On the 13th April Osaka transformed into a breathtaking showcase of innovation, art, and architecture. And Czechia certainly wasn’t there just to make up the numbers. The Czech National Pavilion, inspired by the country’s glassmaking tradition and craftsmanship, made history as the largest wooden structure without a steel framework in all of Japan. The building is currently awaiting final approval, while Czech artists and creatives are already on there.

The Czech Pavilion was born from tradition combined with a bold willingness to experiment. Its architectural language is contemporary, yet deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship and the pride of the Czech nation — glassmaking art. Designed by Apropos Architects and Tereza Šváchová, the pavilion reflects the spirit of Czech ingenuity and creativity, where elegance meets functionality.

A Dance of Light on a Glass Façade

The glass spiral-shaped façade — a symbol of infinite creativity — opens outward as it rises. The layering of glass and the precise play with transparency create a mesmerizing effect that changes with the light throughout the day.

Inside, another dimension of perception unfolds. The crystal sculpture “Trees Grow from the Sky” by Rony Plesl stands as a silent witness to time. Each of these monumental pieces was created using a unique melting technique and weighs 750 kilograms. At life-size scale, they become more than just works of art — they are imprints of nature captured in crystal.

A central feature running along the entire perimeter of the architecture will be a 200-meter-long graphic and painting narrative by Jakub Matuška, also known as Masker. This visual story metaphorically spirals like a commentary on human effort — from everyday routines and subjective perceptions to archetypal and historical references.

A unifying multimedia element is provided by the audiovisual installation from Lunchmeat Studio, which, through a thirty-channel sound composition and commentary displayed on digital screens, will create an impressive immersive experience.

Visitors will also encounter a bronze statue by Alfons Mucha “Nude on the Rock” and the “Herbarium” installation by Lasvit. In the center of the pavilion’s restaurant, a stunning light installation Crystal Grid by Preciosa will shine overhead. Guests will drink from hand-blown crystal glasses from the Moravian glassworks Květná 1794.

Jan Černý Dresses the Pavilion in Minimalism

Czechia’s presence at EXPO won’t just be an architectural and artistic experience — it will also be a visual statement. Designer Jan Černý has created uniforms for pavilion staff that reference both Japanese workwear and Czech overalls. Oversized cuts, muted tones, and an emphasis on functionality will offer a stark contrast to the often colorful creations of other countries.

Beneath the Wings of the World’s Largest Wooden Structure

This kaleidoscope of vision and creativity from around the world will be sheltered under a monumental wooden ring — the Grand Ring, the largest wooden structure in the world. Its delicate, almost ethereal design will cover the entire EXPO site. Beneath it, the Czech Pavilion will become one of the exhibition’s key visual magnets.

A nearly mystical atmosphere will be created by the “Forest of Civilizations” — 133 oak trees, aged 6,500 years, unchanged by time. Hidden underground for millennia, they now tell the story of an ancient landscape. This unique concept, developed by the Czech company Subfossil Oak, will connect art, science, and history, becoming the largest exhibition of its kind in the world.

Art, Music, and a Grand Finale

From April to October, Czech Days at EXPO will be filled with music, theatre, and visual art. The highlight will come on July 24 — Czech National Day — when Osaka will resonate with the sounds of the Czech Philharmonic, the energy of Cirk La Putyka, and the gentle melodies of singer Aiko.

A Nod to History

A unifying figure throughout the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 is the official mascot of the Czech Pavilion — René the Exponaut. Hailing from the galaxy of Czechia, René embodies the pavilion’s main theme: Talent and Creativity for Life. He also serves as a reminder of the legacy of the Czechoslovak Pavilion at EXPO 1970, which also took place in Osaka. The story of René was discovered by the EXPO organizers in the Crystal Valley — the cradle of Czech crystal — in the studio of the famous Czech glass artist René Roubíček. Through this mascot, Roubíček symbolically returns to Osaka 55 years later, where he exhibited his glass sculpture Cloud in 1970.