German Pavilion - Three million visitors and two awards

13.10.2025

After 184 days at Expo 2025 Osaka, the German Pavilion “Wa! Germany” has closed its doors – an event that can be summed up as an all-round success.

Together with its partners, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) as the responsible institution, can look back on a strong showing. One highlight of note: in its final days, the world exhibition welcomed its three-millionth visitor. 

Furthermore, the German Pavilion was honored by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) with two awards for Type A pavilions: the Sustainability Award and the Silver Award for Theme Development. The Sustainability Award honors pavilions that integrate the theme of sustainability in an exemplary manner — both in terms of content and practical implementation. The Silver Award for Theme Development recognizes pavilions that interpret and present the Expo’s main theme in a particularly convincing, creative, and coherent way. 

More than three million people from all over the world visited the German Pavilion, including numerous high-ranking delegations and representatives from politics, business, science, sports and media. More than 90 celebrities signed the pavilion’s guest book. The international media’s response was positive throughout and particular praise was heaped on the consistently circular design, the immersive exhibition and the “Circulars” as mascots.

“Our aim was to present Germany as a country of innovation and a driving force for the future. Welcoming over three million enthusiastic visitors and receiving the BIE’s Sustainability Award as well as the Silver Award for Theme Development is a tremendous achievement for our pavilion.,” emphasizes commissioner General Patrick Specht from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. 

The interpretation of the leitmotif “Mutually shaping a circular world” was consistently reflected in the architecture, design and programme. The pavilion unified nature and technology to create a unique experience that guided visitors on an emotional and interactive journey. 

Themes like circular construction, urban agriculture, hydrogen technologies and circular fashion were presented just as vividly – enhanced by impulses and inspirations on how each and every one of us can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. The visitors’ responses were overwhelmingly positive: Surveys showed that over 96 per cent rated the pavilion as “very good” and “good” – many even described it as one of the best at the Expo. 

The Circular mascots were true crowd pleasers: To the delight of the public, these lovable, round costumed figures accompanied guests as multimodal audio guides. In an Expo popularity contest, visitors voted the Circular the most popular pavilion mascot at the World Expo – triumphal proof of the strong emotional vibe the character created. 

Now, the end of the Expo in Osaka marks the conclusion of a project that impressively positioned Germany as an innovative powerhouse and liberal-minded member of the international community. The concepts and technologies showcased at the German Pavilion made it clear that the future viability of our society is not a remote vision, but an achievable and lived reality.