EXPO in Astana seven years later: What is inside the pavilions now?

Image created from video frames

Tengrinews.kz – In the summer of 2017, the international exhibition EXPO-2017 was held in Astana. For this event, a whole complex of structures was built in the capital, housing pavilions from various countries. The centerpiece of the exhibition was a spherical building 100 meters tall and 80 meters in diameter, which still functions as the Museum of Future Energy. Correspondents from Tengrinews.kz explored how it looks seven years later and what is located in the other pavilions.

Tengrinews.kz – In the summer of 2017, the international exhibition EXPO-2017 was held in Astana. For this event, a whole complex of structures was built in the capital, housing pavilions from various countries. The centerpiece of the exhibition was a spherical building 100 meters tall and 80 meters in diameter, which still functions as the Museum of Future Energy. Correspondents from Tengrinews.kz explored how it looks seven years later and what is located in the other pavilions.

Currently, the complex of buildings on the EXPO territory is managed by JSC NC “QazExpoCongress." The state budget is not used for maintaining the pavilions.

"Currently, 15 facilities operate on the EXPO grounds, with a total area exceeding 530,000 square meters. The occupancy rate of the complex's buildings is 100 percent, with no vacant spaces. Approximately 200 companies and organizations are active on the EXPO territory, employing more than 15,000 people. The buildings house organizations such as the Astana International Financial Centre, the Astana Hub international IT startup technopark, Astana IT University, and the Academy of Physical Education and Mass Sports. Additionally, the Digital Government Office, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry, the Financial Monitoring Agency, and the Agency for Strategic Planning and Reforms are also located here," the national company’s press service reported.

The Nur Alem pavilion-sphere consists of eight floors, each showcasing technologies that enable energy generation from renewable sources. Seven years later, the museum is still operating, with an entrance fee of 1,500 tenge. However, there are numerous negative reviews online. Visitors report that many exhibits are no longer functioning.

Recall that on November 22, 2012, Kazakhstan won the bid to host the international specialized exhibition EXPO-2017, with the declared theme "Future Energy."

EXPO-2017 Astana exhibition Kazakhstan