Hakone Venetian Glass Museum to Host Exhibition: 'Cabinet of Curiosities in Venetian Glass: The Creation of the World'

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture) is pleased to announce the exhibition "Cabinet of Curiosities in Venetian Glass: The Creation of the World," opening on April 18, 2026.

■ Exhibition: Cabinet of Curiosities in Venetian Glass: The Creation of the World

In the late 15th century, Italian princes and aristocrats began creating "cabinets of curiosities" to house flora, fauna, minerals, and artifacts from outside Europe, acquired through Eastern trade via Venice. As these collections became fashionable across Europe, particularly in Germany, they became known as "cabinets of curiosities" (Wunderkammer) and served as the prototypes for modern museums. Stimulated by their intellectual curiosity regarding these unknown objects, Venetian glassmakers developed new techniques to imitate gemstones, minerals, and Chinese white porcelain. The resulting works, with their diverse colors and patterns, captivated Europe and cemented the fame of Venetian glass. This exhibition showcases the "Cabinet of Curiosities" that enthralled royalty, aristocrats, and intellectuals, brought to life through the techniques and craftsmanship born from the glassmakers' spirit of inquiry.

■ Concurrent Exhibition: Takashi Tsuboya Photography Exhibition

The tradition of collecting that began in Venice during the Renaissance evolved from the 16th to 17th centuries, shifting its focus from precious items to objects that further piqued curiosity. This included costumes from various countries, which influenced the masquerade attire of the Venetian Carnival. Even today, the Venice Carnival attracts tourists from around the world, recreating scenes reminiscent of the 18th century, a period of cultural peak. Photographer Takashi Tsuboya revives the Venice of the past through his photographic works. We invite you to experience the glamorous atmosphere of the Carnival—a spectacle that captivated the European upper class and influenced various arts including poetry, painting, and theater—through the lens of Takashi Tsuboya.

Exhibition Details

April 18, 2026 (Sat) – July 12, 2026 (Sun)

Open every day during the exhibition period (subject to temporary closure due to weather)

Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)
Admission: Adults ¥1,800 | University/High School Students ¥1,300 | Elementary/Junior High Students ¥600

About the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

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