France Pavilion of Expo 2010

The France Pavilion is an exhibition hall at the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai that covers 6000 square meters (about 65,000 square feet). The structure features a trellis-like framework with embedded gardens, living walls, and water pools surrounding the entire building.

The pavilion was built for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and received the third prize for theme development. The event attracted over 70 million visitors from 190 countries and represented one of the largest international exhibition projects of that period.

The building displayed artworks from the Musée d'Orsay, including paintings by Cézanne, Millet, Manet, Van Gogh, and Gauguin alongside a Rodin sculpture. These works reflected French artistic traditions from the 19th century and gave visitors insight into how art shaped French cultural expression.

The square-shaped building contains multiple areas for French food tasting, film screenings, and interactive displays that engage visitors through sensory experiences. The layout makes it straightforward to move through and explore the different zones at your own pace.

The building uses an innovative wire mesh made from specialized concrete material that supports vertical gardens while creating the effect of a floating palace. This material allowed it to support heavy trees and vegetation while keeping the exterior light and airy in appearance.