Situated in the heart of the Mobility District at Expo 2020, the Australia Pavilion pays homage to a nation built on mobility. From its earliest histories to the modern day, the movement of people and ideas is embedded in the nation's DNA. As one of the world's most multicultural societies, Australia brings a powerful understanding of how the transfer of people, innovations, and cultures works together to build economies and enrich lives. The pavilion theme, Blue Sky Dreaming, encapsulates Australian optimism and creativity and celebrates Australian diversity and collaboration, envisaging a future of infinite possibilities founded on 65,000 years of innovation.
From under the gleaming canopy of its cumulus cloud-inspired roof, the Australia Pavilion experience tells Australia’s story, from ancient indigenous know-how to modern day discovery and invention. Visitors are invited to share, see, and hear about the country’s people, land, and history connecting communities locally and globally. The pavilion provides a compelling experience of Australia through immersive storytelling, bold artistic art installations, and true Australian hospitality.
The forecourt of the pavilion boasts a stage hosting a curated program showcasing Australian music, arts, and daily performances for all to enjoy. On-site chefs recreate popular Australian delicacies in the commercial kitchen and forecourt restaurants. The curved, snake-like design of the pavilion’s entry tunnel is designed to optimize flow while the external timber stores carbon from the atmosphere. To further enhance the visitor experience, guests are welcomed to the Australian Pavilion by Wattle, the friendly koala, and Jali, the free-spirited and curious butterfly. Wattle embodies the jovial and hospitable spirit of Australia while Jali, meaning tree in Bundjalung’s native indigenous language, is Wattle’s faithful friend.
The presentation at the heart of the pavilion offers guests an incredible sensory journey, developed by some of the world’s finest storytellers. Visitors enjoy a series of immersive and dream-like exhibition experiences, inspired by aspects of the Australian landscape, culture, and creativity. From earth to clouds, to sky and beyond, stories at the Australian Pavilion use next-generation technology to project infinite possibilities and feature Australian nature, ancient knowledge, and culture.
Once Inside the pavilion, visitors are guided through three immersive exhibition spaces. Colorful, bright, and engaging art from Australian Yorta Yorta/Gunditjmara artist, Josh Muir, is the first thing visitors see as they enter the Welcome Stories experience. Filled with ambient light and the sounds of Australia, this panel-lined tunnel contains profile LED screens where visitors receive a warm Australian welcome before discovering what life is like in Australia.
From here, visitors move into the incredible Star Dreaming Gallery. This seated planetarium projects immersive visuals and storytelling across a dome. It is here visitors are introduced to Australia’s First Nations people, descendants of the world’s oldest civilization, as they are regaled with Dreamtime stories of the stars. Finally, guests arrive at Annika’s Journey; an awe-inspiring exhibition space where captivating wall-to-wall video tells the story of a young girl’s expedition throughout Australia, as she discovers and ponders the infinite possibilities of her future.
