110th Anniversary of Birth and 40th Anniversary of Death: First Japanese Retrospective 'Tapio Wirkkala - The Ends of the Earth' at Shimane Art Museum

Shimane Art Museum is pleased to announce the special exhibition 'Tapio Wirkkala - The Ends of the Earth' to be held as follows.

Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985) possessed an overwhelming presence in the Finnish modern design world.

This is the first retrospective in Japan planned to commemorate the 110th anniversary of his birth and the 40th anniversary of his passing. Featuring approximately 300 carefully selected products and objects from the EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art, the Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation, and Collection Kakkonen, along with drawings (copies) and photographs revealing the production processes and backgrounds, it explores the charm of the Nordic modern design master Tapio Wirkkala.

1. Event Overview

Exhibition Name / Tapio Wirkkala - The Ends of the Earth

Dates / Friday, June 26, 2026 - Monday, August 31, 2026

Closed / Tuesdays (Open on August 11)

Venue / Shimane Art Museum, Special Exhibition Room

Hours / 10:00 - 30 minutes after sunset (Admission to the exhibition room is until sunset)

Organizers / Shimane Art Museum, TSK San-in Chuo Television Broadcasting, San-in Chuo Shimpo, SPS Shimane Group

Planning Cooperation / EMMA - Espoo Museum of Modern Art, Tapio Wirkkala Rut Bryk Foundation, Blue Sheep

Special Cooperation / Iittala

Support / Embassy of Finland, The Finnish Institute in Japan, Asahi Shimbun Matsue General Bureau, Mainichi Shimbun Matsue Bureau, Yomiuri Shimbun Matsue Bureau, Sankei Shimbun, Chugoku Shimbun, Shin Nihonkai Shimbun, Shimane Nichinichi Shimbun, NHK Matsue Broadcasting Station, BSS San-in Broadcasting, Nihonkai Telecasting, FM San-in, San-in Cable Vision

Admission Fee / On sale from Monday, May 25, 2026

◎ Online / Lawson Ticket [Special Exhibition + Collection Exhibition Set Ticket] Adults: 1,400 yen, University students: 830 yen, Elementary/Junior High/High School students: 300 yen * Online tickets can be purchased from the museum website. * Lawson Tickets (L Code: 63405) are available at Lawson stores.

◎ Same-day Tickets [Special Exhibition Only] Adults: 1,300 yen (1,040 yen), University students: 800 yen (640 yen), Elementary/Junior High/High School students: 400 yen (320 yen) [Special Exhibition + Collection Exhibition Set Ticket] Adults: 1,500 yen (1,200 yen), University students: 930 yen (740 yen), Elementary/Junior High/High School students: 400 yen (320 yen) * Free for preschoolers * Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more * Free for holders of Physical Disability Certificate (Disability Certificate App: Mirairo ID), Rehabilitation Certificate, Mental Health and Welfare Certificate, or Atomic Bomb Survivor's Certificate, and up to one accompanying person.

2. Highlights of this Exhibition - The first large-scale retrospective in Japan of Tapio Wirkkala, who was active at the forefront as a designer for the glass manufacturing company Iittala. - An exhibition structure that explores his charm through an overwhelming number of works totaling approximately 300 items and related materials such as production processes. - Focus on formative expressions inspired by the mysteries of life and great nature. - Introducing his multi-faceted active role across various genres as a designer, sculptor, and plastic artist.