From Ancient Moroccan Pottery to Contemporary Mexican Folk Art, Epcot is a World Showcase for Art Lovers

Epcot World Showcase has been a "showplace" of nations since its grand opening in 1982. But beyond the pagodas in Japan and the longboats in Norway lies a whole other world, treating art lovers to museum-quality galleries. Since early galleries in Japan and Morocco, the opportunities for art appreciation have grown with the addition of galleries in Norway, Mexico, and most recently, The American Adventure pavilion.

Here's a look at the inspiring exhibitions (all included with the price of admission) Epcot currently has to offer:

THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE
Echoes of Africa Walt Disney-Tishman Art Collection
Exhibition located in the American Heritage Gallery.

The American Heritage Gallery inaugural exhibition, Echoes of Africa, features pieces from the Walt Disney-Tishman African Art Collection and explores the link between historical African art and its influence upon contemporary African-American artists. According to experts, the study of this collection has contributed to some anthropological breakthroughs in our understanding of African culture.

NORWAY
The Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas (NEW)
Exhibition located in the Gol Stave Church Gallery.

In Norway's Gol Stave Church Gallery, the ancient world of the Vikings is brought to life through a rare collection of Viking artifacts, including some that date back more than 1,000 years. This special exhibit also includes vignettes depicting three Norwegian Viking leaders: Erik the Red, King Olaf and Rögnvald the Raider, and a detailed scale model of the 9th century Viking ship Oseberg, providing a glimpse into Viking culture and these individuals who helped shape history.

The Vikings: Conquerors of the Seas is held within a small reproduction of a Stave Church, where guests may experience the history and legend of these seafaring Scandinavian warriors, ship builders and explorers, while viewing swords, arrow points, and other significant artifacts found in Norwegian archaeological sites.

CHINA
Tomb Warriors Guardian Spirits of Ancient China (NEW)
Exhibition located in The Gallery of the Whispering Willow adjacent to Reflections of China.

In ancient Chinese civilization, members of the royal dynasty carried miniature terra cotta or stone carved warriors with them in their tombs to protect them from supernatural threats. At the gallery inside the China pavilion, guests glimpse a miniature recreation of the tomb of China's first emperor, which is the single largest archeological find in the world.  Epcot guests also have the opportunity to see authentic tomb sculptures from Ancient China -- dating back 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty.

JAPAN
Tin Toy Stories Made in Japan
Exhibition located inside of the Japanese castle.

What do robots, astronauts, Godzilla and Mickey Mouse have in common? They're all immortalized as tin toys, once the favorite kind of toy for children all around the world and especially in Japan during the 1950s. Tin Toy Stories showcases many of these colorful toys that are now considered to be iconic of Japan's modern mass-market society.

Many of the tin toys featured in this exhibit are on loan from Turuhisa Kitahara, known for being the world's greatest collector of tin toys. Kitahara has seven toy museums in Japan that contain nearly 50,000 tin toys, earning him the title of Japan's Tin Toy Master.

MEXICO
Animalés Fantásticos Spirits in Wood
Exhibition located in the pyramid's Mayan Ceremonial Hall.

In Mexican villages surrounding the city of Oaxaca (Wa-HAH-ka) gifted artisans create woodcarvings of animals, humans and mythical creatures. These carvings, known as animalés fantásticos (fantastic animals), are a modern Mexican folk art that mixes traditional with contemporary themes. This modern version of Oaxacan woodcraft began less than fifty years ago.

In the Mexico pavilion guests can examine these brightly colored representatives of Mexican culture, past and present. The carvings are divided by the following categories: Los Comienzos (The Beginning), Fiestas (Festivals), El Mar (The Sea), La Tierra (The Land), El Folklor (Folklore), Amigos (Friends), Los angeles y los santos (Angels and Saints) and El día de los muertos (Day of the Dead).

MOROCCO
Gallery of Arts and History Traditional Arts of Morocco
Exhibition located next to the Fez house.

A part of the Morocco pavilion for twenty years, the Gallery of Arts and History continues to evoke visions of Morocco for Epcot guests. Mosaic art, defined by its balance of geometry and philosophy, decorates the gallery's walls and ceiling. Skillful Maalems (Morrocan artisans) traveled to Epcot to help recreate their homeland and created these exquisite tiles. The building also features beautiful stained glass doors and lamps and intricately sculpted ceilings.

The Gallery of Arts and History displays ceramic pottery, ancient musical instruments and artisan-crafted jewelry. The Moroccan ceramics are distinguished by their intermingling of floral and geometrical designs.

About Epcot
Epcot allows guests to travel to four continents and explore land, sea and even outer space adventures -- all in one vacation. Epcot, the theme park of discovery, features two "worlds": Future World, a land where technology meets imagination; and World Showcase, where guests can get a taste of the sights and sounds of 11 countries. Epcot galleries are located in World Showcase and are included with the price of admission.