Nagamori Collection Gallery Summer Special Exhibition: 'Animals with Ingenious Mechanisms'

【Featured Exhibition Pieces】

Dog in a Hat (c.1890 / France)

First Public Display

Rabbit in a Cabbage (c.1890 / France)

First Public Display

Kitten in a Milk Can (c.1920 / France)

First Public Display

Drinking Bear (c.1890 / France)

The Nagamori Collection Gallery will host the special exhibition 'Animals with Ingenious Mechanisms' from Friday, July 17, 2026, to Tuesday, September 29, 2026, as detailed below.

This summer holiday exhibition focuses on exquisitely crafted automata (mechanical dolls) that appear to come to life through intricate mechanisms. To commemorate the 160th anniversary of the founding of the renowned French automata workshop 'Lérida et Ducamp,' the exhibition will showcase and demonstrate animal-themed automata primarily from the workshop's collection. Throughout the exhibition period, various events will be held, including workshops on creating mechanical music boxes and paper automata, enjoyable for both adults and children.

※ Event reservations will open on Wednesday, July 8, at 13:00.

【Exhibition Overview】

Period: Friday, July 17, 2026 – Tuesday, September 29, 2026

※ Open every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday

※ Closed on Monday, July 20; Saturday, August 8 – Sunday, August 16; and Saturday, September 19 – Wednesday, September 23

※ Special opening on Saturday, September 26

Venue: Nagamori Collection Gallery

(33 Nidek Park, C Building, Muko City, Kyoto Prefecture 617-0007)

The Nagamori Collection Gallery opened on March 7, 2023, to introduce the culture and related technologies of music boxes. It is an immersive gallery housing a world-class collection of antique music boxes and automata (mechanical dolls).

Opening Hours: 10:00–16:00 (Reservation-only)

Gallery Guided Tours (60 minutes per session) – Not available during event days.

▪ 10:30 (10:30–11:30) ▪ 13:00 (13:00–14:00) ▪ 15:00 (15:00–16:00)

Admission: Free

Reservation Method: The gallery operates on a full reservation basis. Please make reservations via the dedicated form on the official website.

Official Website: https://nagamori-gallery.org/

【Related Events】

《Workshop》 Create a Mechanical Music Box 'Melody Animal'!

A workshop where participants create an animal-themed mechanical music box. The special music box plays melodies when moved forward or backward. Use wooden parts and felt to design your favorite animals such as dinosaurs or giraffes. Suitable for children and adults alike.

※ Event registration opens on Wednesday, July 8, at 13:00.

Date: Wednesday, July 29; Monday, August 3 – Session ① 10:30–; Session ② 14:00–

Venue: Multipurpose Room within the gallery

Capacity: 15 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Fee: 2,500 JPY (tax included)

《Workshop》 Create a Paper Automaton 'Penguin Bomb'!

A popular workshop for children where participants create the famous 'Penguin Bomb.' When the flat paper is dropped from above, a penguin pops out upon landing. Experience the fun of folding, assembling, and spring mechanisms. A hands-on session packed with the joy of making things.

※ Event registration opens on Wednesday, July 8, at 13:00.

Date: Thursday, July 30; Tuesday, August 4 – Session ① 10:30–; Session ② 14:00–

Venue: Multipurpose Room within the gallery

Capacity: 15 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Fee: 1,200 JPY (tax included)

《Special Program》 Minomushi Puppet Troupe's 'Fun Theater: Little Red Riding Hood'

Mr. Koichi Iimuro, representative of Minomushi, is a leading Japanese puppet theater artist who studied under the Takeda Puppet Theater and has been active for over half a century. His performances combine traditional craftsmanship with witty direction, offering entertainment for all ages.

※ Event registration opens on Wednesday, July 8, at 13:00.

Date: Thursday, August 6 – Session ① 10:30–; Session ② 14:00–

Venue: Viewing Lounge within the gallery

Capacity: 50 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Fee: Free

《Special Program》 The Director's Mechanical Toy Show

The gallery director presents his cherished collection of mechanical toys through live demonstrations. These intricate and expressive toys spark curiosity. Both children and adults can rediscover their inner child and enjoy the fascinating world of automata.

Date: Friday, July 31; Friday, August 7 – 10:30–

Venue: Inside the gallery

Capacity: 30 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Fee: Free

《Special Opening》 Everyone's Music Box Concert

Responding to popular demand, the gallery will open on a Saturday.

Enjoy music boxes together, from young children to adults.

Date: Saturday, September 26 – Session ① 10:30–; Session ② 14:00–

Venue: Viewing Lounge within the gallery

Capacity: 40 participants per session (first-come, first-served)

Fee: Free

A quiz rally titled 'Become a Music Box Expert!' will be held throughout the exhibition period.

Participants who answer all questions correctly will receive a special gift. (Free to participate)