ALBERTA PAVILION -- Expo 86

The bright colours and post-modern design of Alberta's 7 storey tower made the pavilion an Expo landmark. Depending on the angle, the pavilion appeared to be a group of grain elevators, a church steeple or an oil rig.

This pavilion was all about illusion. It was not uncommon to see mountain climbers scaling the tower one day and a stuffed mountain goat peeking over the roof the next. At night, images were projected on the tower.

Inside, visitors found themselves in unpredictable and humorous situations. By peering through tiny windows on a cityscape sculpture people became instant peeping toms. Miniature video monitors within the buildings showed Albertans going about their daily business -- including a woman in the process of undressing.

FROM THE BEST OF EXPO GUIDE:

Here's a pavilion that doesn't take itself too seriously, Visitors here move casually through exhibit rooms filled with the works of local artists, some relating to transportation, others not, but all reflecting a good sense of humour. There are hardly any words accompanying the exhibits, save the tongue-in-cheek expressions of a legendary Albertan, Bob Edwards.

HIGHLIGHTS

--Your first clue to the light-hearted nature of the pavilion may rest in the water fountain in the courtyard titled "A Tribute to Vancouver." It is an umbrella fending off rain.
-- You can stroke the fur of a grizzly bear.
-- A slide film presentation depicts a fast-paced chuck and wagon race at a rodeo.
-- At the Grain Fall exhibit, three views depict a landscape as it changes from season to season.
-- Children will love climbing the dinosaurs that guard the pavilion.