This year marks the 25th time the Grand Duchy has participated in the World Expo. The Luxembourg pavilion showcases the nation's culture, with sustainability as a core message – written on the building itself – as its materials will be recycled after the Expo concludes.
World Expos are a global gathering of countries dedicated to finding solutions to pressing challenges of our time, by offering a journey inside a universal theme through engaging and immersive activities. World Expos welcome tens of millions of visitors, with countries building impressive pavilions and a long-term transformation of the host city.
The first World Expo – the Great Exhibition – was organised in London in 1851. Since then, it has spread all around the globe.
The World Expo 2025 will be held on Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka, Japan, under the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives." A total of 160 countries and regions will participate, each showcasing distinctive aspects of their culture and innovation aligned with this theme. This marks the second time Osaka has hosted the World Expo, the first being in 1970.
28 million people, from all around the globe, are expected to visit the World Expo 2025. After four years of organisation, the World Expo will feature the newest in technology in an area spanning 155 hectares.
The opening took place on 13 April, and it is scheduled to last six months, until 13 October.
Naturally, the Grand Duchy could not miss the opportunity to showcase itself on the global stage – especially as it was already present with its own pavilion at the very first World Expo in 1851. Under the theme "Doki Doki – The Luxembourg Heartbeat", the Luxembourg pavilion highlights the country’s diversity, innovation, culture, society, and natural beauty, while also emphasizing the deep ties between Luxembourg and Japan.
Situated between the German and Nepali pavilions, Luxembourg aims to share its unique way of life with visitors. This marks the 25th time the Grand Duchy has participated in a World Expo.
Foreign Affairs Minister Xavier Bettel attended the inauguration of the pavilion. In a conversation with RTL, he elaborated on its design, highlighting its modern portrayal of Luxembourg and its commitment to sustainability – the structure will be recycled after the Expo concludes. Bettel explained that the pavilion’s theme reflects the heartbeat of the country, one that will continue long after the event, and that it offers visitors a glimpse of Luxembourg meant to inspire them to experience the Grand Duchy firsthand.
Bettel also points to one of the most remarkable aspects of the pavilion the "Keelebunn" or bowling alley. This particular bowling alley originates from Leudelange and was repurposed for the World Expo under the supervision of Luxembourgish bowling alley craftsman Georges Linster, now retired. Visitors can try their hand at the game and then taste some of Luxembourg's culinary specialties, according to Bettel.
