The highly anticipated global event, the Osaka World Expo, has officially kicked off, and Louis Vuitton has announced a series of Expo-related activities. These include sponsoring the French Pavilion at the Expo, two major exhibitions at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka, and publishing two photography works 《City Guide》 and 《Fashion Eye》 that celebrate Osaka. Together, these make for the highlights of the 2025 World Expo!
As a major symbol of French fashion, Louis Vuitton is, of course, participating in the creation of the French Pavilion. On-site, they’ve created 《Hardcase Library》, a breathtaking display of nearly a hundred handcrafted trunks encircling a Rodin sculpture—truly spectacular! Another art installation, 《Hard-Shell Ball》, combines video works by Japanese artist Daito Manabe, using the trunks as canvases to depict a dreamy, fantastical world. Additionally, Louis Vuitton has announced an upcoming special exhibition, 《Visionary Journeys》, set to debut this July at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. Showcased will be original LV Monogram canvas samples, preserved since the 19th century.
Louis Vuitton, through the French Pavilion sponsored by the LVMH Group, delivers two heartfelt tributes—one to craftsmanship and another to Japan. Designed by Japanese architect Shohei Shigematsu (OMA), the immersive pavilion centers around Rodin’s sculpture Cathedral. The exhibition space is adorned with 85 wardrobe trunks, with each trunk standing as a testament to impeccable craftsmanship, paying homage to Louis Vuitton’s legacy of artisanal excellence. The exhibit also collaborates with IRCAM, the music research institute of France’s Centre Pompidou, to create an original soundtrack reinterpreting the myriad sounds of the workshop.
In the second exhibition hall, the exceptionally creative Trunk Sphere invites visitors to embark on a dreamy sensory journey through the soundscapes and wall designs crafted by Daito Manabe’s video works. This enchanting voyage revisits the legendary story of Louis Vuitton, showcasing the sparks that fly when tradition meets innovation.
To celebrate this grand occasion, Louis Vuitton Editions has specially published two feature books, showcasing Osaka’s charm from different perspectives. The Fashion Eye Osaka photo book, captured by photographer Jean-Vincent Simonet, vividly portrays the vibrant lights and colors of Osaka, presenting a dreamlike urban fantasy and visual surprises. Meanwhile, Osaka Travel Guide features nearly 200 must-visit spots, including hidden gems and unique restaurants, along with recommendations from food critic François Simon and Osaka-born artist Verdy. These two special editions invite readers to fully immerse themselves in exploration, embodying the spirit of Louis Vuitton travel.
