The Museum of Kyoto

One of the world’s most renowned design houses, Marimekko is beloved for its iconic style combining joyous prints with vibrant colours. Since its inception in 1951, the Finnish brand has produced more than 3,500 original prints, and its signature cheery designs can be found across all aspects of modern lifestyle from fashion to homeware. This two-year touring exhibition takes a deep dive into the brand’s heritage, aesthetics and creative vision. It opens in Kyoto before travelling to other cities in Japan, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in October. Through a diverse collection of artworks, textiles and dresses across the decades, the exhibition sheds light on Marimekko’s design approach as well as its printmaking techniques.  Highlights include a video installation by multidisciplinary art and design collective plaplax, which uses digital projection to showcase Marimekko's Print Factory in Helsinki. Separately, another installation documents an exchange between Japanese textile artist Akira Minagawa and Marimekko, and its culmination in a new print designed by the artist and produced by the brand in Helsinki. This exhibition is closed on Mondays (except July 20) and on July 21