Special Exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books': July 14 (Tue) – September 27 (Sun) at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
Key facts
- Special Exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books': July 14 (Tue) – September 27 (Sun) at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
- Ashiya City Museum of Art and History will host the special exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books' from July 14 to September 27, 2026. The exhibition showcases Czech picture book culture through original artworks and production materials, accompanied by related events and merchandise sales, offering an international cultural experience for families and art enthusiasts.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 15, 2026
Direct answer
Ashiya City Museum of Art and History will host the special exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books' from July 14 to September 27, 2026. The exhibition showcases Czech picture book culture through original artworks and production materials, accompanied by related events and merchandise sales, offering an international cultural experience for families and art enthusiasts.
- Citation
- Special Exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books': July 14 (Tue) – September 27 (Sun) at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History (June 15, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 15, 2026
Ashiya City Museum of Art and History will host the special exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books' from July 14 to September 27, 2026. The exhibition showcases Czech picture book culture through original artworks and production materials, accompanied by related events and merchandise sales, offering an international cultural experience for families and art enthusiasts.
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- 📰 Published: June 15, 2026 at 21:00
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Exhibition Period: July 14 (Tue), 2026 – September 27 (Sun), 2026, 10:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (except when a national holiday, then closed the following weekday)
Note: Open on July 20 (Mon, Holiday) and September 21 (Mon, Holiday)
Closed on July 21 (Tue) and September 24 (Thu)
Admission: General 1,200 yen (960 yen for groups of 20+), University/High School 600 yen (480 yen for groups), Junior High and below free
※ Group rates apply for 20 or more visitors
※ Visitors aged 65+ and holders of disability certificates (physical, mental, or developmental) and their caregivers receive 50% off the regular admission fee
Venue: Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
Organizer: Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
Planning & Production: Ideff Inc.
Support: Embassy of the Czech Republic, Czech Centre Tokyo, National Czech Literature Institute, Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education, Hyogo Prefectural Foundation for Arts and Culture, Kobe Shimbun, NHK Kobe Broadcasting Station, Kiss FM KOBE
Cooperation: Daimaru Ashiya Store
【Exhibition Overview】
Czech picture books uniquely combine simplicity with sophisticated design. In the Czech Republic, many authors have created artistically rich picture books to preserve and pass on their native language and culture. Even today, captivating picture books continue to be published. This exhibition explores the history of Czech children's literature through rare picture books and introduces the latest creations by acclaimed Czech illustrators through original artworks, lithographs, sketches, and production materials.
This exhibition will be held exclusively at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History.
【Highlights】
1. The History of Czech Picture Books Through Picture Books
From early pioneers to contemporary artists gaining global recognition
The exhibition features rare picture books by foundational Czech authors such as the Čapek brothers and Josef Lada, reflecting the rich history of Czech children's literature. Alongside, it presents award-winning picture books from the 'Beautiful Book of the Czech Republic' competition in the children's category since 2000, highlighting the growing international appeal of modern Czech picture books.
2. 'How a Picture Book is Made' Through Original Artworks and Production Materials
Focusing on baobab, a leading Czech picture book publisher, the exhibition displays original illustrations, lithographs, sketches, and production documents. It delves into the creation process of contemporary Czech picture books, including 'Miko: The Complete Guide to the Mushroom World,' winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award. Works by Nanako Ishida, who publishes with Czech publishers from Prague, and Kotonoha Utsunomiya, a graduate of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, will be featured. Ikune Dekune will be introduced in a dedicated picture book corner.
3. The Expansion of Picture Books and Comics
As Josef Lada, known as the 'father of Czech picture books,' also created comics, picture books and comics have developed closely in the Czech Republic. After democratization, works influenced by French 'bande dessinée' began to be published. Recently, Japan-Czech collaborative comics have been created based on artists' experiences living in Japan. This exhibition introduces not only picture books but also the diverse range of contemporary Czech comics.
4. Diverse Related Events
A variety of related events will be held alongside the exhibition. Special programs such as lectures and workshops will allow deeper engagement with the charm of Czech picture books. Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic worlds of the works and discover new inspirations. We encourage all visitors to participate in these events.
During the exhibition period, collaborative programs with Nishinomiya Omotani Memorial Museum, as well as related events at Ashiya City Library and Daimaru Ashiya Store, are also planned. For detailed schedules and information, please check the official website.
5. Sale of Czech Picture Book-Related Goods
During the exhibition, the museum shop will sell picture books by exhibiting artists and award-winning titles from the 'Beautiful Book of the Czech Republic' competition. Additionally, postcards, clear files, masking tape featuring illustrations from the books, as well as products from Koh-i-Noor, a renowned Czech stationery brand, and other design goods will be available. Take home a special item to cherish the lasting impression of this exhibition.
【Featured Artists】
Fuldsch Valoušek, Michaela Kukovičová, Tereza Jičanová, Eva Volfová, Daniela Olejníková, Tereza Vostřadovská, Klára Zahrádková, Lucie Lučanská, David Doležal, Zuzana Blaňarová, Nanako Ishida, Kotonoha Utsunomiya
https://ashiya-museum.jp/
Additional promotional images available. Please contact for inquiries.
