40th Anniversary of Expo 86 in Vancouver
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’s skyline remains as one of its legacies and it’s where you can enjoy a lineup of events during this anniversary.
40th Anniversary of Expo 86 in Vancouver
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’s centrepiece was never supposed to be permanent.
In 1987, three levels of government announced that the Expo Centre would become Science World British Columbia, with Queen Elizabeth II dedicating the building “for the people of British Columbia.” Following a massive $19 million renovation and expansion, Science World opened to the public on May 6, 1989, featuring dozens of hands-on exhibits in five new galleries and the largest OMNIMAX® dome screen in the world.
In the 37 years since opening its doors, Science World has served over 18 million people and grown into one of BC’s most beloved institutions. The dome itself, now lit by 651 energy-efficient LED lights, remains one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks, its identity forever linked to the World Fair that made it possible.
- 40th Anniversary Display
- Featuring historical artifacts from Science World and the dome on display at Science World’s atrium in May. Admission tickets required.
- 80s Themed Science World After Dark on May 7, 2026.
- Science World will host the 19+ After Dark: Retro Science – 80s edition, 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.
You can also shop Expo 86 Merchandise at Science World featuring new apparel colours this season, stickers, pins, and even an Expo Ernie plush.
Related: Expo 86 Exhibit at the Surrey Art Gallery, 15 Nostalgic Photos of Expo 86
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