2026 Bologna International Children's Book Illustration Exhibition to be Held ~ Various Countries and Regions' Picture Book Illustrations Gather in Itabashi!

Overview

The Itabashi Art Museum will host an exhibition featuring selected works from the internationally renowned children's book competition, the 2026 Bologna International Children's Book Illustration Exhibition (Illustrators Exhibition) (*).

This exhibition will showcase a variety of works from around the world with diverse themes, expressions, and techniques. Additionally, as a special exhibition, we will introduce new picture books by Ukrainian Maria Haiduk (Maria Haiduk), who won the Bologna SM Publishing Award (*) at the young age of 19 in 2025. Furthermore, we will host numerous events related to picture books, including lectures, continuous courses, and workshops, allowing a wide range of people to engage with picture book culture.

Since 1981, when the Itabashi Art Museum hosted the Bologna International Children's Book Illustration Exhibition, the city has deepened its exchange with Bologna, Italy. In recent years, through various activities and initiatives involving picture books, Itabashi has promoted and developed the brand of 'Itabashi, the Town of Picture Books.' This year, from July 18th to August 16th, we will also hold for the first time the 'Itabashi Picture Book and Design Festival - A Summer Festival to Expand the Possibilities of Picture Books and Design,' an event that will make your heart flutter with the world of picture books and the charm of design.

*Note: The Bologna International Children's Book Illustration Exhibition (Illustrators Exhibition) is an exhibition held annually in Bologna, Italy, alongside the Bologna Children's Book Fair. It introduces selected works from an illustration competition for children's books. The exhibition allows visitors to observe trends and future directions in children's books and is known as a gateway for new illustrators. This year, marking its 60th anniversary, there were 4,158 entries from 94 countries and regions, with 75 entrants from 33 countries and regions, including 7 Japanese.

*Note: The Bologna SM Publishing Award is established by the Bologna Children's Book Fair and the SM Foundation of Spain to discover, encourage, and support new talent in the field of illustration. Each year, the award is given to entrants of the Bologna Exhibition who are 35 years old or younger. Winners are given the opportunity to publish a picture book with SM Publishing of Spain and receive a prize.

Date and Time

July 8th (Wednesday) to August 16th (Sunday), 2026, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)

*Closed: Mondays, July 21st (Tuesday)

*However, open on July 20th (Monday, holiday)

Venue

Itabashi Art Museum (5-34-27 Akatsuka, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo)

・14-minute walk from Toei Mita Line 'Nishi-Takashimadaira Station'

・24-minute walk from Tobu Tojo Line 'Shimo-Akatsuka Station' or Tokyo Metro 'Subway Akatsuka Station'

Admission Fee

General: 900 yen, University Students: 600 yen, High School Students and below: Free

*Discounts available for seniors 65+ and disabled (proof required)

Special Exhibitions, Lectures, and Workshops

● Special Exhibitions

We will introduce new picture books by Ukrainian Maria Haiduk (Maria Haiduk), who won the Bologna SM Publishing Award at the age of 19 in 2025, as well as original drawings of two Japanese picture books that won the Bologna Ragazzi Award (BRAW).

● Lectures

We will invite various people related to picture books and hold lectures and talk events.

● Workshops

We plan to hold workshops for illustrators taught by experts in the field of picture book creation, picture book creation courses for junior and senior high school students, and modeling workshops for children.

Bologna SM Publishing Award

Established by the Bologna Children's Book Fair and the SM Foundation of Spain to discover, encourage, and support new talent in the field of illustration. Each year, the award is given to entrants of the Bologna Exhibition who are 35 years old or younger. Winners are given the opportunity to publish a picture book with SM Publishing of Spain and receive a prize.

Bologna Ragazzi Award

A prestigious award for published picture books hosted by the Bologna Children's Book Fair. Judging is conducted by department, including fiction and non-fiction.