The director of the World Expo Museum, which is set to open in Shanghai in May 2016, has said the upcoming attraction will be unlike any other museum in the world.

Developed in conjunction with Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) – the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos – and the Shanghai government, the World Expo Museum will explain the concept and philosophy of expos and showcase what’s to come in the future.

“Three key characteristics can differentiate the World Expo Museum from other museums in Shanghai and in the world,” said museum director Lorelei Liu. “Firstly, it is truly international. Like the expos, the museum will be a window to the world and will allow citizens to learn about expos and the development of society.

“Secondly, it is future oriented. Its open spaces will welcome new content from future expos. It won't be a static, but a dynamic and sustainable museum, open to the future.

“Thirdly, we are positioning the museum not only as an academic centre but also as a cultural platform for citizens to come and participate in educational and cultural events, and in leisure experiences. For example, there might be lectures on expo history, educational programmes on future expos and new innovative ideas, or "micro-diplomat" programmes. The museum is designed to be as open and interactive as possible and welcoming for young people and all citizens.”

Work on the development began at the start of 2014. Covering 46,000sq m (495,000sq ft), the building will be composed of two main areas – the historic “River Valley” and the “Happy Cloud”.

The River Valley will house the main part of the museum and cover five floors, including an underground level. Connected via a series of bridges, the Cloud will be at the heart of the museum and will comprise rooftop gardens, temporary exhibition halls and public service areas.

A sneak peak at the museum will be on offer at the 2015 Expo in Milan, in the form of a pavilion near the centre of the site. On exhibition will be a presentation of expo history, the World Expo Museum and Future Expos, as well as special content related to the theme of Expo 2015 - which is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.