Slovakia Launches Design Competition for EXPO 2027 Belgrade Pavilion

Slovakia has launched an architectural competition to design its national pavilion for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, marking the formal start of the country’s preparations for the international exhibition.

The project is being led by SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, Slovakia’s national tourism promotion agency. The competition has been verified by the Slovak Chamber of Architects, or SKA. Organisers said the competition follows consultations with SKA representatives to finalise the terms in line with the chamber’s competition rules.

“Thanks to the chamber’s professional approach, the competition is being carried out according to the highest professional standards and opens the door to a wide spectrum of architectural teams – from established studios to young talents,” Lukáš Parízek, commissioner general for EXPO 2027 Belgrade, said in a statement.

The process formally began with the first meeting of the expert jury on March 26, when the final competition conditions were set. Organisers said the framework was designed to balance Slovakia’s ambitions for the pavilion with practical feasibility and the goal of attracting strong submissions.

“EXPO 2027 is a unique opportunity for Slovakia to show the world our creativity, innovativeness and ability to deliver bold solutions,” Matej Fekete, director general of SLOVAKIA TRAVEL, said in a statement. “The architectural competition is the first step toward creating a pavilion that will be not only visually attractive, but also a strong story about Slovakia as a country of opportunity.”

Organisers said proposals will be reviewed by an international jury that includes architect Peter Stec, who has worked at OMA and Herzog & de Meuron and contributed to projects including the extension of Tate Modern in London. The panel also includes licensed architects, a design expert and representatives of the organiser.

Slovakia’s presentation at EXPO 2027 will be built around the concept “Slovakia – Playground of Opportunities.” Organisers said the pavilion will reflect themes of play, innovation and progress, supported by the slogan “Where play becomes opportunity” and the subtheme “Play for Progress.”
 

The competition calls for a full architectural concept for a national pavilion under the “Living Playground” theme. The pavilion is planned for Hall 6 at the EXPO Belgrade 2027 site and will occupy 648 square meters across two above-ground floors.

According to the competition brief, the pavilion should include a signature visual installation, an interactive public area using technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, a business zone, and a hospitality section featuring a Slovak restaurant and café with souvenirs.

Organisers said the top three entries will receive prizes totaling 29,000 euros ($31,000). The winner will receive 12,000 euros ($12,800), second place 10,000 euros ($10,700), and third place 7,000 euros ($7,500).

The submission deadline is 10 a.m. on May 14, 2026, through the IS EVO system.

Slovakia was the first country to sign a participation agreement with the organisers. Its presence at Expo 2027 is designed to advance long-term goals in economic diplomacy, tourism promotion, nation branding, and international cooperation.

As the first world exhibition ever held in the Western Balkans, Expo 2027 Belgrade offers participating countries a major platform to raise their global profile, promote trade and investment, showcase innovation, and deepen diplomatic and commercial ties.

SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is Slovakia’s national tourism promotion organisation, responsible for developing tourism in domestic and international markets.

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