Monaco’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka: A Celebration of Elegance and Innovation
The 2025 World Expo is ready to welcome guests at Osaka and one pavilion not to miss there is Monaco’s breathtaking, Take Care of Wonder, an immersive experience that beautifully blends together luxury, sustainability and cultural harmony. This amazing showcase is a testament to Monaco’s commitment to sophistication, technological advancement and environmental stewardship.
Inside the pavilion the two worlds of Mediterranean charm and Japanese elegance collide and intertwine. The space is aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues that are addressed by the Prince Albert II Foundation. Visitors’ every sense will be stimulated and awed by the immersive experiences presented in the outdoor spaces and buildings there.
The architecture of the pavilion is inspired by Mediterranean and Japanese gardens. A structure of reflective metal blends effortlessly with the natural trunks and branches around it, creating a striking fusion of nature and modern design that enhances the visitors’ experience. At the entrance to the pavilion, an ancient stone pathway under a prominent olive tree, a symbol of the Mediterranean region, leads guests into a garden lined with Mediterranean and Japanese plants, arranged in micro-landscapes.
“We love what we marvel at, and we protect what we love”, these words from Jacques-Yves Cousteau reflect the very essence of Monaco’s pavilion. They invite us to see the world through a child’s eyes, to explore and experience the magic of its surroundings, to see it in all its wonder. The citrus fruits and aromatic herbs of the French Riviera blend together with the artistry of the Japanese landscape inside, stimulating visitors’ senses from the moment they step into the pavilion’s gardens.
When entering the pavilion, visitors come into a semi-circular, high-ceilinged room that draws the eyes upwards. Seven large vertical windows amplify the sense of height inside and display alternating videos that showcase breathtaking views of Monaco.
Throughout the pavilion’s many floors, guests will find magnificent installations in a vibrant blend of tactile experiences mixed together with visual and olfactory experiences. Some of them draw their focus to the little things that spark wonder in our everyday lives, others tell the stories of the beauty and dynamism of Monaco.
In honour of the host country and to remain consistent with the manifesto of the pavilion, “Take Care of Wonder”, eight haiku poems are displayed at one of the pavilion’s floors. They are printed near the sensory screens, providing context for the experiences on offer. These recurring motifs perfectly embody the spirit of both Monegasque and Japanese cultures, enriching the space with subtle and compelling poetry that celebrates the fleeting beauty ofmoments and the emotions they inspire.
The second building of the pavilion hosts a circular space designed to resemble a tree that represents a combination of technology and Monaco’s roots and encourages visitors to learn more about the Principality’s history and sustainable development. This space displays Monaco’s aims for the protection of natural heritage and ecosystems, the fight against CO2emissions, the development of renewable energies, resource management and sustainable mobility.
At the four cardinal points of the circular area, visitors will find four animated books that tell the story of the country’s legacy of serving the ocean for 100 years and its historical commitment to sustainable growth that was supported by Prince Albert I and the Oceanographic Museum; H.S.H. Prince Albert II and the Prince Albert II Foundation.
The books take guests on a journey through the explorations and discoveries of Prince Albert I, who was also known as the “Navigator Prince” for his passion for the ocean. He was also responsible for some of the most important oceanographic campaigns of his time.
The visitors’ experience continues in a spacious garden that reflects Monaco’s care and attention to nature. In this setting, they can learn about the Principality’s projects that deal with the unique relationship between humans and ecosystems. Games and interactive educational installations enhance the experience, turning a simple informative experience into a fascinating journey.
The final space in the pavilion takes guests on a dive into the depths of the ocean where they can find out more about the Prince Albert II Foundation’s ocean conservation projects. From the start, the visitors’ focus is drawn to a magic lantern in the centre of the room, its projections highlighting the wondrous magic of the ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea.
The lighting, by designer Lucas Zito, is 3D-printed and made of a plastic derived from European corn starch. Blending refined aesthetics with purposeful design, this approach captures Monaco’s signature blend of sustainability and elegance –an ethos that shows inevery aspect of its visionary pursuits.
The immersion is completed with porthole-shaped screens giving guests a view of the depths of the ocean and Prince Albert II Foundation’s work to protect its precious ecosystem. And for more immersion, visitors only need to click a button on a panel around the porthole to see more of the ocean’s depths.
After exploring and awakening their every sense, guests can unwind and enjoy an exquisite array of gourmet food on offer. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of this exceptional venue, the Monaco Pavilion has partnered with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to present Les Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, offering guests an exclusive, two-level wine-tasting experience with a menu as exceptional as its setting. A bespoke menu will featuregrand cru wines and rare cognacs drawn from the world’s largest hotel cellar, served masterfully by expert sommeliers. Tastings will take place either in the intimate atmosphere of the Lounge that resembles the mythical cellar of the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo or on the Belvedere with its beautiful terrace overlooking the gardens of the Monaco Pavilion.
Monaco’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is set to be one of the event’s standout attractions. Its poetic architecture, engaging storytelling and seamless fusion of luxury and sustainability make it a destination in itself. Whether you’re drawn to breathtaking design, cutting-edge innovation, or simply the finer things in life, this pavilion promises to be an unforgettable highlight of the event.