<Milan Design Week 2026> we+ and Shimadzu Corporation Collaborate to Present the Installation 'In-Between Matter'

Design studio we+ collaborates with Shimadzu Corporation to present an installation titled "In-Between Matter" at "Cavallerizze" in the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, located in the 5VIE area of Milan. This exhibition will be held during "Milan Design Week 2026" from Monday, April 20 to Sunday, April 26, 2026. Following the "WONDER POWDER" research project announced with Shimadzu Corporation in 2024, this marks the second exhibition at Milan Design Week. In collaboration with Shimadzu Corporation, which has contributed to the development of science through diverse technologies since its founding in 1875, the exhibition focuses on "experiencing intuitively through the senses" rather than "explaining" science. It features artworks inspired by the analytical instruments developed by Shimadzu. Returning to the origin of the pure curiosity and emotional moments that lie behind the endeavor to unravel logic and data, and under the theme "In-Between Matter," the exhibition creates a space where visitors can experience the phenomena that emerge between substances. Starting from the previous exhibition "WONDER POWDER," which presented the fascination of science through the specific material and phenomena of powder, this exhibition expands its domain into more abstract scientific concepts such as "separation" and "boundaries." It embodies as artwork Shimadzu's dedication to visualization pursued through its analytical instruments. The process of "separation of substances," handled by analytical and measuring technologies cultivated in fields like pharmaceuticals, food, chemistry, semiconductors, transportation equipment, and the environment, is provided as an experience that goes back and forth between sensibility and logic through intuitively sensible devices. This creates moments where the way the world looks changes slightly, providing an opportunity to foster interest and aspiration in science. ## Exhibition Overview - Exhibition Name: In-Between Matter - Dates: Monday, April 20 - Sunday, April 26, 2026 - Opening Hours: 10:30 - 19:30 - Venue: Cavallerizze ("Cavallerizze" area of the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci) - Address: Via Olona, 4, 20123 Milano MAP - Organizer: Shimadzu Corporation - Research & Design: Hokuto Ando, Toshiya Hayashi, Yohei Aoki, Airi Sekiguchi / Ryo Takegawa, Hironobu Nakagawa, Natsuno Omori, Yuhei Kanamaru, Shunsuke Kosugi - Technical Design: Osamu Kusakabe - Engineering: Shunji Sato - Graphic Design: Tatsuro Shoji (STUDIO TATSURO SHOJI) - Photography: Masayuki Hayashi, Kenichi Murase - Video: Kenichi Murase - Coordination: Yukiko Kanamori, Hiroko Goda - Cooperation: Takeda Rika Kogyo Co., Ltd., Nagano Ceramics Co., Ltd., HAKUTEN - Website: https://www.shimadzu.co.jp/today/20260309-1.html ## Concept Science is the endeavor to classify the world through various methods and deepen our understanding of its origins. Shimadzu Corporation, with a history of over 150 years, has contributed to the development of science through diverse technologies. However, at the root of this lies pure curiosity that cannot be fully explained by logic alone, and a feeling that makes the heart leap. To feel excited about the questions that appear right in front of us. Such sensations have been the driving force behind the advancement of science and the resolution of social issues. This exhibition, themed "In-Between Matter"—which Shimadzu has attempted to visualize using analytical instruments—showcases an installation that stimulates sensibilities and intuitively conveys the appeal of science. Surrendering oneself among substances, lightly traversing the space between logic and sensibility. Touching the very beginning of the fascination of science, the way the world is perceived changes slightly. We hope this exhibition will serve as an entryway to such an experience. ## Profiles of Involved Parties ### we+ https://weplus.jp A contemporary design studio that gives form to new perspectives and values using methods grounded in research and experimentation. Established in 2013 by Toshiya Hayashi and Hokuto Ando. In modern society, where convenience and rationality are demanded, they explore the possibilities of alternative design that builds an intimate symbiotic relationship with nature and the social environment while cherishing diverse values that are often overlooked. Members with diverse backgrounds, such as designers, engineers, researchers, and writers, gather to present independent, research-initiated projects domestically and internationally. Utilizing the knowledge gained there, they engage in projects for various companies and organizations, including R&D, installations, branding, product development, spatial design, and art direction. They have received numerous awards, including FRAME Awards Designer of the Year 2024, Wallpaper* Design Awards, Dezeen Awards, and EDIDA. Their works are in the permanent collection of the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, among others. ### Shimadzu Corporation https://www.shimadzu.co.jp A precision equipment manufacturer headquartered in Kyoto, with a history of 151 years since its founding. Continuing its business activities under the corporate philosophy "Contributing to Society through Science and Technology" and the management principle "Realizing Our Wishes for the Well-being of both Mankind and the Earth," the company globally provides a variety of products, including analytical and measuring instruments, medical systems, industrial equipment, and aircraft equipment. These contribute to a wide range of fields such as healthcare, food, materials, environment, and energy. While advancing the science and technology that supports people's lives and creating the value needed in the next era, they pursue planetary health (the health of people and the earth). ### Shimadzu Design (Comprehensive Design Center) https://www.shimadzu.co.jp/research_and_development/design_strategy Shimadzu Design is a department that conducts a wide range of design activities, including product appearance, UI, communication, research, and evaluation for Shimadzu Corporation. Since establishing the Industrial Design Studio in the Central Research Department in 1958, they have been conducting design activities based on the belief in manufacturing inherited from the founder: "Even if it doesn't exist in the world yet, or even if it's just for one person, if it benefits people, we will try it." In this project, they utilize Shimadzu's analytical and measuring technologies, which have primarily been applied in the medical, life science, and environmental fields, as a stepping stone to elucidate phenomena considered beautiful. Through the creation of this installation, they are exploring new possibilities for analytical and measuring technologies.