Credit: expopavilion.lu
On Wednesday 5 February 2025, Luxembourg's Ministry of Culture, together with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, Kultur | lx – Arts Council Luxembourg and GIE Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka, unveiled the cultural programme for the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka.
The programme, developed through a call for submissions and proposals discussed within the management board of GIE Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka in close collaboration with Kultur | lx, will unfold throughout the World Expo across various spaces. In addition to temporary events, several permanent features will showcase Luxembourg's creative talent.
In this context, Minister of Culture Eric Thill emphasised: "The World Expo 2025 in Osaka presents a unique opportunity to showcase Luxembourg's creativity on the international stage. Through a rich and diverse programme, the Luxembourg Pavilion highlights the talent of our artists and creators while fostering a dialogue between our traditions and those of Japan. This presence illustrates the vitality and commitment of our cultural scene to an open and lasting exchange."
According to the organisers, the selection criteria align with the pavilion's philosophy and commitment to sustainability, prioritising projects that are not solely designed for Expo 2025 Osaka but can also exist beyond this context. Additionally, a prior connection with Japan was considered a key advantage.
Permanent Feature:
- Architecture - Atelier d'Architecture STDM;
- Music - Claude Zeimes (1983) was selected through a call for applications conducted in partnership with the FLAC (Luxembourg Federation of Authors and Composers);
- Design - Julie Conrad, Christophe de la Fontaine, Frank Michels, Georges Zigrand.
Temporary Programme:
13 April 2025, Concert: United in Singing: A Harmonious Dialogue of Two Cultures by Pueri Cantores of the Conservatoire de la Ville de Luxembourg;
28 April - 5 May 2025, Exhibition: Design Days (working title)
6 May - 20 May 2025, Exhibition: Fallen Trees, by Pitt Brandenburger
30 May 2025, Luxembourg Day, Concert/Performance: Echoes of Tomorrow, by Francesco Tristano, Maika Fujii, Jill Crovisier, Pascal Schumacher
8 August - 16 August 2025, Exhibition: Our interwoven threads weave stories – when textile becomes dialogue, by Aïda Schweitzer
24 September - 12 October 2025, Exhibition: O., by Daniel Reuter and Chikara Umihara
A total budget of €600,000 has been allocated for the cultural programme, co-financed by GIE Luxembourg@Expo2025Osaka, Kultur | lx, the Ministry of Culture and other partners, including the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts.
Luxembourg's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Xavier Bettel, stated: "Culture holds a prominent place in the Luxembourg Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and is a strong pillar of the pavilion's overall programme."
IK
