Mario Cucinella to Design Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka

Architect Mario Cucinella will design and build the Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, running from April 13 to October 13, 2025, in the Kansai region of Japan. The project, led by Cucinella's group, was selected by a commission for best reflecting Italian identity in a contemporary and impactful way. The pavilion, titled 'L'Arte rigenera la Vita' (Art Regenerates Life), will reinterpret the Renaissance 'Ideal City' as a modern social space based on integration, inclusivity, and a culture of 'doing' represented by 'piazza,' 'teatro,' and 'giardino.' The contract, tendered by Invitalia, has a base value of €16.25 million, with optional works up to €7 million and services up to €750,000, totaling a maximum estimated value of €24 million. The pavilion will be located in the 'Saving Life' district, lot A9, covering 3,626 sqm (2,538 sqm buildable). For the first time at a universal exposition, the Italy Pavilion will host the Holy See, with a space for cultural events and art exhibitions in collaboration with the Dicastery for Evangelization. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani highlighted the pavilion as a tool for 'diplomacy of growth,' promoting tourism, internationalization, and investment, and strengthening the strategic partnership with Japan. The project was presented at the 13th Landscape Festival in Bergamo by Commissioner General Mario Vattani and Cucinella. Construction is expected to start in December 2023.