Olympic National Pavilions

The Olympics is a great opportunity for countries around the world to show off their finest offerings in an attempt to build tourism and investment interest among Olympic spectators. These pavilions or “houses”, costing upwards of tens of millions to construct, also allow for foreign athletes to feel at “home” in London. While the larger ones offer an array of fan activities inside, the smaller ones at least offer an opportunity to catch a glimpse of your favourite athletes/dignitaries from those countries.

Here are the preliminary plans for a few of the country pavilions, with more and more details to emerge over the coming months:

Russia: Ice skating in the summer? Believe it or not, Russia will make this happen at Marble Arch along with seats for 1000 spectators. Ice-based performances will highlight Sochi and Russian ice sports.

Another yet to be named site will house “Sochi World”, a cultural and educational experience geared to spark interest in the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.

Brazil: “Casa Brazil” will be found at Somerset House to showcase Rio and plans for the next summer games.

Netherlands: Traditionally the best party of all the country pavilions, Alexandra Palace will be painted bright orange and have no shortage of Heineken beer in addition to an impressive array of entertainment.

Marble Arch at the 2012 Olympics

Germany: The Museum of London Docklands will bring an Oktoberfest-type atmosphere to the Olympics.

Jamaica: Celebrating 50 years since Jamaican independence, the Jamaicans will host the only outdoor country celebration site at Finsbury Park called “Jamaican Village” and will feature dancehall and reggae performances.

Great Britain: Lancaster House will help impress potential investors, while Britain’s athletes will spend time at the new Stratford City Mall.

Nigeria (awaiting final approval): Theatre Royal Stratford East in Newham is planned to be utilized by the Nigerians to showcase their film industry, making use of 465 seat auditorium.

Italy: Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, Westminster

France: Old Billings gate

Czech Republic: Business Design Centre

Switzerland: Glaziers Hall/”Mug House” Bar/Southwark Cathedral

Belgium: Inner Temple

Japan: 4 Hamilton Place

Romania: 30 Pavilion Road (Knightsbridge)

China: Richmond Hill Hotel, Richmond

Georgia: 45 Millbank

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