An exhibition previewing World Expo 2010, “From London to Shanghai”, opened in London’s Victoria and Albert Museum on Thursday, the first day of Expo organizers’ visit to the British capital.

The exhibition shows Expo plans, dozens of pavilion models and pictures, and China’s role in the event’s history.

A short digital film takes visitors on a virtual journey through the Expo Site, and there is an exhibition of silk from Nanxun City in Zhejiang Province which won a gold medal at the first Expo, which was held in London’s Crystal Palace in 1851 under the title “Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations”

Models of the Chinese and British pavilions were exhibited beneath a painting depicting Prince Albert, who conceived the idea of Expo, and organizers of the first one checking plans.

Fu Ying, Chinese ambassador to the United Kingdom, Jiang Zhuoqing, deputy secretary-general of the Shanghai Municipal Government, and Song Chao, director of the Information Office of the Shanghai Municipality, toured the exhibition, which closes February 12.

Named after Prince Albert and his wife, Queen Victoria, the museum was set up in 1852 to expand the influence of the world’s first Expo in industry and design. It boasts a large collection of exhibits from the first Expo.