The Greece Pavilion - EPCOT Center
Using open sites around the EPCOT World Showcase Lagoon I designed a pavilion depicting Ancient Greece. Emphasizing Greece’s historic architecture, landscaping and cultural significance, this pavilion shines a light on all we have to thank this special country for. The plan holds space for a 400 person tapas style restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating, a spice and olive oil market, a Grecian garden with statue promenade, a 800 person theatre, and capacity for an indoor dark ride through the “Underworld”.
The Greece Pavilion:
A Timeless Odyssey Through Myth, Majesty, and Mediterranean Wonder.
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As guests enter the pavilion, they are greeted by the grand, classical architecture inspired by Greece’s iconic monuments. The opening of the pavilion features a beautiful replica of the Parthenon, a scaled-down version of the Acropolis, as it might have appeared when it was originally built high on molded rockwork surrounded by towering cypress trees. The stunning white marble columns and intricate carvings give a sense of the majesty and scale of ancient Greek structures. Visitors would enter through an iconic gateway featuring a replica of an ancient Grecian light house dedicated to the early advancements in navel navigation. A swift change in pavement would allow guests to feel at their feet and discover a world where the essence of Greece is brought to life.
The Greece Pavilion is designed to reflect both the historical grandeur and the modern lively culture of Greece. Throughout the pavilion, visitors would be treated to the sounds of traditional Greek music, with bouzouki players and folk dancers performing in the central courtyard.
With its rich blend of history, mythology, cuisine, and art, the Greece Pavilion would be an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest and most influential civilizations, providing an immersive experience that appeals to visitors of all ages.
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At the heart of the pavilion, visitors can enjoy authentic Greek cuisine. The dining area would be split into two sections—one open-air with terraces resembling the picturesque islands of Greece, offering sweeping views of the pavilion and the surrounding landscape, and another indoors, styled like a traditional Greek taverna with rustic wooden furniture, whitewashed walls, and blue accents.
The Taverna Dionysos would serve traditional dishes such as souvlaki (grilled meats on skewers), moussaka (a rich eggplant casserole), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and fresh seafood. Guests could sip on local wines and ouzo as they enjoy their meal.
A more upscale restaurant, Ambrosia, would focus on fine dining with modern interpretations of classic Greek dishes, using fresh, local ingredients to offer a sophisticated take on Greek gastronomy.
The streets would be lined with shops selling Greek-inspired art, jewelry, pottery, assorted olives oils, and clothing, offering guests a chance to take home a piece of Greek culture.
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One of the most exciting features of the Greece Pavilion would be an immersive dark ride, taking guests deep into the Underworld of Greek mythology. Guests would que atop the show building in the Parthenon while taking an elevator down to board chariots that travel through a dimly lit, eerie cavern. The ride would transport them through the mythological realms of Hades, guided by the lord of the Underworld himself.
As the ride progresses, passengers would encounter Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld, as well as scenes from famous myths like Orpheus and Eurydice and Persephone's Abduction. The final section would showcase the River Styx and the ominous presence of Hades, with immersive special effects and animatronics to bring this dark and mysterious realm to life. This ride would combine storytelling, cutting-edge technology, and thrilling experiences, making it one of the pavilion's highlights.
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The pavilion would feature an impressive 800-person open-air amphitheater, designed in the style of a classical Greek theatre, with rows of “stone: seating surrounding a central trust stage. This venue would host Greek plays—both ancient and modern—that transport audiences to another time.
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Directly behind the theater, the Sculpture Garden trails would celebrate the artistic legacy of ancient Greece through a series of ramps and meandering walkways. Statues of famous gods and goddesses, such as Zeus, Athena, Apollo, and Hera, would be scattered throughout the garden, offering an opportunity for guests to take in these iconic representations of Greek mythology. The garden would also feature sculptures from lesser-known but equally fascinating figures of Greek culture, creating a serene and contemplative space for visitors to wander and relax.