Expo ’98 was a landmark world exposition held in Lisbon, Portugal, from May to September 1998, under the theme “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future.” It marked the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and celebrated maritime exploration, environmental awareness, and cultural diversity. As one of the last great World Expos of the 20th century, Expo ’98 transformed Lisbon both physically and symbolically, positioning the city as a modern European capital.

The legacy of Expo ’98 lives on in Parque das Nações, the district that was entirely redeveloped to host the event. Once an industrial and neglected waterfront area along the Tagus River, it was reimagined into a futuristic urban space blending architecture, public art, and open green areas. Today, Parque das Nações is a vibrant neighborhood known for its contemporary architecture, leisure attractions like the Oceanário de Lisboa (one of Europe’s largest aquariums), the iconic Gare do Oriente station by Santiago Calatrava, and a scenic riverside promenade. It stands as a symbol of urban renewal and Lisbon’s embrace of the future.