Preciosa will illuminate the Czech pavilion, hosting workshops and providing a lighting installation for the restaurant

As part of Preciosa's presentation, a series of workshops and demonstrations showcasing the craftsmanship across the various companies within the Preciosa Group will be featured. However, the main highlight will be the luminous crystal installation Crystal Grid, which will dominate the Czech National Restaurant and exemplify the fusion of Czech craftsmanship and innovation.

"The installation is based on the Signature Design – Crystal Grid, composed of hand-blown crystal tubes arranged into geometric grids. The perpendicular lines and minimalist components create a structured pattern that emphasizes the purity and brilliance of crystal," explains the project designer Martin Prokeš. "Crystal Grid represents the pure harmony of geometry. Minimalism is highly appreciated in Japan, which is why we intentionally chose this design for the Czech Pavilion in collaboration with the architects. It combines the simplicity of form with the precision of handmade craftsmanship, celebrating Czech artistry in its purest form. However, through dynamic light scenes, it transcends traditional concepts, demonstrating how innovation and technology enrich the art of glassmaking," he adds.

Czech Glass Returns to Osaka After 55 Years The World Expo was last held in Osaka in 1970, where the former Czechoslovakia presented a grand pavilion that became one of the most visited and received an award for its architecture. The main attraction was the exhibition of Czechoslovak glass and art. The pavilion welcomed over 10 million visitors, significantly raising awareness of Czechoslovak traditional glass craftsmanship on the global stage.

"The Czechia's participation in EXPO 2025 is a unique opportunity to showcase our creative potential and exceptional ability to blend tradition with innovation. I am convinced that Preciosa and its presentation of glass artistry will exemplify precise Czech craftsmanship and be a key part of our national showcase, just as it was over 50 years ago," commented Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025.

"Being part of EXPO 2025 is an incredible opportunity for the entire Preciosa Group to present to the world the unique combination of tradition and innovation embodied by Czech glass. This is essential for the continued success and development of the industry. The theme 'Talent and Creativity for Life' perfectly resonates with our mission – to build on the legacy of generations of glassmakers and push it towards new horizons," added Lucie Karlová, Director General of Preciosa Lighting.

About the Preciosa Group Preciosa is among the world’s most renowned crystal manufacturers, continuing over 400 years of glassmaking tradition in the Crystal Valley. The group encompasses several companies (Preciosa Lighting, Preciosa Components, Preciosa Ornela, Preciosa Beauty, and Vinolok), each specializing in a unique aspect of glass craftsmanship – from handcrafted, bespoke lighting installations to machine-cut components, vibrant beads, elegant jewellery, and trophies. This diversity makes the Preciosa Group a true industry leader, combining traditional glassmaking artistry with modern technologies and innovations. By pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, Preciosa is redefining the future of glassmaking. About Czech pavilion at EXPO 2025 In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Czech Commissioner General announced an open anonymous architectural competition for the design of the national pavilion for EXPO 2025. A total of 38 teams entered the competition, from which an expert jury headed by world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning design in the shape of a glass spiral by Apropos Architects in March 2023. The load-bearing structure of the building will consist of modern wooden panels, while the façade will be made of art glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The National Pavilion will offer a worthy backdrop for the Czech participation in EXPO 2025, which will be held from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in the Osaka Bay. The pavilion will house a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, a restaurant, a VIP lounge and a relaxation area in front of the pavilion with a view of the sea.

About Czech participation at EXPO 2025 Czechia as an independent state will participate in the World EXPO for the sixth time. Ondřej Soška, who won the tender of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic last spring with his concept and theme "Talent and Creativity for Life", has been the Commissioner General since September 2022. Czechia should present itself in Osaka not only with what the Japanese know very well and have long admired, such as Czech glass and classical music, but especially with Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising start-ups and regional talents.