Iwami Art Museum Shimane Presents: 'Kaj Franck Exhibition – Timeless Finnish Design'

The Iwami Art Museum in Shimane Prefecture will host the special exhibition 'Kaj Franck Exhibition – Timeless Finnish Design' as detailed below.

Kaj Franck (1911–1989) is one of Finland’s most celebrated designers. Known as the 'conscience of Finnish design,' Franck dedicated his career to creating designs that support everyday life and address social challenges. He revolutionized design with his pursuit of ultimate functionality and simple elegance, creating iconic pieces such as the 'Cartio' glassware, 'Kilta' ceramics, and its successor 'Teema.' His design philosophy continues to influence the world today.

Centered on the collection of the Museum of Finnish Architecture & Design in Helsinki, this exhibition presents over 250 items, including representative glassware and ceramics, textiles, sketches, photographs, and videos, offering a comprehensive view of Franck’s work from his early years to his later life. It also traces Franck’s deep connection with Japanese culture through his three visits to Japan, and features works by designers influenced by him. This major retrospective delves into the enduring appeal of Kaj Franck’s creations and the philosophy behind his design.

Special website:

https://www.grandtoit.jp/museum/exhibition/kaj-franck-retrospective-timeless-finland-design/

1. Exhibition Overview

Exhibition Title: Kaj Franck Exhibition – Timeless Finnish Design

Dates: Saturday, June 27, Reiwa 8 – Sunday, September 6, Reiwa 8

Closed: Every Tuesday (except August 11, which is open)

Venue: Gallery D, Iwami Art Museum (inside Grandtoit)

Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:30 PM)

Admission Fees

Day Pass
(Combined Exhibition & Collection)

Day Pass
(Special Exhibition Only)

Advance Ticket

General

1,500 (1,200)

1,300 (1,040)

1,200

University Students

930 (740)

800 (640)

700

Elementary, Junior & Senior High School Students

400 (320)

400 (320)

300

Currency: JPY

Note: Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more.

Note: Children, students, and chaperones visiting as part of school educational activities are admitted free of charge. Application required.

Note: Admission is free for holders of disability certificates or atomic bomb survivor health certificates, and one accompanying caregiver.

2. Exhibition Structure

Chapter 1: Childhood and Family Background

Born in 1911 in Viipuri, Grand Duchy of Finland (now Russia), this section explores the background that led Kaj Franck to become a designer.

Chapter 2: Early Works

Introduces lesser-known early works, including textiles and wooden doll kits.

Chapter 3: Iittala Glassworks, 1946–1948

Presents the few years of work Franck undertook at Iittala, beginning with a design competition held in 1946.

Chapter 4: Arabia Ceramic Factory, 1945–1973

Examines Franck’s work at Arabia, where he pursued geometrically shaped products. He established a collaborative system with artisans and advocated for anonymous design, believing products should not be known by the designer’s name.

Chapter 5: 'Kilta' and 'Teema'

Features the iconic tableware series 'Kilta' and its successor 'Teema,' created during his time at Arabia. Designed for postwar Finland’s small apartments, these series enabled beautiful, waste-free living and remain popular today.

Chapter 6: Kaj Franck’s View of Japan

Introduces places and artists Franck visited during his three trips to Japan. The exhibition also reveals newly discovered information.

Chapter 7: Nuutajärvi Glassworks, 1950–1959

Chapter 8: Nuutajärvi Glassworks, 1960–1976 – Art Glass and Technical Development

Explores the development of practical glass products and Franck’s experimental art glass using various techniques.

Chapter 9: Practical and Mass-Produced Goods, Geometric Forms

Focuses on Franck’s work with materials such as plastic and enamel.

3. Related Programs

■ Lecture: 'Finnish Lifestyle and the Work of Kaj Franck'

A lecture exploring how Kaj Franck sought to support postwar Finnish life through design. The speaker will discuss how his products are used in daily life and the enduring appeal of his work.

[Speaker] Yui Motohashi (Associate Professor, Kyoto Institute of Technology)

[Date & Time] July 12 (Sun), 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM

[Venue] Multipurpose Gallery

Free admission / Registration required / First-come, first-served (70 participants)

Note: Admission to the special exhibition or a museum passport is required for participation.

■ Grandtoit Tea Garden: 'Cone (Cartio) Cha'

Enjoy popular Finnish flavored tea served in Kaj Franck’s iconic 'Cartio' cup design.

[Date & Time] July 25 (Sat), 10:30 AM onwards

[Venue] Museum Lobby

Free / First-come, first-served (100 participants)

Note: Admission to the special exhibition or a museum passport is required for participation.

■ Grandtoit Marché: Enjoying Finland at Grandtoit

An event to experience Finnish culture through activities such as trying the Finnish sport 'Mölkky,' creating traditional 'Himmeli' ornaments, and enjoying Finnish snacks and food.

[Date & Time] August 23 (Sun), 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

[Venue] Main Hall Foyer and other areas

Partially paid / Rain or shine

■ Gallery Talk (Curator-led Exhibition Tour)

[Date & Time] June 27 (Sat), August 8 (Sat), September 6 (Sun), 2:30 PM each day

[Venue] Gallery D

Free admission / No registration required

Note: Admission to the special exhibition or a museum passport is required for participation.

■ Visit Two, Get a Gift

Visitors who attend both this exhibition and the 'Tapio Wirkkala – The Edge of the World' exhibition at the Shimane Art Museum (Matsue City) will receive a special gift.

Special Exhibition: 'Tapio Wirkkala – The Edge of the World'

A major retrospective on Tapio Wirkkala, another leading Finnish designer like Kaj Franck.

[Venue] Shimane Art Museum (Matsue City)

[Dates] June 26 (Fri) – August 31 (Mon)