Just a stone’s throw from the Gare do Oriente station, the Meliá Oriente hotel was a privileged observer of the greatest event in Portugal’s recent past: Expo 98. On 1st February 1998, the hotel opened its doors to welcome the international delegations to the World Exposition, and was there every step of the way on this great adventure.

Even before it had ended, we were all missing Expo 98. It left an indelible stamp on the Portuguese and on visitors from abroad – it was deemed the best Expo ever, a distinction granted by none other than the Bureau International des Expositions.

As a guardian of unique and never-to-be-repeated memories, the Meliá Oriente evokes this great moment in time. To this end, it is inviting everyone – whether or not they are staying at the hotel – to set sail on a journey across the oceans, the theme of the exposition. An adventure which may be virtual, exploring the contents of this site, and sensory, by visiting and staying at the hotel, and walking around Parque das Nações (formerly the Exposition precinct).

Make your way through the various different menus, discover (or rediscover) what Lisbon’s east end used to look like before Expo ’98, find out how the exposition was organised and get to know the main architectural landmarks the event bequeathed to the city.