On July 4, 2026 (Sat), the exhibition "Gifu Museum of Contemporary Art Collection: Teacup Merry-Go-Round - 100 Years of Modern Design in European Ceramics" will open at the Bizen City Museum of Art (Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture) (Exhibition Period: July 4, 2026 (Sat) - September 27, 2026 (Sun)).

This exhibition, the first of its kind in Western Japan, focuses on approximately 100 masterpieces from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, showcasing the charm of modern design that flourished through the ages, as seen in exquisite teaware and decorative items.

During the exhibition period, special events will be held to enhance your enjoyment, including a limited-time menu served in Wedgwood cups and a gift of original coasters inspired by the cups and saucers featured in the exhibition.

Receive an Original Exhibition Coaster!

Original coasters featuring the designs of exhibited works will be presented to visitors who use the museum cafe.

Japanese Black Tea & Limited-Time Menu Enjoyed with Wedgwood "Wild Strawberry"

After the exhibition, you can enjoy the following menu at the museum cafe: ◎ Teatime enjoyed with Wedgwood "Wild Strawberry" cups ◎ Chilled "Semifreddo Crumble / Almond Yaokichi Shoten's Strawberry Syrup" (2 varieties) ◎ Koharuni Cafe x Bizen City Museum of Art "Original Pound Cake with Whipped Cream" ◎ Perfect for summer! Refreshing "Tea Soda"

Elegant European Goods for Sale

The museum shop will offer exhibition catalogs, as well as elegant European ceramic goods and stationery that allow you to enjoy the world of European ceramics at home.

Photo Spots to Commemorate Your Visit

Photo spots will be set up at various locations within the museum. Please enjoy taking commemorative photos of your exhibition visit.

Workshops & Events Perfect for Summer Vacation

To coincide with the exhibition, hands-on programs suitable for all ages, from children to adults, will be held.

Lecture: "Modern Design in Western Ceramics"

Lecturer: Mr. Akira Tachibana (Curator, Gifu Museum of Contemporary Art)

Date & Time: July 12, 2026 (Sun), 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Venue: 1st Floor Auditorium

Capacity: 60 people (first-come, first-served; advance application required)

Participation Fee: Free (same-day exhibition ticket required)

Application Period: Until July 11, 2026 (Sat)

Workshop: "Decorate Your Own Tile with Transfer Sheets"

Create original tiles by applying transfer sheets and firing them in a mini tunnel kiln.

Date & Time: August 1, 2026 (Sat), 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM (6 sessions total)

Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (30 minutes for work, 1 hour for firing)

Venue: 1st Floor Auditorium

Capacity: 10 people per session (*first-come, first-served; advance application required)

Participation Fee: 500 yen

Application Period: July 4, 2026 (Sat) - July 31, 2026 (Fri)

Seminar: "Enjoying Japanese Black Tea"

This tea seminar offers a tasting of Japanese black teas and sweets, along with basic knowledge about the history and manufacturing methods of tea.

Lecturer: Mr. Masanori Kobayashi (6th Generation Head, Kobayashi Yokouen)

Date & Time: September 12, 2026 (Sat), 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Venue: 3rd Floor Lounge

Capacity: 20 people (first-come, first-served; advance application required)

*Target audience: High school students and older

*Applications are limited to one per representative. Groups may consist of up to 4 people.

Participation Fee: 1,500 yen (same-day exhibition ticket required)

Application Period: July 4, 2026 (Sat) - August 11, 2026 (Tue)

Gallery Talk

Curators will provide explanations of the exhibits. (No reservation required)

Date & Time: July 25, 2026 (Sat), August 15, 2026 (Sat), August 30, 2026 (Sun), September 13, 2026 (Sun), September 21, 2026 (Mon, Holiday) - 1:30 PM each day

Venue: 2nd Floor Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, 3

Participation Fee: Free (same-day exhibition ticket required)

Concert: "European Ceramics and the Sound of Chanson ~Charleaux, For You~"

Performers: Kazuko Matsumoto (Vo.), Leon Yasui (Pf.), Koji Murao (Perc.)

Date & Time: September 5, 2026 (Sat) (1) 11:00 AM / (2) 2:00 PM

Venue: 1st Floor Entrance Hall

Participation Fee: Free (no application required)

For applications and the latest information, please check the official website.

Exhibition Overview

Gifu Museum of Contemporary Art Collection: Teacup Merry-Go-Round

100 Years of Modern Design in European Ceramics

Exhibition Period: July 4, 2026 (Sat) - September 27, 2026 (Sun)

Venue: Bizen City Museum of Art, 2nd Floor Exhibition Rooms 1, 2, 3

Organizers: Bizen City Museum of Art, Sanyo Shimbun

Cooperation: Gifu Museum of Contemporary Art

Support: Bizen City, Bizen City Board of Education, Asahi Shimbun Okayama General Bureau, Mainichi Shimbun Okayama Branch, Yomiuri Shimbun Okayama Branch, RSK Sanyo Broadcasting, OHK Okayama Broadcasting, TSC Television Setouchi, RNC Nishinippon Broadcasting, KSB Setouchi Broadcasting, FM Okayama

Admission Fees: General 1,000 yen, Students (University, Vocational School, High School) 800 yen, Junior High School students and younger free

65 years and older (residents of Bizen City, Ako City, Kamigori Town) 750 yen, 65 years and older (residents outside the above areas) 900 yen

*Other discounted rates are available. Please check the official website for details.

Facility Overview

Facility Name: Bizen City Museum of Art (Bizen City Museum of Art)

Address: 1659-6 Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, 705-0001

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)

Closed: Mondays (if a holiday, open and closed the following weekday), New Year holidays

*Temporary closures may occur due to exhibition changes, etc.

Access: 1-minute walk from Imbe Station on the JR Akō Line, 2-minute walk from the "Imbe Station" bus stop (Uno Bus)

Website: https://bizen-moa.jp/

Phone Number: 0869-64-1400 (Bizen City Museum of Art Main)

Bizen City Museum of Art (Secretariat of the Bizen City Cultural and Arts Promotion Foundation)

The Bizen City Museum of Art is a reborn facility, newly opened in July 2025, succeeding the long-loved Bizen City Pottery Museum. While inheriting the history and tradition of Bizen ware, it serves as a hub for disseminating contemporary ceramics and a wide range of artistic expressions.

[Contact for Media Inquiries]

Bizen City Cultural and Arts Promotion Foundation (Public Relations)

1659-6 Imbe, Bizen City, Okayama Prefecture, 705-0001

TEL: 0869-64-1400 / FAX: 0869-64-1401

E-mail: pr@bzcularts.com

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 展覧会