The Cuban Pavilion

Cuba's pavilion at Expo 67 had a modern, cubist look, evocative of a Mondrian painting. The look of the 3-storey pavilion was a result of it's economical assembly: white boxes were pre-fabricated in Cuba and installed on the Expo site.

Like the Indians of Canada pavilion, Cuba's presentation was controversial. Under the theme Revolution, the pro-Castro exhibit was frankly propagandistic. The designers of the pavilion relied on strong photographic images which spilled onto the floors and ceilings for maximum impact. These huge black and white images depicted violence, oppression and revolution.

There were not many captions to these photos, so visitors had to rely on explanatons from the pavilion's hostesses, who referred to Castro as "Fidel", as if he were an adored older brother.

Fishbowl windows in colors of red, blue and yellow distorted the view of the outside world, heightening the intense atmosphere of the exhibit. On the top floor, a wordless film comprised of newsreel footage was presented. The screens which formed the walls of this section were transparent so that at night, passers-by could look up and see the flickering images projected.

Cuban delicacies and rum were served in the pavilion's bar and restaurant.

photos: naid.sppsr.ucla.edu/expo67/