Official title: Exposicao mundial de Lisboa, Expo '98 Venue: Olivais Centre on the banks of the Tagus in the city’s north-east Surface area: 65 hectares Occasion: 500th anniversary of the discovery of India by Vasco da Gama Theme: The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future Objective: Foundation of a European Maritime Agency Adoption of an international agreement on the utilisation and protection of the world’s oceans Symbols: Vasco da Gama tower, aquarium Organisation: Parque Expo 98 S.A. state-owned planning company Exhibition supervisor: Antonio Mega Ferreira Site planning: Manuel Salgado Urban development: Extension of the suburban railway network and construction of the eastern railway station, development plan for the new Olivais city district Duration: May 22nd -September 30th, 1998 (132 days) Opening: May 21st 1998, by the Portuguese President Jorge Sampan Participants: 155 nations Anticipated attendance: 15 million Actual attendance: 8 million Entrance fee: 5,000 escudos (= DM 50) Cost: 3.7 billion deutschmarks