Expo Osaka 2025 – Lina Ghotmeh
Lebanese French architect Lina Ghotmeh, leading the Paris-based studio Lina Ghotmeh – Architecture, has revealed the first photographs of the National Pavilion of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the Expo Osaka 2025. The design draws inspiration from the traditional Bahraini dhow boats, employing the country’s historical boat-building technologies to showcase Bahrain’s craftsmanship and manufacturing heritage. The pavilion is also a nod to the hosts of the World Expo, drawing parallels with Japanese wood artistry. Commissioned and organized by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, this marks the country’s fourth contribution to the World Expo. The pavilion is located in the “Empowering Lives” zone, spanning 995 square meters and inviting visitors to engage through a sensory exhibition experience.
By focusing on the maritime history of the country, the pavilion also highlights Bahrain’s strategic geographic location as a maritime crossroads in the Gulf Region, as one of the major ports of trade in the area. This has contributed to opening up the country to cultural diversity, driving innovations and creativity. This tradition is well-aligned with the overarching theme of Expo Osaka, “Designing Future Society for our Lives”, and its three sub-themes are “Saving Lives”, “Empowering Lives”, and “Connecting Lives”. The exhibition showcases partnerships with artists Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse, who explore the theme of connectivity across trade, crafts, manufacturing, pearling, and ecology through a collection of galleries.
