The Polish Pavilion at the EXPO in Japan won two awards at the World Expolympics event, which identifies the best exhibitions and pavilions. The installation ‘Plantation of Ideas’ won silver and the Polish Pavilion won bronze in the medium pavilion category.
As EXPO 2025 draws to a close in Japan, it is a time for summing up and presenting industry awards. As reported by the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, the Polish Pavilion was among the best at EXPO 2025. The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA) has announced the winners of the World Expolympics competition, which recognises the most exceptional experiential design projects at Expo 2025 in Osaka.
Poland was honoured with two prestigious awards: bronze in the ‘Best Medium Pavilion’ category and silver in the ‘Best Exhibition / Display’ category for the ‘Plantation of Ideas’ installation. The curatorial team consisting of: Monika Brauntsch – KAFTI, Ewa Kierklo and Stanisław Kempa – GDYBY and Wiesław Bartkowski.
The building of the Polish Pavilion was designed by Alicja Kubicka and Borja Martínez of Interplay Architects. The design is based on the use of wood and an organic form whose soft lines are intended to evoke associations with a wave of creativity. The façade, realised using the traditional Kigumi Koho wood joining technique, pays homage to the architectural heritage of both Poland and Japan.
These awards are proof of the power of Polish creativity and courage in telling stories through design. The jury appreciated both the entirety of our exhibition and the unique vision of Plantation of Ideas. It is a great honour and motivation to continue showing Poland to the world in such an inspiring way,” said Marta Zielińska, Deputy Commissioner General of the Polish Section of Expo 2025.
The Plantation of Ideas is a space that showcases concepts and breakthrough innovations charting a sustainable future in six sectors relevant to the Japanese market. It is a meeting place for the Polish economy, business and science, where inventions based on modern technologies and advanced algorithms can be discovered alongside traditional, nature-inspired solutions. Plantation of Ideas presents the achievements of Polish companies in six sectors of the economy with great potential for development, which are also key to cooperation between Poland and Japan. These are the following industries: agri-food, cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical, IT/Fintech, green technologies (including hydrogen) and gamedev.
The organisers emphasise that World Expolympics is sometimes referred to as the ‘Olympics of Experience Design’, as it showcases the artistry, innovation and cultural storytelling that define global exhibitions. The winners were selected by a 32-strong international jury of prominent architects, experience designers and exhibition and event industry experts. Entries were judged on criteria including concept and design, creativity and innovation, level of engagement and immersion, quality of execution and overall project impact.
Between the opening of the EXPO in April and mid-September, the Polish Pavilion was visited by one million people. The millionth visitor (or visitors) turned out to be a mother with two children. The whole family received a unique set of gifts, took part in a challah baking workshop and tasted specialities from a Polish restaurant.
We wrote more about the pavilion itself and the exhibitions HERE.
source: PAIH, own elaboration
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