The Republic of China (Taiwan) pavilion at Expo 67 was a traditionally-styled 2-storey structure, located on Île Sainte-Hélène near the Iran pavilion.
Simple in design, the pavilion's delicate ornamentation recalled that of a far east palace. A pagoda-style roof of green tiles featured wood carvings under its eaves, framed by wide bands of religious patterns. 3 trellised red arches brightened the facade, the middle arch containing the pavilion's main entrance.
Upon entering the pavilion, a large photograph of the president of the republic, Chiang Kai-shek, welcomed visitors. The pavilion's 2 floors contained 3 exhibit halls each.The first section of the ground floor discussed agricultural and related industries, emphasizing missions abroad. Pictures and maps, as well as food product and agricultural machinery displays all illustrated Taiwan's rapid progress in this field.
A furnished sitting room and dining room in the second section sought to illustrate daily life in Taiwan. Oriental décor mingled with modern appliances and amenities.
The third section was devoted to sumptuous textiles, with an emphasis on unique patterns and colors. A small stage featured fashion shows with lovely Oriental ladies.
Fine arts, handicrafts and tourism were shown in the second floor's 3 rooms.Traditional paintings were shown alongside abstract modern art. Visitors were in awe of a remarkable harmonica made of bamboo in a display of musical instruments. Rich folk art was on display: engraved silver, exquisite ceramics, pottery and china, as well as dolls in traditional costume.
In the final hall, little wax models on miniature stages enacted scenes from Chinese operas.A restaurant serving Cantonese specialties was located behind the pavilion, on a plaza landscaped with Oriental shrubs and plants.
Make sure to get your Expo 67 passport stamped by a lovely hostess...!
Closure signs and scaffolding can be seen in the photo above.On May 3, 1967, the interior of the Republic of China pavilion was almost entirely destroyed by fire. The pavilion was closed for a month while renovations were under way. The restaurant, untouched, remained open throughout.
images: (1-9-10) expo67.ncf.ca
(2-6-7) personal collection
(3) the Lillian Seymour collection
(4-5-8) Dixon slide collection
