Expo 2025: 12 Pavilions That Hit the Mark in Design and Purpose

These are the most stunning pavilions we’ve seen at Expo 2025 Osaka that showcase creativity, innovation, and culture. 

The Expo 2025 in Osaka is finally in full swing, opening its doors to the public on 13 April 2025. It will run for the next six months, closing on 13 October 2025. Taking place every five years, this global-scale event brings together countries and world-class organisations with culture and innovation at the forefront. Among the many draws of this event, the architecture and interiors of each pavilion are something many visitors look forward to. The structure and design of Expo 2025 in itself is already a spectacle with The Grand Ring being the main draw. Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto is the mastermind here, collaborating with two other studios: Tohata Architects &  Engineers and Azusa Sekkei, to construct the mega structure. Below, you’ll find our favourite few Expo 2025 pavilions that take design to the next level.

JAPAN

Designed by Tokyo firm Nikken Sekkei in collaboration with Oki Sato of Nendo, the Japan Pavilion reflects the overall Expo 2025 theme, “Designing a Future Society for Our Lives”. It also embodies a theme of its own, “Between Lives”, with a focus on power generation, carbon recycling technologies, and other sustainability initiatives. Its circular design represents the cycle of life with wooden planks making up the walls within the pavilion. The cross-laminated timber planks have been designed to be easily taken apart for reuse in buildings across the country once Expo 2025 is over. 

BLUE OCEAN

Another spherical structure, the Blue Ocean Dome pavilion at Expo 2025 serves as a centre where visitors can learn about the protection of our seas in a fun and interactive way. The stunning design is the work of renowned architect and Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban. It was designed with the Osaka Blue Ocean Vision in mind, an initiative that aims to eradicate additional pollution caused by marine plastic waste by 2050. 

WOMEN’S PAVILION, IN COLLABORATION WITH CARTIER

The Women’s Pavilion in collaboration with Cartier reinforces the saying “when women thrive, humanity thrives”. The structure was brought to life by Japanese architect Yuko Nagayama and takes inspiration from the Japanese woodworking art of Kumiko. It was initially seen at Expo 2020 Dubai and has now found second life as the Women’s Pavilion—the first time this has been done in Expo history. Its exhibits aim to enforce the importance of collaboration to battle inequality for a brighter future, while also celebrating the achievements and stories of women. 

MALAYSIA

Malaysia’s Pavilion is centered around the theme “Weaving a Future in Harmony”, an ode to our rich cultural tapestry, storied history, and growing economy. Kengo Kuma and Associates took the lead on design, giving the structure a mesmerising look with interwoven bamboo “ribbons”, mimicking the patterns of our iconic songket. At night, the façade lights up to mimic the fabric’s “gold and silver threads”. 

PHILIPPINES

Built around its theme “Nature, Culture & Community — Woven Together for a Better Future”, the Philippine Pavilion is truly a sight to behold. Its woven façade is made up of more than 200 handwoven textiles representing 18 regions, each made by a Filipino artisan. Within the pavilion, visitors will be immersed in an AI-powered journey that puts the country’s artwork, sustainability efforts, craftsmanship, culture, and more in the spotlight. 

CHINA

Resembling an unfolded traditional calligraphy scroll, the China Pavilion was built centered around its theme of “Building a Community of Life For Man And Nature — Future Society of Green Development”. The design, created by the China Architecture Design Group”, utilised bamboo strips, Chinese characters, and ancient books as its main design elements, highlighting the Chinese philosophy that humans must respect nature and live in harmony with it. As for its exhibit, a total of 30 provinces, regions, and municipalities will host an activity for a week each to showcase China’s vast cultural spirit and diversity.

UZBEKISTAN

Inspired by the theme “Garden of Knowledge”, the Uzbekistan Pavilion combines modern architecture—courtesy of Atelier Brückner—with motifs from the country’s history. Designed as a tribute to Uzbekistan’s gardens that are known as creative hubs and spaces of retreat, the pavilion was built with a combination of brick, clay, and sugi cedar wood from the surrounding mountains of Osaka. On its exterior are symbols derived from traditional Uzbekistani embroidery, ornaments, and patterns. Its triangular build also echoes the shape of a tumar, an ancient Central Asian amulet. 

THE NETHERLANDS

In line with Expo 2025’s aim of bringing people together for an exchange of cultures, ideas, and more, The Netherlands’ Pavilion was developed by RAU Architects around the theme of “Common Ground”. The focal point of its look is without a doubt the “sun”, made to symbolise a rising sun in a future empowered by clean and accessible energy. Iconic character Miffy also joins in, celebrating its 70th anniversary as the “Kids’ Ambassador” to Japan for the duration of Expo 2025. 

FRANCE, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LVMH

The France Pavilion was developed by Coldefy & Associés and Carlo Ratti Associati with LVMH as a key partner. This Expo 2025 pavilion is dedicated to love in different forms from loving yourself to loving nature. Its entrance resembles an open theater stage, including side facades that mimic stage curtains. Within the pavilion, France’s art de vivre and craftsmanship is put on display, with LVMH’s five iconic Maisons playing a major role in the exhibition. Louis Vuitton and Dior have a space each in the permanent exhibition, created in collaboration with Japanese scenographers, photographers and designers. Meanwhile, Celine and Chaumet have temporary exhibitions of their own. Lastly, Moët Hennessy will be a part of the visitor experience as hospitality partner.

CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czechia Pavilion at Expo 2025 is centered around the theme “Talent and Creativity for Life”. Fusing modern and traditional technologies, the building is constructed of cross-laminated timber panels with Bohemian Crystal covering its façade. It is the first timber building to have been built without a metal structure in Japan. As visitors make their way up the circular slope of the building, they will get a look into the country’s creativity and its global impact. 

SWITZERLAND

Designed by Manuel Herz Architekten, the Switzerland Pavilion at Expo 2025 takes visitors through the ins and outs of Swiss innovation with the theme “From Heidi to High-Tech”. Its exhibits illustrate the country’s movement from Alpine heritage to cutting-edge technology. Design-wise, it pushes the capabilities of lightweight materials, which make up its four interconnected spheres, including a rooftop that serves as a viewpoint for the entire Expo.

GERMANY

Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (LAVA) in Berlin developeed the multi-structure Germany Pavilion based on its theme of a Circular Economy. Titled “Wa! Germany”, the exhibit itself is an advocate for sustainable and circular construction, even being built with reusable materials. As a whole, it combines architecture, landscape, and its exhibitions into one holistic experience across its seven circular zones.  

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