?

The Spain Pavilion will offer the visitor a spectacular vision that combines the latest technology with the utilization – on a scale never before seen – of a traditional material, wicker, which completely covers its facade. Even before its creation it has been baptized the “Spanish basket” by the Chinese media, alluding to its organic shape, a 25,000 meter steel tubing skeleton that will support 8,524 large wicker panels. It is without doubt one of the most eagerly anticipated pavilions at Expo Shanghai. Inspired by the general theme "Better city, better life", the contents of the Spain Pavilion have been put in the hands of three of the most distinguished directors of Spanish cinema: Bigas Luna, Basilio Martín Patino and Isabel Coixet.

The ‘Plaza viva’ programme will be made up of performances on the Expo main stage, cinema, dance, theatre, a nightly show in the pavilion auditorium, themed weeks each dedicated to one of the autonomous communities, programs in collaboration with the most prestigious and internationally oriented Spanish institutions and a promotion stand for our businesses. And of course it wouldn’t be complete without a tapas bar, run by restaurateur Pedro Larumbe.