Cartier (Instagram) is once again leading the cultural conversation with the inauguration of the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. Following the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai, this visionary space puts women at the forefront of progress, offering a powerful platform for creative expression, global dialogue, and systemic change. With a blend of immersive design, art and activism, the Pavilion embodies Cartier’s commitment to championing gender equality—and it’s not just a structure, it’s a statement.
Developed in partnership with the Japanese government and the Expo 2025 organisers, the Cartier Women’s Pavilion opened its doors on May 21 with a striking architectural presence designed by Japanese architect Yuko Nagayama. But this isn’t just a building—it’s a living space for action and reflection. Housed on the second floor is the WA Space, a modern agora where panel discussions, installations and participatory events will unfold over the next six months.
Cartier’s Chairman of Culture and Philanthropy, Cyrille Vigneron, captured the Pavilion’s purpose best, saying, “Empowering women is a cornerstone of lasting progress because when women thrive, humanity thrives.”
Opening with a session titled “Together We Thrive: Forging Alliances for a Brighter Future,” the Pavilion kicked off its WA Dialogues with heavyweight voices including UN Women’s Kirsi Madi and Dr. Anino Emuwa, alongside Vigneron and moderator Sandi Toksvig. Discussions spanned everything from dismantling systemic barriers to achieving SDG 5: Gender Equality. A stunning stage sculpture was conceived by Es Devlin using light, water, and sound, creating an incredible backdrop to the opening.
A second session on “Transformative Philanthropy” dived into the real-world impact of investing in women-led initiatives, featuring speakers from Educate Girls and Ujamaa. Cartier’s aim? To turn architecture into advocacy, and conversation into collective action.
The Pavilion’s opening ceremony delivered a sensorial experience. Inspired by cymatics (the science of visual sound), the auditorium vibrated with music, poetry and cultural performances. Highlights included a reading by writer and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador JJ Bola and a dramatic finale led by Wadaiko drummers and traditional choirs. Every element—from the hand-dyed Kyoto textiles to a ground breaking Noh performance by a female flutist—was steeped in symbolism.
“Women have always been at the heart of creating change, yet their stories often go untold. The Women’s Pavilion celebrates their strength and resilience, shining a light on the power of women to inspire and shape the future. It is a call for all of us to recognise their contributions and work hand-in-hand to create a more equitable and compassionate world,” said television personality, author, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Tetsuko Kuroyanagi of the event.
Running through October 2025, the Women’s Pavilion will continue to host events that spotlight innovation, equity, and collaboration. Its influence will outlive the Expo: Nagayama’s façade will be repurposed as the main stage at Yokohama’s Green Expo in 2027.
For Cartier and Expo 2025 Osaka, the Pavilion is a catalyst. A space where the world is invited to listen, engage, and reimagine the future through a more inclusive lens.
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