European powerhouse Saint-Gobain commemorates its 350th anniversary with a never-before-seen global exhibition, “Future Sensations.” Free to visit, “Future Sensations” is an immersive experience with five distinct ephemeral pavilions that take visitors on a sensory journey of science, storytelling, and art that celebrates the past three and a half centuries and offers glimpses into future innovations that will transform the world.
The touring exhibition makes four stops across the globe, including Shanghai, China, São Paulo, Brazil, Paris, France, and Philadelphia—the only tour stop in North America and home of Saint-Gobain’s domestic headquarters. “Future Sensations” exhibits May 30– June 6, 2015, at The Oval, located on the northwest end of Philadelphia’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
“Philadelphia is honored to serve as the flagship city in North America to help Saint-Gobain commemorate its historic milestone and the 15 generations of innovators responsible for the anniversary,” said Mayor, Michael A. Nutter.
“There is no mistaking the architectural influence Paris has had on Philadelphia, and now our City has the distinct privilege of hosting the “Future Sensations” exhibition on Benjamin Franklin Parkway, which was modeled on Paris’ own Avenue des Champs-Élysées. The latter is a remarkable nod to Saint-Gobain’s heritage given it was founded in 1665 to manufacture glass for the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.”
From the glass pyramid at the Louvre, to the Statue of Liberty and the World Trade Center, and even Philadelphia sites like Boathouse Row, the Kimmel and Comcast Centers, Saint-Gobain high-performance building materials have brought unique features to many of the world’s most iconic structures. “Future Sensations” highlights such innovations which have changed the face of the world.
“This exhibition will remind people of the strength that is acquired through 350 years of enduring, relevant innovations,” said John Crowe, president and CEO of Saint-Gobain and its North American construction materials subsidiary, CertainTeed Corporation.
“Pushing boundaries and rising to the challenges of the technological world has shaped our history and given us the conviction to believe in the future. ‘Future Sensations’ takes that optimism and enthusiasm for the building blocks of tomorrow and re-imagines it in a way that is uniquely Philadelphian in its focus and attitude.”
Each of the five pavilions weighs between 20 and 50 metric tons. They range in height from 13 to 32 feet. A total of 26 products from the Saint-Gobain family of companies are used in their construction.
