AFRICA PLACE

The 1960s marked an important period in which several African countries gained their independence. Considering this fact, the International Exhibitions Bureau permitted the directors of Expo 67 to assume construction costs for a group of pavilions to host 15 of these countries: Cameroon, Chad, Congo Republic, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo and Uganda.

Africa Place featured the histories of these countries, the incredible lushness of their fauna and the incomparable beauty of their flora. As impressive as the physical attributes of these countries are, their respective industries and the political and economical issues they faced could not be ignored. Although ecological news was often worrisome and faunal diversity seemed threatened, a few years earlier in Madagascar, scientists had discovered a fish they believed had disappeared in prehistoric times! This alone required a visit to Africa Place.

Poems presented in an African musical style showcased the vitality of French in Senegal. They reflected the sometimes harsh realities of this country: several were written by the President of Senegal, the celebrated poet Léopold Sédar Senghor. An important forum for artists and artisans, Africa Place held many shows, providing visitors the opportunity to observe the richness of Africa's culture. It was a destination not to be missed.