Celebrating 20 Years of Suntory Museum: Exhibition Schedule for 2027 Confirmed

Suntory Museum's 20th Anniversary Exhibition Schedule for 2027

The Suntory Museum of Art, located in Roppongi, Tokyo, will celebrate its 20th anniversary since relocating to the area on March 30, 2027. To mark this special milestone, the museum has planned an exciting series of four exhibitions showcasing the beauty of Japanese art.

Established in 1961 in Marunouchi, the museum has operated under the guiding principle of "Beauty in Life." Following its move to Roppongi in 2007, it adopted the museum message "Connecting Beauty, Opening Beauty," and has dedicated itself to activities that contribute to the development and dissemination of Japanese art.

The anniversary exhibitions will include a special focus on glass art, with a unique Kiriko exhibition, as well as a deep dive into the works of the Western-style painter Shiba Kōkan. Visitors can also expect a rare display of the National Treasure, "Bird and Animal Caricatures," for the first time in 20 years, alongside a showcase of the museum's architectural design by Kengo Kuma, who envisioned the space as a "living room of the city."

Exhibition 1: Kiriko

Dates: March 10 (Wed) - May 16 (Sun), 2027
This exhibition will begin with Kiriko, Japan's distinctive hand-cut glass, which originated in the late Edo period driven by admiration for European cut glass. The exhibition will explore the technical brilliance of Kiriko from the late Edo period to the early Meiji era and examine how this innovative form of art was realized by artisans in Kyoto, Osaka, Edo, Satsuma, Choshu, and Saga, all while incorporating the latest research findings.

Exhibition 2: The World of Shiba Kōkan (Tentative Title)

Dates: June 23 (Wed) - August 15 (Sun), 2027
Shiba Kōkan (1747/48 - 1818) was the first Japanese artist to achieve success with corrosive copperplate prints during the Edo period. Originally engaged in ukiyo-e and southern-style flower and bird paintings, Kōkan later learned Western painting techniques through encounters with brilliant figures such as Hiraga Gennai. His works, including oil paintings, copperplate engravings, and ink wash, drew from themes of Western customs and Japanese landscapes. This exhibition intends to delve into Kōkan's captivating journey of exploration and his remarkable works.

Exhibition 3: Bird and Animal Caricatures (Tentative Title)

Dates: September 15 (Wed) - October 24 (Sun), 2027
The museum will present the National Treasure "Bird and Animal Caricatures" for the first time in 20 years since its previous exhibition at the Roppongi opening in 2007. Known for its contemporary recognition and popularity, this illustrated handscroll was not initially revered as Japan's foremost artwork. Its journey from its creation to its preservation amidst fires and conflicts at Takao-ji Temple in Kyoto will be explored, alongside another National Treasure, "The Illustrated Biography of the Founder of the Kegon Sect."

Exhibition 4: The Living Room of the City - Relaxing with National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties (Tentative Title)

Dates: November 27 (Sat) - January 10 (Mon, Public Holiday), 2028
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the museum's relocation, it proudly holds 20 significant pieces comprising one National Treasure and 19 Important Cultural Properties. This exhibition will retrospectively showcase all 20 pieces in diverse forms. Focusing on the museum's architectural concept of a "living room in the city," the display will feature both cultural artifacts and aesthetic elements of music and landscape beauty, providing a unique experience for visitors during the year-end and New Year holidays.

We invite everyone to celebrate this momentous occasion and look forward to experiencing the beauty of Japanese art at the Suntory Museum in 2027!