Closed: Mondays (except when a national holiday, then closed the following weekday)
Note: Open on July 20 (Mon, Holiday) and September 21 (Mon, Holiday)
Closed on July 21 (Tue) and September 24 (Thu)
Admission: General 1,200 yen (960 yen for groups of 20+), University/High School 600 yen (480 yen for groups), Junior High and below free
※ Group rates apply for 20 or more visitors
※ Visitors aged 65+ and holders of disability certificates (physical, mental, or developmental) and their caregivers receive 50% off the regular admission fee
Venue: Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
Organizer: Ashiya City Museum of Art and History
Planning & Production: Ideff Inc.
Support: Embassy of the Czech Republic, Czech Centre Tokyo, National Czech Literature Institute, Hyogo Prefecture, Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education, Hyogo Prefectural Foundation for Arts and Culture, Kobe Shimbun, NHK Kobe Broadcasting Station, Kiss FM KOBE
Cooperation: Daimaru Ashiya Store
【Exhibition Overview】
Czech picture books uniquely combine simplicity with sophisticated design. In the Czech Republic, many authors have created artistically rich picture books to preserve and pass on their native language and culture. Even today, captivating picture books continue to be published. This exhibition explores the history of Czech children's literature through rare picture books and introduces the latest creations by acclaimed Czech illustrators through original artworks, lithographs, sketches, and production materials.
This exhibition will be held exclusively at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History.
【Highlights】
1. The History of Czech Picture Books Through Picture Books
From early pioneers to contemporary artists gaining global recognition
The exhibition features rare picture books by foundational Czech authors such as the Čapek brothers and Josef Lada, reflecting the rich history of Czech children's literature. Alongside, it presents award-winning picture books from the 'Beautiful Book of the Czech Republic' competition in the children's category since 2000, highlighting the growing international appeal of modern Czech picture books.
2. 'How a Picture Book is Made' Through Original Artworks and Production Materials
Focusing on baobab, a leading Czech picture book publisher, the exhibition displays original illustrations, lithographs, sketches, and production documents. It delves into the creation process of contemporary Czech picture books, including 'Miko: The Complete Guide to the Mushroom World,' winner of the Bologna Ragazzi Award. Works by Nanako Ishida, who publishes with Czech publishers from Prague, and Kotonoha Utsunomiya, a graduate of the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague, will be featured. Ikune Dekune will be introduced in a dedicated picture book corner.
3. The Expansion of Picture Books and Comics
As Josef Lada, known as the 'father of Czech picture books,' also created comics, picture books and comics have developed closely in the Czech Republic. After democratization, works influenced by French 'bande dessinée' began to be published. Recently, Japan-Czech collaborative comics have been created based on artists' experiences living in Japan. This exhibition introduces not only picture books but also the diverse range of contemporary Czech comics.
4. Diverse Related Events
A variety of related events will be held alongside the exhibition. Special programs such as lectures and workshops will allow deeper engagement with the charm of Czech picture books. Visitors can immerse themselves in the artistic worlds of the works and discover new inspirations. We encourage all visitors to participate in these events.
During the exhibition period, collaborative programs with Nishinomiya Omotani Memorial Museum, as well as related events at Ashiya City Library and Daimaru Ashiya Store, are also planned. For detailed schedules and information, please check the official website.
5. Sale of Czech Picture Book-Related Goods
During the exhibition, the museum shop will sell picture books by exhibiting artists and award-winning titles from the 'Beautiful Book of the Czech Republic' competition. Additionally, postcards, clear files, masking tape featuring illustrations from the books, as well as products from Koh-i-Noor, a renowned Czech stationery brand, and other design goods will be available. Take home a special item to cherish the lasting impression of this exhibition.
【Featured Artists】
Fuldsch Valoušek, Michaela Kukovičová, Tereza Jičanová, Eva Volfová, Daniela Olejníková, Tereza Vostřadovská, Klára Zahrádková, Lucie Lučanská, David Doležal, Zuzana Blaňarová, Nanako Ishida, Kotonoha Utsunomiya
https://ashiya-museum.jp/
Additional promotional images available. Please contact for inquiries.
FAQ
When is the special exhibition 'The Making of Czech Picture Books' taking place?
It will be held from July 14 (Tue), 2026 to September 27 (Sun), 2026.
What is the admission fee?
General: 1,200 yen, University/High School: 600 yen, Junior High and below: free. Group discounts available for 20+ people.
Where is the exhibition venue?
The exhibition is held at Ashiya City Museum of Art and History, with no planned巡回.
Which artists' works will be featured?
Original artworks and lithographs by Michaela Kukovičová, Daniela Olejníková, and Nanako Ishida will be displayed.
Are there any related events?
Yes, including lectures, workshops, and collaborative programs with Omotani Memorial Museum in Nishinomiya.