{"id":18393,"date":"2026-04-24T19:53:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-24T19:53:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/18393\/"},"modified":"2026-04-24T19:53:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T19:53:10","slug":"40th-anniversary-of-expo-86-in-vancouver-vancouver-blog-miss604","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/18393\/","title":{"rendered":"40th Anniversary of Expo 86 in Vancouver \u00bb Vancouver Blog Miss604"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\tby Rebecca Bollwitt<\/a>\t\tFriday, April 24th, 2026 \u2014 12:22pm PDT<\/a><\/p>\n

Forty years ago this spring, 22 million people from around the world came to Vancouver for Expo 86, and the city was forever changed. One of the most iconic buildings in Vancouver\u2019s skyline remains as one of its legacies and it\u2019s where you can enjoy a lineup of events during this anniversary.<\/p>\n

\"ExpoArchives# AM1551-S1-: 2010-006.409 \u00a9 City of Vancouver<\/p>\n

40th Anniversary of Expo 86 in Vancouver<\/p>\n

The World Exposition on Transportation and Communication (Expo 86) opened on May 2, 1986 and it ran through October. When it was all over, the Expo Centre remained, but the geodesic dome built as the fair\u2019s centrepiece was never supposed to be permanent.<\/p>\n

\"19841984 \u2013 Science World Under Construction. Archives # CVA 780-505<\/p>\n

In 1987, three levels of government announced that the Expo Centre would become Science World British Columbia, with Queen Elizabeth II dedicating the building \u201cfor the people of British Columbia.\u201d Following a massive $19 million renovation and expansion, Science World<\/a> opened to the public on May 6, 1989, featuring dozens of hands-on exhibits in five new galleries and the largest OMNIMAX\u00ae dome screen in the world.<\/p>\n

\"AquabusScience World, False Creek \u2013 Miss604 Photo<\/p>\n

In the 37 years since opening its doors, Science World has served over 18 million people and grown into one of BC\u2019s most beloved institutions. The dome itself, now lit by 651 energy-efficient LED lights, remains one of Vancouver\u2019s most iconic landmarks, its identity forever linked to the World Fair that made it possible.<\/p>\n

40th Anniversary Display<\/p>\n

Featuring historical artifacts from Science World and the dome on display at Science World\u2019s atrium in May. Admission tickets required.<\/p>\n

80s Themed Science World After Dark on May 7, 2026.<\/p>\n

Science World will host the 19+ After Dark: Retro Science \u2013 80s edition<\/a>, to celebrate the decade that launched Science World, featuring a fully converted 1981 DMC DeLorean, complete with all the Back to the Future gadgets, including a flux capacitor.<\/p>\n

You can also shop Expo 86 Merchandise at Science World<\/a> featuring new apparel colours this season, stickers, pins, and even an Expo Ernie plush.<\/p>\n

Related: Expo 86 Exhibit at the Surrey Art Gallery<\/a>, 15 Nostalgic Photos of Expo 86<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\tmetadata<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tCategories:BC<\/a>, family<\/a>, vancouver<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\tTags:events<\/a>, expo86<\/a>, Science World<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n