The cultural programme at the Czech Pavilion is accompanied by a piano from the Czech family-owned company PETROF

“Japan has a deep connection to Czech culture and classical music, which makes us all the more pleased to be part of Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025 in Osaka,” says Zuzana Ceralová Petrofová, President of PETROF, adding: “We believe that music transcends language and cultural boundaries, and that the piano in the Czech National Pavilion can be that refined yet powerful voice that brings joy and positive emotions.”

The black P 194 Storm piano measures one and a half metres in width and nearly two metres in length. Weighing 365 kilograms, the instrument is fully managed by PETROF, which oversees all logistics related to its loan. To keep it in top condition and ensure high-quality sound throughout the exhibition, the company has scheduled 14 maintenance visits.

PETROF exports its instruments to over 65 countries around the world and has been active in the Indo-Pacific region, including Japan, for more than a hundred years. Thanks to this long-standing presence, the transport and upkeep of the piano are smoother—supported by PETROF’s trusted Japanese partner Tetsuya Miyakita of Nagoya Piano Choritsu Center Ltd., who played an active role in preparing the company’s presentation at EXPO 2025.

The loaned piano serves as a cultural element within the pavilion’s programme—used for concerts, accompanying events, and informal musical gatherings. Czechia is presenting an exceptionally rich cultural programme at this year’s World EXPO, selected through an open cultural call. More than 300 cultural performances are expected to take place in the Czech National Pavilion over the course of six months, and the piano will play a key role in connecting Czech artists with international audiences.

“Czech music enjoys an excellent reputation in Japan—just like the musical instrument maker PETROF. This collaboration is not only a natural partnership, but also a symbol of love and passion for music,” says Přemysl Pela, Programme Director of the Czech National Pavilion.

The family-owned company PETROF has been producing acoustic pianos since 1864. Its instruments are known for their precise craftsmanship and signature rounded tone—qualities appreciated by musicians around the world. Each instrument is a blend of handcraftsmanship, innovation, and respect for tradition. This makes PETROF not only a manufacturer of musical instruments, but also a bearer of cultural values and European musical heritage.

“The PETROF brand is well known around the world. It is one of Europe’s leading producers of acoustic grand and upright pianos, played by many renowned performers in concert halls worldwide. It is only fitting that a name of such resonance is part of the World EXPO, where we aim to present the very best Czechia has to offer,” comments Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General for Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025.

Numerous famous performers and notable figures have fallen in love with PETROF instruments—including the legendary Gustav Mahler and Rudolf Firkušný. And the brand continues to attract world-renowned names today, such as Billie Eilish and David Helfgott.

About the Piano and Upright Piano Manufacturer PETROF PETROF is a prominent European manufacturer of acoustic pianos and upright pianos. The company operates on five continents and exports to over 65 countries worldwide. Since 1864, when Antonín Petrof built his first piano, the company has produced over 635,000 instruments under this brand, with many more made under the PETROF Brand Family.

The musical instruments from this brand are particularly favored by musicians for their exceptionally soft, gentle, rounded, and romantic tone. Throughout decades of production, the company has continuously emphasized precise craftsmanship and the careful selection of materials. Even in the age of automation and modern technology, the handcraft of experienced pianomakers, tuners, and voicers still makes up 80 percent of the manufacturing process.

The range of pianos and uprights known under the PETROF brand is wide, with custom-made unique pieces also available. Instruments inspired by various artistic styles have also maintained their popularity. PETROF has earned numerous awards, from the King George Medal at the London Exhibition to Grand Prix awards in Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels, as well as the titles of "Rodinné stříbro" and "Czech Goodwill 2015." All are marked with the European Excellence seal, which confirms the European origin and the quality of the materials used.

About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025 In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open, anonymous architectural competition to design the National Pavilion for EXPO 2025. A total of 38 design teams submitted their proposals. In March 2023, a professional jury chaired by world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning concept: a glass spiral design by Apropos Architects. The pavilion’s main structure is made of modern wooden panels, while the façade features artistic glass—a material with a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The Czech National Pavilion offers a dignified and functional space for Czechia’s participation at EXPO 2025, which will take place from April to October 2025 on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. Inside the pavilion, visitors will find a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, business facilities, a restaurant, and the CTP Lounge. In front of the pavilion, a seaside relaxation zone offers a scenic view for guests. The pavilion was officially approved in early April 2025 and is the largest wooden structure of its kind in Japan built without a metal support frame.

About the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 This will be the sixth time that Czechia has taken part in a world exhibition as an independent state. Ondřej Soška, who won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selection process with his concept and theme "Talent and Creativity for Life", has been serving as Commissioner General since September 2022. Czechia aims to showcase not only what the Japanese already know and admire, such as Czech glass and classical music, but above all Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising start-ups and talent from the regions.