The Mediterranean, like other seas such as the Baltic, the Caribbean or the China Sea, continues to be a common space. However, as it is a natural meeting point of three continents – Europe, Africa and Asia –, these exchanges have taken on an outstanding dimension and relevance worldwide.

Many cultural, political, social and economic experiences emerging from the Mediterranean crucible have always had great influence on other geographical areas around the world. Democracy, the main monotheist religions or multiple artistic expressions, to mention some elements that are currently the basis of much of the social, political and cultural organisation of many societies on the planet, originated or developed in the Mediterranean area. Moreover, this relevance in the most diverse fields still prevails today.

Barcelona is a clear example of the Mediterranean spirit of interaction and exchange. Since antiquity, it has been a meeting point of peoples and cultures that have forged its identity as a city. Dominating peoples, such as Romans, Visigoths and Arabs, have passed through but there have also been numerous and continued waves of immigrants from the most diverse origins, today including Chinese, Pakistanis, Maghrebians and Latin Americans. Over the centuries, its residents have taken to the sea and made contact with other peoples.
The exhibition is organized by the Institut Europeu de la Mediterrània based in Barcelona from 1 to 5 September in Shangai.

The website devoted to the Barcelona Pavillion that has already received more than a million visitors lists all activities and events planned until 31 October.