Visitors to the Czech National Pavilion will drink from hand-blown crystal glassware made in Moravia
The Office of the Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025 in Osaka has partnered with the traditional Czech glassworks Květná 1794. One of the oldest Czech glass manufacturers will supply the pavilion with an exclusive collection of hand-blown crystal drinkware. The cooperation agreement was signed in February 2025 by the Commissioner General of the Czech participation, Ondřej Soška, and Květná glassworks co-owner, Josef Anovčín.
"Participating at EXPO 2025 is a unique opportunity for us to showcase Czech glassmaking artistry on the international stage. EXPO is not just about representing individuals but an entire nation—it is about national pride and the presentation of Czech craftsmanship, and we want to be part of it. At the same time, we aim to strengthen our business relationships in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in Japan, which has historically been a significant market for us. We hope to reinforce and solidify our position there," says Josef Anovčín, co-owner of Květná 1794 glassworks.
Visitors to the restaurant and bar in the CTP lounge on the rooftop of the Czech National Pavilion will have the opportunity to admire and personally experience more than a thousand exclusive glasses from the Euporie and Telesto collections. The Euporie collection stands out with its unique web-like pattern, achieved through a demanding production process that surpasses standard handmade glassmaking techniques, combining delicate beauty with exceptional durability. The Telesto collection was specifically developed in collaboration with wine experts and includes premium glassware sets designed for serving white, red, and sparkling wines.
"We want the Czech National Pavilion to become a showcase of the best that we have here in Czechia. Traditional Czech hand-blown glass is undoubtedly part of our national heritage. Therefore, I am pleased that exclusive pieces from Květná glassworks will enhance the experience of visiting the pavilion and will highlight the exceptional craftsmanship of Czech glassmakers during business meetings," says Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of the Czech participation at EXPO 2025.
About Květná 1794
Operating under the name Květná 1794, the company is one of the longest-established glassworks in Czechia. It was founded by Prince Alois I of Liechtenstein and has been a symbol of quality and elegance for several decades. The company specialises in the precise handmade production and decoration of the highest-quality crystal glass. It is known for offering the widest range of 16 shades of coloured glass in Europe and for its unique thin-walled glass with exceptional durability thanks to the addition of titanium. Each piece is an original, hand-crafted by masters of the glassmaking craft. The glassworks is part of the Czech family holding AF Group and the company MHS & Partners. Its products can be found through business partners in countries such as China, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, where Květná glasses are used in several Michelin-starred restaurants.
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. Thirty-eight studios have participated, and in March 2023 a jury of experts led by the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning design: a glass spiral by Apropos Architects. The main structure of the building will be made of modern wood panels, while the façade will feature art glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The National Pavilion, which will be located on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay from April to October 2025, will provide a prestigious setting for Czech participation at EXPO 2025. The pavilion will house a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, restaurants, a CTP lounge, and a relaxation area overlooking the sea.
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.