Temporary Exhibitions
Journey to the World of Edward Gorey
《Jumblies》Ⓒ2022 THE Edward Gorey Charitable Trust
Edward Gorey(1925-2000) is a picture book author with a profound fan base worldwide, is known for his unique worldview and meticulous monochrome line drawings.
Recently, his works such as The Doubtful Guest and The Hapless Child have been introduced one after another in Japan. Apart from his primary books, where he worked on both the text and illustrations, Gorey also exhibited his diverse talents in illustrations, stage and costume design, and posters for theatre and ballet. This exhibition reconfigures about 250 works and documents around theme such as “Children” “Real and Imagined Creatures” and “Performing Arts” from past exhibitions held at the Gorey house, the final residence turned memorial museum. Hold in an old house on the East Coast peninsula in the past, the exhibition probably invites you to Gorey’s enigmatic world, characterized by his detached and cool perspective on life and death. Enjoy your visit as if traveling to this historic house.
This exhibition, which began last year at the Shoto Museum of Art in Shibuya, is now touring nationwide and will be held in the Kansai region for the first time. Additionally, our museum will host a related exhibit, "Edward Gorey and Japanese Culture: A 20th Century American Perspective."
Exhibition Period: September 14, 2024 (Saturday) - November 10, 2024 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except September 16, 23, October 14, and November 4), September 17, 24, and October 15
Admission Fee: Adults = 1,200 yen
College and High School Students = 1,000 yen
Junior High and Elementary School Students = 800 yen
*For further details, please contact the museum.
The Beauty of Yamato: Recent Acquisitions and Deposits
Nara Prefecture, once known as Yamato, has cultivated a unique culture woven from its rich history and abundant natural environment. During the ancient and medieval periods, when Nara served as the ancient capital and the center of shrines and temples, a culture deeply rooted in faith flourished. This has become a defining characteristic of Nara's art that continues to this day. In the Edo period, when temple towns and castle towns thrived, a variety of cultural activities emerged within the samurai society, and distinctive Yamato arts and crafts also developed. Furthermore, famous historical sites, which were popular destinations for common people's excursions, became favorite subjects for literati and artists.
As we entered the modern era, these traditions were preserved, while Western-style painting began to influence the region. The ancient capital of Nara became an inexhaustible source of inspiration for artists.
This exhibition traces the flow of Nara-related paintings from the medieval period to the present day. By revisiting the often overlooked history of Nara's painting, we hope to provide an overview of the charm and characteristics of Nara's art, while also shedding light on the lesser-known painters and artists. This exhibition aims to highlight the diverse aspects of Nara's artistic heritage. Additionally, in the adjacent exhibition, we will showcase newly acquired and deposited works, offering a glimpse into the world of beauty and craftsmanship that thrives in Yamato.
Exhibition Period: January 18, 2024 (Saturday) - March 9, 2025 (Sunday)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Mondays (except February 24, and March 3)
Admission Fee: Adults = 800 yen
College and High School Students = 600 yen
Junior High and Elementary School Students = 400 yen
*For further details, please contact the museum.