One not to miss – Italian Pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo

Italian Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo 2010

The hype may be all around the China pavilion, but the Italian has got plenty in store for the 2010 World Expo, and there really is something for everyone.

Designed by Giampaolo Imbrighi and his associates at Iodice Architett, the Italian pavilion embodies a mini Italian city with the architectural structure of the Chinese construction game called “Shanghai”. Strolling in the pavilion, visitors may feel like walking in a city boasting narrow streets, plazas, courtyards and lanes with an Italian flavor. Luxury cars, fashion and famous paintings are featured.

Here’s our comprehensive guide why this one is going to be worth standing in line for.

The uniforms worn by the Italian pavilion staff at the Shanghai Expo were designed by Prada

For the ladies

… and budding fashionistas, this really is the one for you. Because not only will your favorite top designers be there showcasing their latest designs on regular catwalks (Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo having confirmed their participation), but there will also be the opportunity to win designer goods by top names such as Bulgari, in regular draws.

An eye-catching red dress by Versace at the Italian Pavilion

A huge black Dolce & Gabbana gown in the exhibition hall of Italian pavilion

Dresses of leading Italian brands are dispalyed on the background wall

At the main square of Italian Pavilion, the four 3.5-meter-high plastic models were dressed in Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Zegna and other large dress; 18 m high background wall hanging displays  more than 10 well-known Italian brand of evening dresses.

One giant red shoe at the Italian Pavilion

Two giant high heels striking the same — a muffin sandals, gold shoe soles accompanied by colorful stripes; the other is only a meter high red shoes. Even the pavilion reception staff uniforms, all from Prada (Prada) hands. “Good luxury clothing.”

For the gents

… be on the lookout for the ‘motion’ exhibition room, which is showcasing a rare and luxurious ‘90s Isotta Fraschini with a value of 5 million Euros, as well as Ferrari’s latest hybrid model 599 HY-KERS soon to be on the road.

Isotta Fraschini - the most luxurious car in history

Ferrari HY-KERS Hybrid at the Italian pavilion in Shanghai Expo – This green Ferrari concept is already an automotive icon. Not just for the symbolism around environmental responsibility, but for the knowledge that green is good.

For the kids

… there’s an indoor play area sponsored by chocolate company Ferrero, where children can indulge in their two favorite pastimes: watching cartoons and eating chocolate!

For art and music lovers

… it’ll be a first-time opportunity to see two masterpieces by Renaissance painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, “Basket of Fruit” and “The Boy with the Basket of Fruit”. You can also expect classical performances of Puccini’s classic opera La Boheme performed by Turin Royal Theatre, music scores by Oscar winner composer Ennio Morricone, pop singer Giorgia Fumanti, Roberto Bolle ballet and Piazza Vittorio Orchestra.

On loan from Galleria Borghese in Rome, "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" by Caravaggio Will be displayed at Italian Pavilion during the Shanghai World Expo. c. 1593. Oil on canvas, 67 cm × 53 cm (26 in × 21 in).

On loan from Biblioteca Ambrosiana(Ambrosian Library) in Milan, Still life painting of "Basket of Fruit" (c. 1599) by Carvaggio will make their debut in China to mark the 400th anniversary of the artist's death.

For food connoisseurs

… expect great things, there’ll be a different fortnightly menu by Florentine company Relais Le Jardin in restaurant Caravaggio, in sync with rotating exhibitions on Italy’s different regions, as well as regular food and wine tasting.

For football fans

… We haven’t forgotten about the World Cup in all the Expo excitement, and neither has Italy. In late July, First Division teams Inter Milan and Totti are set to come out to the World Expo site to sign autographs, and we don’t need to tell you that they’re kind of a big deal.

Italian football champion Inter Milan will arrive at the Italy pavilion in Shanghai in August and friendly matches against local Chinese teams will be organized.