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Ikebukuro Montparnasse Art Museum 20th Anniversary Celebration

On November 21, 2025, the Ikebukuro Montparnasse Art Museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony at the Symphony Space on the 5th floor of the Tokyo Arts Theater. This event, organized by the Ikebukuro Montparnasse Art Museum Executive Committee, brings together local government, academia, businesses, and galleries under the leadership of Toshifumi Kobayashi, Chairman of the Committee and Director of NPO Zephyr Ikebukuro Community Development.

The museum, known for its rich artistic history, recalls an era when young artists gathered, collaborated, and persevered together. This spirit will be at the heart of the upcoming ceremony and associated events, which will commence at noon and run until 1:45 PM.

The Celebration Agenda

The ceremony will highlight contributions from prominent organizations supporting the museum's mission over the past two decades, including Toshima Ward, Rikkyo University, Tobu Department Store, NPO Zephyr Ikebukuro Community Development, Ikebukuro West Exit Shopping Street Federation, Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, and the Tokyo Arts Theater (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Tokyo Metropolitan History and Culture Foundation).

Notable moments during the ceremony will include a special guest lecture by Yuji Kanemaru, a renowned artist and leader of the C-DEPOT artist group. Additionally, there will be presentations of thank-you certificates and remarks from representatives of the supporting organizations.

In tandem with the celebrations, students from Rikkyo University will exhibit feedback from their recent tour to the 'No Words Museum,' a memorial for fallen student painters, as part of a joint project with the Executive Committee. The entire event also aims to showcase records of past celebrations, allowing guests to appreciate the museum's rich history.

Upcoming Exhibitions

From November 21 to 30, various exhibitions will be held at the Tokyo Arts Theater:

1. ### Ikebukuro Art Gathering IAGAwards 2025 Exhibition
- Duration: November 21 (starting at 2:00 PM) - November 30
- Location: Tokyo Arts Theater, 5th Floor, Gallery 1 & 2
The IAGAwards exhibition features approximately 50 selected works from an impressive pool of around 400 applicants evaluated by a jury of active artists.

2. ### Art Exploration: 'Thief Nyampou - The Q-Bizm Labyrinth' by C-DEPOT
- Duration: November 21 - November 30
- Location: Tokyo Arts Theater, WACCA Ikebukuro
This innovative event combines art appreciation with an exploratory puzzle-solving experience, making it a fun adventure for participants. Guides will be provided at the venue.

3. ### Neighborhood Children & Artist Debut Exhibition
- 4th Artist Debut Exhibition: November 21 - 24
- 20th Neighborhood Children's Art Exhibition: November 26 - 30
- Location: Tokyo Arts Theater, B1F Atelier East
These exhibitions will display creations from young children and aspiring teenage artists, alongside fun workshops for kids.

As part of the lead-up to this grand celebration, detailed materials and further information regarding ongoing exhibitions and workshops are available on the museum's website and brochures.

This anniversary event is a perfect opportunity to experience the continuation of the artistic spirit that defined Ikebukuro Montparnasse, connecting the past to the future through the vibrant lens of local and emerging artists.

Don't miss this chance to engage with an art-rich community celebration packed with workshops and exhibitions that cater to all ages!