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The theme of the World exhibition EXPO Shanghai 2010 “Better City, Better Life” and the theme of the exposition of the Slovak Republic “World for Humanity” have become a challenge for the authors of the exhibition of Slovakia, a country from the heart of Europe, the challenge for searching for the synergy of both themes. The answer is a city in a continual motion – the city which changes, develops, grows, which is a place where micro stories of its citizens are set in, where history steps into. Slovak towns have hundreds of years old traditions, they were granted royal privileges in the past as to enable them to develop, and they adopted all innovations from the world to be open to trade and cooperation. Although when compared with other world cities, Slovak towns belong to smaller sized ones, but they have their valuable experience which can be shared with others. _+qtH< F/
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The centrepoint of the whole design is a letter ?S“ which represents the symbol of Slovakia. Never-ending spiral emerging from this letter emblematizes the dynamics of the city life, stratification of its structures and cultures and in the wider context also the spiral of life. The logo motif depicted in dark colours represents the profundity, source and roots, and brighter colours towards the spiral edges symbolise optimism in the view heading to the future. The continuity of colour fading-over and the logo shape resemble the yin and yang symbols thus reflecting the venue of world exhibition – China and the philosophy of dynamic, passing and eternal TAO principle. 8VM D304
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A visitor after entering into the pavilion of the Slovak Republic (with the total area of more than 1 034 m2), appears to be on a symbolic main plaza where all streets of our cities and towns run into. It is a characteristic, architectural and city-creating element so typical for all European cities. This symbolic plaza is edged by a wall with fragments of historical sights illustrating the historic milestones in the development of Slovak towns and their architecture. J!iK W
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Any visitor can enter into the dwelling of a rich Levoca merchant and the town of Levoca was once the most important and wealthiest royal towns (it had special privileges). Wood carver Master Paul of Levoca created the highest gothic altar in the world there which attracts worshippers and tourists from the whole world leaving them astonished by its extraordinary beauty. V.w!]{xm
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The name of Ludevit Stur is for Slovak people very significant: he was the first politician, journalist and member of the Diet of the Kingdom of Hungary, but also the author of the standards leading to contemporary Slovak literary language. He played a key role in 19th century, during the process of national awareness. Visitors can look into his room in which he lived and created during his mission in Pressburg, today’s capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. 5,du2
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Another part of exposition depicts more current history, emphasizing the link between Slovakia and Shanghai – through the person of the architect Ladislav Hudec, the author of the Grand Theatre and other significant buildings in the venue of the world exhibition. Ladislav Hudec was a globe-trotter during his life in 20th century, but he wanted to rest in Slovakia, in his place of birth, at home… HG )h,&nc-
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Slovakia is not affluent in history but it also abounds in natural beauties, caves, mineral waters, and it can present current values, development potential, educated population, industry – all of these is depicted on a large screen in a documentary film made by Pavol Baraba?, Slovak documentary director whose films got more than 190 awards in Slovakia and abroad. This film will be simultaneously projected from four points, can be watched in horizontal and vertical line – always resulting into one compact impression. @Cl1G
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The Slovak Republic has prepared its National Day on September 4th of this year and it will, being attended by the head of the state, the president Ivan Ga?parovi?, present cultural programme which is designed as a greeting to all spectators without the differences in culture, origin and language. Out of the pleiad of Slovak performers we can mention one, a young, excellent and well-known Dalibor Karvay who will represent Slovakia in the programme of the European Union. Slovakia became its member in May 2004. #|6M*;l N|
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Organizers also prepared many investment seminars and business missions, programmes for tour operators, various presentations, a week of Slovak cuisine, wine tasting – a variety of accompanying activities which have just one goal: to create a compact picture about Slovakia and its people. ?DC;Hk<
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Slovak Republic has long and rich exhibitory traditions which date back before the joint state of Czechs and Slovaks being established in the year 1918. Slovak Republic, after peaceful split of this joint state in 1992, has been participating in world exhibitions as an independent state. Slovakia presents its potential, natural, cultural and civilizing values, art, urban and rural culture, wisdom and skills of its people, their creativity and ideas. cB7'>L
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Ivana Magatova, one of not many female Commissioner General of Section believes that the Slovak Republic will at the exhibition Expo Shanghai 2010 strengthen its sear, reinforces its cultural, diplomatic and economic relations and remains in the minds of many visitors who are cordially welcomed at our Slovak pavilion. | 
