broken clouds 13.3°C
English
Česky
Deutsch
Русский
30.7.2025 | Tourism
Until mid-August, residents of Mariánské Lázně and visitors in Osaka, Japan, can connect via a video bridge, the so-called Bridge of Nations, which provides a glimpse of the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO 2025 and the colonnade and the world-famous Singing Fountain in Mariánské Lázně.
Mariánské Lázně became another place that joined EXPO 2025 in an iconic way via video bridge. The installation gives locals and guests a glimpse of the Czech National Pavilion in Osaka, while Japanese can watch the Mariánské Lázně colonnade live.
"I am very pleased that Mariánské Lázně has become part of this exceptional connection between two very distant countries. People can greet each other, send a message or just share a smile across thousands of kilometres. If we have friends or loved ones right here in Osaka, it's a wonderful opportunity to create a shared memory - even if it's online. In other cities, similar video messages have brought about live engagements, for example. Who knows, maybe we'll see something similar here," says Mayor Martin Hurajcik.
The exhibition of the Czech pavilion at EXPO 2025 arouses enthusiasm. Its building consists of a timeless, modern glass spiral symbolising openness and progress. The video bridge, on the other hand, allows us to present traditional European architecture - the colonnade in Mariánské Lázně.
The Videobridge is open every day from 8:00 to 14:00 our time (in Osaka from 15:00 to 21:00) and will be open until mid-August. Users can not only greet each other across continents, but also share short messages - signs, gestures or simple messages.
International digital interaction as a popular tool
Comparable projects such as "The Portal" linking New York to Dublin in 2024 have attracted thousands of curious people. People exchanged smiles, waved at each other, performed short dances or entertained themselves with funny riddles through the screens. All across the ocean.
Many brought cardboard signs with signs on them, practiced simple moves in groups, or brought their pets in front of the camera to be part of the virtual contact. These casual interactions show that technology can also create heartfelt and human bridges across the world, transforming public space into a place of international dialogue, joy and sharing.
Gallery
