Studio SIN at EXPO 2025: Czech glass showcased the power of creativity
The EXPO 2025 World Exposition in Osaka became a huge showcase of creativity, technology, and culture. Among the most prominent projects was the Czech pavilion, whose architectural design won an international competition (1st prize Apropos Architects) and impressed with its combination of wood and glass in the shape of a spiral. Glass became a powerful symbol of Czech identity – and thanks to the monumental installation by Studio SIN, it gained extraordinary attention from experts, the media, and the public. EXPO was visited by over 29 million people, and the Czech pavilion was among the most popular. It was visited by 12–14 thousand visitors daily and welcomed its 1.5 millionth guest.
The interior of the pavilion was dominated by a unique glass installation by Studio SIN in collaboration with Rony Plesl, created using Vitrum Vivum technology. Melting glass into a free-form 3D shape of this size is unparalleled in the world – Czech glass was presented here as contemporary, monumental, and technologically groundbreaking.
The heart of the exhibition was the monumental glass sculptures created according to the design of Rony Plesl by glass master Jiří Šín and his team. Vitrum Vivum combines technological innovation with artistic purity and spiritual symbolism. Studio SIN carried out the entire production and installation process, from models to logistics. The installation aroused the interest of world curators, museums and design media. The Czech pavilion thus confirmed the role of glass as a cultural ambassador of the country.
"It was a dream – to bring Czech glass of this size all the way to Japan. Behind each object are months of craftsmanship and technological courage. Visitors reacted with fascination – and that is the greatest reward for us,"says Jiří Šín,founder of Studio SIN and creator of Vitrum Vivum technology.
EXPO 2025 demonstrated the global potential of Czech glass. The installation is now being prepared for further international presentations, and discussions are underway regarding its placement in renowned institutions.
Other exhibits in the pavilion included artworks by Jakub Matuška, including a 250-meter-long mural lining the visitor path, an audiovisual installation by Studio Lunchmeat, and a glass sculpture by René Roubíček, which served as inspiration for the Czech pavilion's mascot, along with a number of other works.
During the six-month duration of the exhibition, the Czech Republic's participation garnered four significant awards. Following the People's Choice gold medal, silver for best mascot in the World Expolympics competition, and the European Union award for exceptional hospitality, it also received the Silver Prize from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for architecture in the category of small and medium-sized pavilions up to 1,500 m². This achievement represents the best placement in the architecture category in over half a century.
Source of the news: SINGALLERY, own editorial adjustments