U.S. Pavilion at the 2005 World Expo
in Aichi, Japan

Featuring exhibits from 122 countries, the 2005 World Expo (www.expo2005.or.jp) in Aichi, Japan centered on the theme of ‘Nature’s Wisdom.’ The U.S. Pavilion - designed, created and produced by BRC Imagination Arts - celebrated nature, progress, and human achievement by showcasing “The Franklin Spirit,” a unique and compelling multimedia show hosted by the great U.S. statesman Benjamin Franklin.

Over the course of U.S. history, few have understood, captured and shared ‘Nature’s Wisdom’ with more success than Ben Franklin. In “The Franklin Spirit”, audiences will be immersed in a storyline and experience that highlights his accomplishments, extraordinary vision, and the spirit of innovation that inspired him to experiment, with electricity being just one among many, and to creating everything from bifocals to the first defining documents that shaped the United States.

Using an innovative multi-plane 3D effect (without special glasses) that suspends layered planes of digital media on stage, audiences will see Franklin visit the world of 2005 to celebrate his 300th birthday. What he finds delights and amazes him as he experiences the technical, social, agricultural, and geographical advances that have taken place since the 18th century. Franklin acknowledges that the 21st century is the most exciting time to be alive as he celebrates the pending advances in science, technology, and enterprise that will improve the lives of people worldwide.

“The Franklin Spirit” had been expected to attract 1.4 million visitors from the estimated 15 million total Expo attendees, but instead achieved a phenomenal attendance record of 2,014,658.

For its achievements, BRC was awarded the Bronze Medal by the Bureau des International Expositions (B.I.E.), the World’s Fair governing body and the equivalent of the International Olympic Committee for World Fairs. “This is extremely unusual,” said Bob Rogers, Executive Producer of the Franklin Spirit and founder of BRC Imagination Arts. “The USA is not a member of the B.I.E. and, in that organization’s politically complex judging, it is rare that they acknowledge a country that is not a B.I.E. member. We are delighted.”

• Production credits
• U.S. Pavilion official website