Half a million visitors to Polish pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka
The Polish pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan, has welcomed over 500,000 visitors since it opened in April, according to organizers.
The Polish pavilion at the World Expo 2025 exhibition in Japan.Photo: Danuta Isler/Polish Radio
The milestone highlights Poland’s strong cultural and economic presence at the international event, with a programme that blends heritage with innovation and invites active public engagement, the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) said.
„This is an impressive number and proof that the Polish Pavilion resonates with people looking for emotion, reflection and a meaningful dialogue about the future,” said PAIH vice-president Magdalena Skarżyńska.
„Each day brings new stories—told through music, craftsmanship and human connection,” she added.
A living, breathing pavilion
The Polish Pavilion, located in the „Saving Lives” thematic zone, covers nearly 1,000 square metres and offers a multi-sensory journey through Poland’s culture, science and creativity, according to the agency.
From Chopin recitals to interactive exhibits, the pavilion has become a hub of activity at Expo 2025, which runs through October 13.
A standout feature is its immersive permanent exhibition, which takes visitors on a narrative path through landscapes shaped by artificial intelligence, handcrafted art installations and herbal traditions that bridge past and future.
The opening experience, titled Herbarium, focuses on the symbolic role of herbs in Polish tradition, medicine, and agri-tech innovation.
“We wanted Japanese visitors to experience authentic elements of Polish heritage—from crafts to folklore and modern interpretations of Chopin,” said Monika Brauntsch, co-creator of the exhibit concept.
Digital technologies underpin much of the exhibit but remain discreet, serving to enhance rather than overpower the storytelling.
Installations such as „Aura,” an interactive musical piece, and „Nest,” a tranquil outdoor zone accompanied by Chopin’s music, invite visitors to reflect and participate.
Showcasing Polish innovation
A key attraction is the Idea Plantation, a space showcasing nearly 40 Polish companies that offer innovative products and services across six strategic sectors: agriculture and food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, green technologies, IT, and video game development.
„This is an extraordinary chance to show the world how innovative and socially responsible Polish businesses are,” said Łukasz Gwiazdowski, also a vice-president at PAIH.
„We are strengthening Poland’s image as a forward-thinking country ready for international cooperation,” he said.
Visitors can explore real-world applications of Polish innovation, including eco-friendly technologies, health products and sustainable design, tailored to improve lives and protect the planet.
Cultural and diplomatic highlights
The pavilion has hosted over 10 official delegations, including visits from Princess Takamado of Japan, former Polish President Lech Wałęsa, and numerous ministers and parliamentarians from both Poland and across the EU.
These high-profile visits have bolstered diplomatic and business ties between Poland and Japan, according to PAIH.
The venue has also held over 250 craft workshops and 100 regional concerts to date. Daily Chopin recitals—more than 500 so far—have drawn consistent crowds, with young Polish pianists gaining near-celebrity status among Japanese audiences.
Major cultural and business events have included Polish National Flag Day, Constitution Day and the Polish Day of Kindness — marking the close of Poland’s EU Council presidency.
A May 20 Polish-Japanese Export Forum drew over 300 entrepreneurs from both nations.
Other events include economic missions, sector-specific seminars, and collaborations with institutions such as Warsaw’s Fryderyk Chopin Institute, the Polish Film Institute and leading universities.
A collective effort
The programme is coordinated by PAIH under the supervision of Poland’s Ministry of Development and Technology, in partnership with several other Polish ministries, regional governments and over 100 institutions.
The exhibit’s curators—including Ewa Kierklo, Stanisław Kempa and Wiesław Bartkowski—emphasise co-creation, with visitor interaction integral to the storytelling.
„Technology is present, but never the focus,” said Brauntsch. „It enhances the experience, allowing traditional forms to become magical and deeply personal.”
A lasting impression
With its rich programming and innovative approach, the Polish pavilion has positioned itself as one of Expo 2025’s most vibrant and dynamic participants, PAIH says.
Organizers hope the experiences created here will spark continued dialogue, business cooperation and cultural exchange well beyond Osaka.
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai takes place on the man-made island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay and hosts 170 participants, including 161 countries and regions and nine international organizations.
The Polish pavilion has been named one of the top 25 must-see attractions at the 2025 World Expo by The New York Times.
The World Expo in Osaka, which opened in mid-April, is expected to attract more than 28 million visitors from around the world before it closes on October 13.
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Source: PAIH
Radio Poland
