“Keelebunn” as interior design centerpiece with a story
The reason for having a “Keelebunn” in the Pavilion is rooted in both Luxembourg`s convivial mentality and its sporting tradition, in which this type of bowling is an integral part. Teams from the Grand Duchy regularly take part in nine-pin bowling championships and bring home medals, most recently silver at the World Championships in Germany last spring. Although only a smaller number of nine-pin bowlers is still active today, the history of bowling and the construction of bowling alleys is part of our national cultural heritage. And from a social perspective, it is an act of coming together with family and friends.
It seemed logical to include all this in Luxembourg’s presentation at Expo 2025 Osaka. And since the craftsman people in Luxembourg have always had a “doer mentality” and tackle things until a solution is found, a custom-made and truly unique bowling alley has been built with combined, cross-generational forces to be soon installed in the centre of the pavilion. It also complies with the principles of the circular economy, as its materials have already had a life before.
Over the past months this project was executed with a lot of passion in teamwork with the CNFPC (Centre national de formation professionnelle continue) and students of the technical school LPEM (Lycée Privé Emile Metz). This outstanding collaboration embodies the spirit of this sport, steeped in a long tradition, while bringing people together—perfectly reflecting the Expo’s sub-theme, “Connecting Lives”.
And none other than Luxembourg’s “Keelebunn” builder Georges Linster, who took over the family business from his father, was helping to lead this task force as an experienced head in his retirement. And even though he has already built around 200 alleys, his father even 1000, this one is unique, and so was the collaboration with the mentioned partners. it had to be shorter than usual, 19.60 meters instead of 25. However, what makes the project special too is that it was pre-built in Luxembourg and will be installed by him and the teachers and students in Osaka. The ‘Keelebunn’ was recently tested, and the next step is to transport it to Japan with Cargolux, the sponsor of the Luxembourg pavilion, for assembly there.
“This collaboration is exemplary as it brings together the expertise of the most experienced craftsman in our country in this field, transferring valuable knowledge to young talent to create something truly unique, in partnership with professional trainers at a national level,” says André Hansen, Commissioner General and President. “In this way, a Luxembourgish tradition is kept alive and soon presented to a global audience who is very much invited to experience it.”
The “Keelebunn” was inaugurated on December 12, 2024 at the CNFPC in Esch-sur-Alzette (L) in the presence of Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs, and all the project leaders and participants (group picture).
