【Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum】Exhibition 'Marimekko: The Power of Patterns' Announcement

Exhibition Overview Marimekko, a representative design house from Finland, whose name means 'Mary's Dress.' Since its founding in 1951, Marimekko has created designs that brighten our lives with vibrant colors and bold patterns, ranging from fashion to interior design, tableware, and everyday items. Over 3,500 print designs have been released, widely supported across generations and borders. The foundation of Marimekko's creativity lies in the warmth of handcraft, the harmony of colors, and a free and positive spirit. At the company's print factory in Helsinki, designers, artists, and skilled craftsmen collaborate to pursue new design possibilities. This exhibition delves into the aesthetics of Marimekko and the background of its creation through valuable dresses and fabrics from various eras, as well as materials that convey the production process. Additionally, the core of the production process, the print factory, is introduced through a video installation by the art unit plaplax. Be sure to check out the exhibition by guest designer Akira Minagawa. The venue, the former Asakayama residence, features 1930s French Art Deco decorations as its base, with Japanese designs incorporated throughout the space. In this location where patterns breathe in the architectural details, we shine a light on the 'power of patterns' brought by color and shape. Please enjoy this exhibition, which unravels the techniques and aesthetics of Marimekko's printmaking. See details ■ Highlights of the Exhibition Timeless Charm of Dresses Marimekko's dresses, filled with bold prints, vibrant colors, and free energy. The founder, Armi Ratia, aimed for timeless dresses that would not be swayed by trends and would be loved across generations. This exhibition introduces over 60 dresses, from rare early pieces to modern collections. From each dress, where the print patterns stand out like paintings on canvas, we unravel the rich expressive power of color and shape. Creativity Born in Helsinki's Print Factory Helsinki's print factory is the heart of Marimekko and can be called 'the place where art is born.' In this exhibition, the art unit plaplax, which has reported from the site, expresses the process of print creation and the dynamism of color and shape through video works. Through a dream-like installation that is free and colorful, the energy of the print factory is conveyed. Patterns Resonate in the Former Asakayama Residence The venue, the former Asakayama residence, is a historic building based on 1930s French Art Deco decorations, with Japanese designs incorporated throughout. At the same time, it was also a residence where people once lived. With the addition of Marimekko's prints, full of vitality, to this exhibition space filled with patterns, the decorations of the dresses and the architecture resonate. Designs that meet for the first time, transcending time and borders, bring new colors to this cultural exhibition space. Design Connecting Japan and Marimekko Marimekko and Japan have built a deep and long relationship. In the 1960s, Japanese designers such as Katsujii Waki, and in the 1970s, Tsuji Fujio, were active, and in their gaze towards nature and simple sense of form, there is a commonality between Marimekko's design and Japanese sensibility. In this exhibition, a new installation by designer Akira Minagawa, who has engaged in dialogue with Marimekko, will make its appearance, reinterpreting its worldview. ■ Related Programs ◎ Lectures Philosophical Dialogue 'Thinking Together, Dialoguing - 'Patterns' Blooming in the Asakayama Residence' After viewing the exhibition, we will deepen our own thoughts through slow dialogue about the themes and works. Planning | Takako Inojiri (NPO Corporation Kodomo Philosophy / Otona Philosophy Aadacoda) Facilitator | Takako Inojiri, Aiko Ozaki (NPO Corporation Kodomo Philosophy / Otona Philosophy Aadacoda) Date | Saturday, November 14, 2026, 13:30-16:00 Venue | Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Main Building / New Wing Gallery 2 Admission | Free (valid exhibition ticket required on the day) Target / Capacity | Junior high school students and above / 20 people (advance registration required, lottery if there are many applicants) 'Mini Talk by the Curator in Charge' The curator in charge of this exhibition will introduce the highlights of the exhibition. Date | Thursday, October 22, 2026, and Thursday, December 3, 2026, 14:30-15:00 Venue | Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum New Wing Gallery 2 Admission | Free (valid exhibition ticket required on the day) Capacity | 50 people (advance registration required, lottery if there are many applicants) ◎ Flat Days The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is working to create an environment where everyone can enjoy the museum comfortably and with peace of mind. Flat Days limit the number of visitors to provide a relaxed environment for enjoying the exhibition. ① Relaxed Viewing Day Wouldn't you like to enjoy the museum slowly, whether you have a disability or not? For those who feel anxious about the crowded museum, this is a day when you can view the exhibition in a more relaxed environment than usual. Those who use wheelchairs or require assistance can also enjoy the museum with peace of mind. *Note: Strollers cannot be used in the main building on Relaxed Viewing Days. Date | Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 10:00-18:00 (last entry at 17:30) ② Baby Hour A time for families with babies to enjoy the exhibition without worry. Even the main building, where strollers are usually not allowed, can be entered with a stroller. Date | Wednesday, November 11, 2026, 10:00-15:00 (time when strollers can be used in the main building) ■ Basic Information Exhibition Name Marimekko: The Power of Patterns English Title Marimekko: Art of Printmaking - Beauty, Dream, Love Period October 3, 2026 (Sat) - December 20, 2026 (Sun) Opening Hours 10:00-18:00 (admission until 30 minutes before closing) *Note: On November 6 (Fri), 13 (Fri), 20 (Fri), 21 (Sat), 27 (Fri), 28 (Sat), December 4 (Fri), and 5 (Sat), the museum will be open until 20:00 for special evening hours. Closed Days Every Monday *Note: Open on October 12 (Mon) and November 23 (Mon), closed on October 13 (Tue) and November 24 (Tue) Venue Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Main Building + New Wing) Admission Fees General: 1,400 yen (1,120 yen) / University students (including vocational and various specialized schools): 1,120 yen (890 yen) / High school students, 65 and over: 700 yen (560 yen) *Note: This exhibition is reservation-based with specified dates and times. *Note: Free for junior high school students and below *Note: Free for holders of a Physical Disability Certificate, Love Hand Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Disability Welfare Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Health Certificate, and two caregivers (no reservation required, including Mirairo ID) *Note: Free for elementary, junior high, and high school students in Tokyo and their teachers when accompanied by a teacher for educational activities (advance application required) *Note: Free for those 65 and over on the third Wednesday of the month (Silver Day) (no reservation required) *Note: On Wednesday, October 28, and Wednesday, November 11, the number of visitors will be limited due to the Flat Day event. Organizer Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (Tokyo Metropolitan History and Culture Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation) Special Cooperation Marimekko Cooperation Helsinki