Cartier presents Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka vision to Domus Academy
Domus Academy had the privilege of welcoming Cartier for an exclusive talk dedicated to the Women’s Pavilion, now open at Expo Osaka 2025.
The session was led by Rodolphe Ratzel, Managing Director of Cartier South East Europe, and Viviana Caslini, Director of Corporate and Cultural Projects at Cartier, who shared with our students, the story and the purpose behind this ambitious and socially driven project.
At the heart of the presentation was sharing with the students Cartier’s sensibility and deep-rooted commitment to social impact, sustainability, and the empowerment of women and children through its philanthropic arm, Cartier Philanthropy. Anchored in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5 (gender equality), the Women’s Pavilion at Expo Osaka stands as a beacon of these values—celebrating the wisdom of humanity and seeking to create a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Pavilion is the result of a compelling collaboration between architectural and artistic excellence. Japanese architect Yuko Nagayama designed the building’s striking façade, inspired by Kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique. This intricate latticework not only reflects the craftsmanship of Japanese culture but also symbolizes unity, balance, and interconnectedness—principles central to the Pavilion’s message. Nagayama had previously presented this design as part of the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, where it drew international praise for its elegance and cultural significance.
Inside, the experience has been masterfully curated by British contemporary artist Es Devlin, serving as the Pavilion’s Global Artistic Lead. Known for her powerful, immersive installations that blend light, sound, and poetry, Devlin has crafted a space that goes beyond exhibition. The Pavilion invites visitors on a journey of reflection, urging them to consider how collective action can help shape a more equitable and inclusive world.
Students at Domus Academy were also introduced to the WA Space programme—an ongoing series of talks, lectures, and events hosted within the Pavilion. This initiative explores topics such as women’s leadership in sustainability, the role of technology in financial inclusion, and the transformative power of art in driving social change.
The Women’s Pavilion at Expo Osaka builds on the success of Cartier’s groundbreaking presence at Expo 2020 Dubai, where the brand, in collaboration with the United Nations, introduced the first-ever Women’s Pavilion in World Expo history. That initiative sparked important conversations around gender equality and the global role of women in shaping the future. The Osaka edition expands this legacy, further amplifying the Maison’s commitment to global dialogue, empowerment, and progress.
At the conclusion of the talk, Cartier’s representative took the time to engage with students, responding to their questions and offering thoughtful insights into the luxury industry as well as Cartier’s broader cultural and philanthropic vision.