Into the beating heart of Luxembourg

BT
Sep 18
3 min read

OSAKA, Japan, 18 September 2025 – Located within the Connecting Lives zone (or Blue Zone in the Expo 2025 Osaka map) the Luxembourg Pavilion deserves every bit of attention. Easily accessible from Yumeshima Station and just a short walk from the East Gate, its location along the Grand Ring (turn right as you enter the ring and just follow the path for a few minutes) makes it a natural stop after passing the Ireland and Nepal pavilions. And while its exterior may seem modest, the experience within is anything but.

The architectural concept “Designed for Disassembly” revolves around circularity. The pavilion is built using four major components that will be dismantled and repurposed after the Expo concludes. These include MEGA CONCRETE BLOCKS that form the foundation, STEEL FRAMES anchored with CONCRETE WEIGHTS, and an elegantly efficient TENSILE MEMBRANE ROOF that deserves special mention. Lightweight yet high performing, it shields the entire site from the elements while also regulating temperature and reducing energy consumption. Even the CLADDING on the exhibition walls, made from standard formwork panels, is intended for reuse.

Inside, the theme “Doki Doki - The Luxembourg Heartbeat” comes to life. In Japanese, “Doki Doki” brings to mind the sound of a heart racing with excitement. That’s precisely the feeling the pavilion aims to inspire.

The journey begins with a glimpse into the lives of Luxembourg’s people. This is presented through a combination of physical spaces and digital storytelling by some of Luxembourg’s residents. You’ll get an insight into the country’s diversity, with Luxembourg being home to a different cultures and nationalities. This room honours that diversity quite beautifully.

Next is the ‘Instruments of Sustainability’, which is a clever, arcade-style installation that turns environmental awareness into a joyful experience. It’s playful, yes, but also carries an important message that every small action matters, and together we can shape a better future.

The final room is a sensory escape into Luxembourg’s landscapes. You may choose to stand but it is best experienced if you lounge on a net on the floor, from which you will be enveloped by floor-to-ceiling visuals of nature, architecture, and cultural scenes. It feels as if you are transported to Luxembourg.

After all that experience, we recommend a stop at the eatery just outside with a sign that reads “Doki Doki Dessert” and “Doki Doki Food”. Manned by students from EHTL Luxembourg under the guidance of Chef Steve Lentz, the kitchen is ever busy serving hungry visitors.

We were lucky enough to step inside the kitchen and watch the team prepare dishes with speed, precision, and a whole lot of smiles. The menu features some of Luxembourg’s signatures like Gromperekichelchen (Luxembourgish potato fritter), Lëtzebuerger Grillwurscht (traditional Luxembourgish white sausage), Brioche with slow-cooked roast beef, and a tempting array of desserts, including cakes, pastries, and macarons, among many.

The outdoor dining area is a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy a simple yet delicious meal (and beer).

Before leaving, don’t miss the gift shop. Among the must-have souvenirs are fashionable bags made from recycled tensile membrane roofing material. The collection is a fitting memento of a pavilion that practices what it preaches.

All in all, the Luxembourg Pavilion offers a grounded yet inspiring experience. It’s a showcase of national pride and a quiet call to action, wrapped in warmth, innovation, and a touch of “Doki Doki” magic. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Expo 2025 Osaka.