Expo Gate

This seems like a semi-​temp pavilion set up for the Milan Expo. There are 3 sections that the building is divided into — one end has an info both, with ticket office in the middle and then a gift shop at the other end.
I found the people staffing the info booth super helpful with the lady on duty suggesting the cheaper € 5 evening ticket option — something I had previously been unaware of, and a little reluctant to pay € 36 if would only be at expo for like half a day. The ticket staff in contrast weren’t that helpful and if u asked them any questions at all, you were straightaway told to go to the info booth part of the building.
Ok so then the shop was interesting b/​c they sold stuff that either promoted the expo or Italian products, but after having gone to the expo, realized they didn’t gab anything to sell from the country pavilions!
Also for global blue, the limit at this shop was € 150!!! Not € 50 like most other places, so felt a bit gypped. But otherwise helpful staff, and glad finally got a genuine Italian coffee percolator!

Why ooooh why…
This are the only words that i was able to utter when i saw this… how can i even describe this…
Ok… let us restart this review. Hello, i am here to talk about Expo Gate… this kick in the guts of our beauty… which is the Sforza Castle. .
When one walks (as both Milanese and tourists alike do) from the Duomo (and its magnificent square) to the Castle.. they crave the moment when, strolling down Via Dante, they will undoubtedly be met with a stunning view of … THE EXPO GATE.. is that a mirage? A nightmare which prevents the beautiful view of my beloved castle?
First words out of my mouth were? «IS THIS NIGHTMARE GOING TO DEFACE THE SQUARE FOREVER? ??» I have been reassured that the Expo Gate shall be taken down as soon as the Expo is over… there is light at the end of the tunnel! !!
Ah, yes… it is supposed to have a practical use too… allow you to purchase tickets and seasonal passes… but, apparently the wait is so long (2hours) that people prefer other locations or online purchase… go figure!!!

When I saw it for the first time I though «oh, they’re building something!» but when I realized this white structure was the actual Expo Gate I was horrified… Everyone hates it because it has nothing to do with the surrounding architecture and it also covers partially the beautiful Sforzesco Castle behind it, so why 3 stars?
Because it actually does what it’s supposed to do, that is give information about Expo, sell tickets, merchandise and be a meeting and info point in the city center for Expo. Since the Expo area is far from the city center, a visitor in the center of the city should be able to get information about the Expo area and tickets without going all the way there.
Staff at the ticket office is kind, well informed about what they sell (that is, tickets for the Expo — I know it’s not that hard but in Milan you never know…) and they even seem to be fluent in English. Buying tickets is a quick process, I’ve been there twice at lunch time and didn’t find any queues — perhaps there will be once the Expo starts.
The merchandise corner is smallish but they have some stuff with Foody, the Expo mascot and some (overpriced) souvenirs.
Only thing I didn’t get was why it is not possible to buy expo tickets with American Express (Visa and Mastercard are accepted), many of the tourists coming from America –the whole continent– use Amex regularly, if this is supposed to be an international info point and the official ticket office, they should accept it but I guess it is an Italian thing not to accept Amex…
I wish they could have made a different structure less white and less modern and less obstructive but I just hope they remove it completely when the Expo is over!