ITALY PAVILION Theme: Art Regenerates Life Size: 3,626 m² Entrant: Section General Commissioner for Italian participation in Expo 2025 Osaka - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, www.esteri.it/en Design: Mario Cucinella Architects Fabrication: Nishio Holdings Co. Ltd., Nomura Co. Ltd. Additional Contributors : Beyond Limits Dwc-Llc, Buromilan - Milan Ingegneria S.p.A., Tekser S.r.l., Zeranta Edutainment S.r.l., Gae Engineering S.r.l., Geol. Claudio Preci, Yoshiki Matsuda Architects (Architect of Records) Photos: Br@in Corporation, Communication Staff from Section General Commissioner for Italian participation in Expo 2025 Osaka
The Italy pavilion is a monumental showcase of Italian ingenuity, heritage, and sustainability, positioned in the Saving Lives Zone. Spanning 3,000 square meters, it boasts the largest wooden structure among overseas pavilions and the Expo’s most expansive rooftop garden. The pavilion integrates art, architecture, innovation, and nature, highlighting Italy’s message that beauty, science, and sustainability are vital for protecting life and shaping our shared future.
Built entirely from laminated wood for circularity and low environmental impact, the architecture echoes traditional Italian piazzas, fostering community and openness. The breathable, modular structure welcomes natural light and airflow, embracing the Expo’s values of transparency and global dialogue. A tranquil oasis with panoramic views, the rooftop garden is inspired by Italy’s horticultural heritage. It features more than 3,000 plants and serves as a living exhibit of biodiversity and ecological stewardship.
Inside, the thematic journey centers on saving lives through culture, innovation, sustainability, and community. Immersive spaces invite visitors to explore Italy’s achievements in science, the arts, agriculture, and health. Notable original artworks on display include the Farnese Atlas, pages from Leonardo da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus, Michelangelo's statue of Minerva emphasizing Italy’s blend of artistic legacy and leadership in innovation and sustainability. A highlight is the Vatican Area, displaying iconic masterpiece Caravaggio’s “The Deposition of Christ."
Interactive exhibits, multimedia installations, and research showcases — developed with leading Italian institutions — highlight advances in biomedical sciences, renewable technologies, agricultural sustainability, and cultural preservation. The visitor experience is open and self-guided, weaving Italy’s regional diversity, craftsmanship, and resilience throughout artistic displays and sensorial installations.
Crowning the pavilion is an Italian restaurant in the rooftop garden, offering authentic cuisine amid greenery and open sky. Visitors conclude their journey in the pavilion shop, browsing Italian products that reflect design, craftsmanship, and innovation.
The Italy pavilion is more than a destination. It’s a living journey that expresses Italy’s legacy and vision, inspiring visitors to embrace beauty, responsibility, and a sustainable future.
