From the “Ron Mueck Exhibition” and the “Andrew Wyeth Exhibition”—which include works on display in Japan for the first time—to exhibitions at the National Art Center, Tokyo and the Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum, which will be open in the evenings, we’ve carefully selected the best exhibitions to visit in Tokyo this June.
A special exhibition commemorating the opening of “Mon Takana: The Museum of Narratives.” Since ancient times, humanity has recognized the potential in the “spirals” hidden within the natural world, using them to develop society and civilization. The trajectory of transforming the laws of the Earth into human wisdom is the very “story of evolution” itself.From the origins of the universe as revealed by the latest physics, to the ever-circulating flow of resources and money, to skills and festivals passed down across generations, and even to daily chores and finances—this exhibition brings together stories of “circles” from all eras and regions.
Sanrio Exhibition FINAL ver.
This exhibition traces Sanrio’s 60-year history while offering an in-depth exploration of how “kawaii” culture has evolved and the “Sanrio spirit” behind it, accompanied by rare designs and products. From famous characters to lesser-known ones, 200 characters are on display. Furthermore, the secrets behind the creation of Sanrio’s original characters are revealed.
Andrew Wyeth Exhibition
This is the first retrospective exhibition of Wyeth’s work in Japan since his death. Motifs indicating “boundaries,” such as windows and doors, frequently appear in Wyeth’s works. These are thought to have served as connections between life and death, and between his inner world and the outside world. This exhibition focuses on “boundaries” to reexamine his work.
This is Ron Mueck’s second solo exhibition in Japan since his 2008 retrospective at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa. The centerpiece of this exhibition is the installation *Mass* (2016–2017), comprising 100 massive skull sculptures, which is being shown in Japan for the first time.Each time the work is exhibited, it is reconfigured to suit the museum’s space; at the Mori Art Museum, it will be presented as a site-specific installation spanning approximately 300 square meters.
The Great Van Gogh Exhibition: Café Terrace at Night
The first phase of the “Great Van Gogh Exhibition” focuses on the first half of Van Gogh’s life, beginning with his early years in the Netherlands, influenced by the Barbizon and Hague schools, through his time in Paris interacting with Impressionist and other artists , up to the creation of his masterpiece *Café Terrace at Night (Place du Forum)* in Arles, southern France.The second phase is scheduled to run from October 2027 to around January 2028.
Picasso Meets Paul Smith: An Adventure in Playfulness
A highlight of this exhibition is the spatial design by Paul Smith, inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso. Known for his traditional tailoring and playful use of color, Paul Smith designed the venue layout, creating a vibrant and joyful space reminiscent of his clothing and accessories. The exhibition presents works spanning Picasso’s career, from his early years to his later years, in a loose chronological order.
“Atelier des Lumières,” an immersive digital art museum based in Paris, makes its debut in Japan. The first exhibition to be screened is “Van Gogh: Masterpieces—Sunflowers, Starry Night, Blossoming Almond Tree…” The fusion of visuals and sound that envelops the entire space offers an immersive experience, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into the world of the artwork.
Artists Gathering at the “Café”: From the Impressionists to Van Gogh, Lautrec, and Picasso
Featuring approximately 130 works, including masterpieces by Manet, Van Gogh, Lautrec, and Picasso, as well as “Madeleine” by Casas—a treasure of which Barcelona is proud—the exhibition showcases the breadth of art born in “cafés.”The museum will be open until 8:00 PM on July 25 and from September 19 to September 23 (Wednesday, a national holiday). On these dates only, special events will be held, and visitors can enjoy stories about cafés with a slightly more mature twist.
Hiroshi Sugimoto: Extinction Photography
This exhibition focuses on silver gelatin photography, the artistic roots of contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, who continues to work across genres. His works, characterized by unique expressions based on a solid conceptual foundation, represent the pinnacle of silver gelatin photography. Now that photography has been largely replaced by digital technology, this technique can truly be described as “endangered.”This exhibition presents approximately 60 silver gelatin prints spanning from the early days of Sugimoto’s career (the late 1970s) to the present.
10th Anniversary Exhibition: Hokusai and Hiroshige—Two Mount Fuji, Each with Their Own Vision
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sumida Hokusai Museum, this exhibition centers on series of Mount Fuji works created by Katsushika Hokusai and Utagawa Hiroshige, two masters who represent the “Meisho-e” (scenic views) genre of ukiyo-e. By carefully comparing their differences in expression and their mutual influence, the exhibition highlights their individual styles.In addition to displaying the complete set of Hokusai’s masterpiece “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” for the first time in about four years, the exhibition will also feature the complete “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” series by Hiroshige, as well as his “Thirty-Six Views of Fuji” series.
