The Grand-Duchy’s Pavilion Showcases Luxembourg’s Creative Scene
In this context, Eric Thill, Minister for Culture, emphasizes:
“The World Expo 2025 in Osaka provides a unique opportunity to highlight Luxembourg’s creativity on the international stage. Through a rich and diverse program, the Luxembourg Pavilion showcases the talent of our artists and creators while fostering a dialogue between our traditions and those of Japan. This presence reflects the vitality and commitment of our cultural scene in an open and sustainable exchange.”
The programming, shaped through an open call and through proposals reviewed by the Board of Directors of the GIE “Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka” in close collaboration with Kultur | lx, will unfold throughout the World Expo across various spaces. Beyond temporary events, several permanent elements will also honor Luxembourg’s creators.
The selection criteria align with the Pavilion’s overall philosophy and sustainable approach, prioritizing projects that are not only designed specifically for Expo 2025 Osaka but can also have a life beyond the event. Additionally, a pre-existing connection with Japan was a key factor in the selection process.
1. Creativity as a Permanent Element:
ARCHITECTURE
Atelier d’architecture STDM
The Luxembourg Pavilion was designed based on circular economy principles by the Luxembourg-based architecture firm STDM. They work across various domains, from urban planning to interior design, in both private sectors—industry, office spaces, and residential projects—and public sectors, including public buildings and urban or rural spaces. Energy efficiency and environmental performance are at the core of their work, seamlessly integrated into their design process.
MUSIC
Claude Zeimes (born in 1983) was selected through a call for applications in partnership with FLAC (Fédération luxembourgeoise des auteurs et compositeurs – Luxembourg Federation of Authors and Composers). His musical composition will accompany the scenography throughout the Pavilion, creating the Pavilion’s unique sound identity in harmony with the “Doki Doki” theme.
DESIGN
Julie Conrad, Christophe de la Fontaine, Frank Michels, and Georges Zigrand were selected through a call for applications to suggest their furniture for the VIP areas of the Luxembourg Pavilion.
2. Temporary Programming
13.04.2025
Concert
United in Singing: A Harmonious Dialogue of Two Cultures
Pueri Cantores du Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg
To celebrate the opening of the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, an exceptional musical event will bring together two prestigious choirs: The Pueri Cantores boys’ choir from the Luxembourg Conservatory and the choir of Kyoto’s Ritsumeikan School. This unique cultural and musical encounter will unite 90 young singers, performing a diverse repertoire blending tradition and modernity. The concert fully embraces the spirit of Expo 2025, delivering a message of unity, peace, and mutual understanding—perfectly aligning with the sub-theme “Connecting Lives”, to which the Luxembourg Pavilion is committed.
28.04 – 05.05.2025
Exposition
Design Days (working title)
To highlight the designers selected for the VIP areas of the Pavilion, a special exhibition will showcase their work in greater depth. Combining elements of scenography and a cabinet of curiosities, the exhibition will invite visitors to see and touch a selection of their creations.
06.05-20.05.2025
Exposition
Fallen Trees
Pitt Brandenburger
“Fallen Trees”, initiated by Pitt Brandenburger, celebrates the beauty and importance of trees and shrubs. Each sculpture, shaped like a human silhouette in an open sarcophagus, represents a specific tree species, using natural materials. The project is a collaboration among artisans, including cabinetmakers, goldsmiths, and ceramicists, showcasing craftsmanship and artistic expression. Designed as a traveling exhibition in partnership with the LuxembourgChambre des Métiers , “Fallen Trees” promotes cultural exchange and sustainability by using wood sourced from naturally fallen trees.
30.05.2025 | Journée luxembourgeoise
Concert / performance
Echoes of Tomorrow
Francesco Tristano, Maika Fujii, Jill Crovisier, Pascal Schumacher
Pascal Schumacher’s contemporary vibraphone explorations meet Francesco Tristano’s fusion of acoustic piano and electronic synthesizers, while dancers visually translate the interaction between sound and movement. Together, the four artists create a sensory experience that is both universal and intimate.
“Echoes of Tomorrow” envisions a future where the arts are not merely a reflection of humanity but a driving force for its evolution. In an era of artificial intelligence, the artists remind us of the transformative power of human expression in all its forms, paving the way for a more inclusive, connected, and harmonious existence. As a cultural contribution to Expo 2025 Osaka, “Echoes of Tomorrow” celebrates human potential.
08.08-16.08.2025
Exposition
Nos fils croisés tissent des récits – Quand le textile devient dialogue
Aïda Schweitzer
Luxembourg-based visual artist Aïda Patricia Schweitzer immerses herself in the rich traditions of Japanese textiles. Her research, titled “FILS CROISÉS – KŌSASURU ITO”, explores intervowen threads as a metaphor for cultural connections, encounters, and interactions between ideas and people.
Initiated in Luxembourg, this project extends to Japan, weaving a dialogue between the two countries. The artworks resulting from this exploration will be exhibited at the Luxembourg Pavilion.
24.09 to 12.10.2025
Exposition
O.
Daniel Reuter / Chikara Umihara
Photographers Daniel Reuter (Luxembourg) and Chikara Umihara (Japan) present a cross-cultural perspective on Osaka and its metropolitan area. Their exhibition at the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is the result of a research and creative residency conducted in autumn 2024.
A total budget of 600,000€ has been allocated to the cultural programming, co-financed by GIE Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka, KulturIlx, the Ministry of Culture, and other partners such as the Chambre des Métiers.
“Culture holds a prominent place in the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and is a key pillar of the Pavilion’s overall program,” emphasizes Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
