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A ground-breaking centrepiece for Expo Sunderland, this striking modern structure features one of the UK’s largest semi-transparent LED screens, measuring an impressive 20m x 5m.
Beneath the screen, a versatile events space offers endless possibilities for showcases, experiences, product launches and gatherings, making it a hub of creativity and engagement.
The Pavilion’s programme promises to captivate and engage visitors through an exciting mix of exhibitions and live events.
Situated in Keel Square, Sunderland, the Expo Sunderland Pavilion is set to redefine the heart of the city with its pioneering programme fusing arts, culture, music and innovative technology.
The location is Riverside Sunderland - the UK’s most ambitious city centre regeneration project, creating a carbon neutral urban quarter at the heart of the city.
In collaboration with Culture House, the Expo Sunderland Pavilion will host a series of inspiring multimedia showcases and events throughout 2025, providing the local community and visitors the chance to see how sustainable technologies and innovative storytelling techniques can be used to shape and influence our lives.
Screen programme
Continually evolving and changing over time, this programme highlights how the globalisation of arts and culture can influence, inspire, and encourage us to bring a blend of local and international styles, tastes, and perspectives into our daily lives and practices - to improve our wellbeing, sense of ‘home’, and vision towards future living and environment.
Link to Arts ProgrammeThe Expo Sunderland Pavilion offers engaging interactive experiences where visitors can explore emerging technologies, try hands-on activities and immerse themselves in digital storytelling, bringing the world of creativity and innovation to life.
Featuring 360º cameras, integrated sound, and dynamic digital signage, it responds in real time to audiences.
The Culture House events programme will bring a wide range of vibrant and dynamic exhibitions, performances and community-led activities to the Expo Sunderland Pavilion.
Designed to foster creativity, it will provide a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike to experience Sunderland’s rich culture and creativity.
The music events programme will showcase Sunderland’s rich musical heritage and vibrant creative community.
Recently awarded 'Music City' status, this global recognition makes Sunderland only the second UK city to join this prestigious collective, celebrating the city’s proud musical history and its ongoing commitment to nurturing local talent.
Monday 24 - Thursday 27 February
Bright Lights Youth Arts Festival takes place over February half term every year, and is a celebration of the creativity of young people from across Washington and Sunderland.
Check out some of the artwork made by young people about issues that are important to them in this window exhibition at the Expo Pavilion.
Friday 28 February - Sunday 2 March
Friday and Saturday 10.30am-5pm
Sunday 10am-2.30pm
Climb on board a playground swing for a very special adventure this weekend. Launch, flap, soar, glide, bank, and weave your way across psychedelic skies in one of four Da Vinci flying machines in an award-winning VR experience designed to inspire! Free, drop in. Wheelchair accessible swing bay available.
Friday 28 February - Sunday 2 March
Friday and Saturday 10.30am-5pm
Sunday 10am-2.30pm
Climb on board a playground swing for a very special adventure this weekend. Launch, flap, soar, glide, bank, and weave your way across psychedelic skies in one of four Da Vinci flying machines in an award-winning VR experience designed to inspire! Free, drop in. Wheelchair accessible swing bay available.
Friday 7 March
6pm-8pm
Speed Arting is a unique networking experience for creatives looking to meet others in the arts, find collaborators, or grow their creative community. Whether you’re seeking your tribe, potential collaborators, or just someone to share ideas with over coffee, this event is perfect for you. £5, book in advance
Saturday 15 March
12noon – 3pm
Discover local artists, view amazing artwork created by talented artists from the North East, learn and be inspired!
Gain insights into how these creatives broke into the art world. Hear their tips and advice in an informal, friendly setting. Perfect for aspiring artists, families, and anyone curious about creative career paths.
A unique opportunity to explore creative possibilities for yourself or your kids! Free, drop in.
Sunday 16 March – Friday 21 March
Fashion of the future, by fashion designers of the future! Young people from across Sunderland have been working with The Art Room to explore how new technology can bring life back into waste products, creating innovative and experimental fashion design. Come and see what they have been up to through the Expo Sunderland Pavilion windows.
Saturday 22 March
10am-4pm
Join the Waste Not collective for a dazzling day of upcycling inspiration, learning & making.
Six local, creative & eco-friendly businesses will be taking over the Expo Pavilion with a rolling programme of 12 live upcycling demos as well as six 'try it yourself' upcycling stations.
There will also be a market of eco-friendly makers & sellers.
No booking required.
Sunday 23 March
11am-3pm
Bring your important object to be photographed and digitally stored in our evolving LGBTQIA+ digital archive. It might be the first outfit you wore in public when you truly felt yourself, a photograph from your wedding day, or an item that helps you feel safe wherever you are. Bring your chosen item, share your story, and we’ll preserve these together.
Considered to be the most ambitious city centre regeneration project in the UK, Sunderland is on track to become one of the UK’s most advanced smart cities.
Committed to smart, sustainable growth, and focussed on community life, leisure and culture, Riverside Sunderland is transforming into the UK’s first sustainable carbon neutral urban quarter, a unique and extraordinary place to live, work and play.
Sunderland has established itself as a frontrunner in smart city innovations, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the lives of its residents and drive economic growth. Reaffirming its position as a national leader in smart city innovations.
Our story of ambition and innovation is setting a new precedent when it comes to digital transformation.
A growing citywide event programme designed for residents and businesses to experience the city's incredible transformation. It is attracting people, brands, industries and government from the region, the UK, and beyond.
Expo Sunderland is anchored around three core themes, each offering transformative experiences for visitors: Future Home, Future Living and Future City.
Opening autumn 2025, Culture House will sit at the heart of Riverside Sunderland, providing a vibrant, dynamic and engaging space for residents and visitors.
It will be your living room, free and open for everyone across Sunderland - whether you are a young family, a growing business, a young person, student or anyone of any age.
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