October 12, Osaka (BNA): At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s “Connecting Seas” pavilion took home the Gold Award for Best Architecture and Landscape in the self-built pavilions under 1,500 m² category. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) bestows the prize to honor outstanding pavilion design, innovation, and sustainability.
Bahrain Pavilion wins Gold Award for Best Architecture and Landscape at Expo 2025 Osaka
Commissioners general and representatives from participating nations attended the official award ceremony Thursday evening in Osaka, Japan, when the news was made.
The award, according to Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Commissioner General of the Bahrain Pavilion and President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA), is a tribute to Team Bahrain’s commitment to promoting the Kingdom’s vision of fusing innovation and legacy.
“This achievement reflects Bahrain’s position as a hub of cultural and architectural creativity in the region,” the president of BACA stated. “The Pavilion embodies sustainable architecture and enriches the visitor experience through sensory journeys that highlight Bahrain’s history and civilisational depth.”
He expressed his appreciation to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for their ongoing support of Bahrain’s creative and cultural advancement. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the Pavilion team and other national organizations that helped Bahrain’s participation at the Expo succeed, pointing out that the honor embodies the Kingdom’s collaborative and innovative culture.
One of the most environmentally friendly buildings at the Expo, the Pavilion was designed by Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh and is primarily made of wood, with natural cooling provided by the sea air. It is 995 square meters, four stories high, 13.7 meters above sea level, and situated in the Empowering Lives zone.
Exhibitions created by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities in association with Shepherd Studio, Sissel Tolaas, Hassan Hujairi, and La Méduse send visitors on a multisensory adventure while examining Bahrain’s ties through nature, trade, crafts, and pearling. Quby Creative Consultants created the Pavilion’s visual identity.
Award-winning Bahraini chef Tala Bashmi curates the Pavilion café’s seasonal meals, which combine Japanese and Bahraini flavors. Bahrain’s strategic location and function as a worldwide investment hub are highlighted in an exhibition organized by the Economic Development Board (EDB).
The gift shop features unique items that reflect Bahrain‘s past and are made in partnership with Qirtas, while staff and volunteers wear uniforms created by Bahraini fashion designer Lulwa Al Ameen, who was inspired by coastal motifs.
Additional information can be found on the official webpage, www.bahrainpavilion2025.bh.
and www.culture.gov.bh, in addition to the official accounts @CultureBah and @bahatexpo on social media.
