JAPAN’S EDO ERA BROUGHT TO LIFE

Hokusai & Ukiyo-e takes guests on a fascinating journey into the world of shoguns, samurai, and kabuki actors

The Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World exhibition authentically brings 17th-century Japan to life through meticulously crafted recreations, immersive experiences, hands-on activities and historical exhibits. Visitors will be transported to a time when the city of Edo (now Tokyo) flourished under shogunate rule as the cultural and economic heart of Japan. This was a period of embracing the arts, nature and leisurely pursuits. The treasures of the time and the spirit of creativity are brilliantly brought to life in this extraordinary cultural immersion.

The multi-faceted experience centers around the world-class presentation of a 70-piece collection making its U.S. debut, featured as Museum Galleries – Chiossone Collection in the exhibition. The collection features paintings and woodblock prints by the masters of ukiyo-e, including original works by Hokusai, Hiroshige and their contemporaries. Enhancing the museum exhibition, Hokusai & Ukiyo-e immerses guests in Japan’s iconic Shogun era through a variety of engaging, interactive exhibits. “Think of this exhibition as an immersive cultural dive into Japan’s captivating Shogun era, packed with everything from historic masterpieces and recreations of daily life to cherished traditions, natural beauty, and a few surprises along the way,” says Diana Martinez, Executive Director of the McAninch Arts Center. “From centuries-old legendary artworks to anime, digital art and kid’s activities, there’s something around each corner for visitors of all generations to explore, learn and enjoy.”

Those activities include an urban street walk-through experience with recreations of Hokusai’s home, a woodblock print shop, and a tea house storefront, a selfie photo station where visitors can snap photos with exquisitely dressed mannequins dressed in costumes on loan from Warner Brothers, a curated Japanese-style garden,

Edo EATS! concessions, and unique Hokusai-themed gifts and souvenirs.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our international partners to bring this important collection to the museum. Japanese ukiyo-e artists have had a profound influence on global visual culture, and although these works are centuries old, they continue to resonate powerfully with contemporary audiences.” says Justin Witte, Curator of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art.

The exhibition’s featured art collection, which is on loan from the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art in Genoa, Italy, includes paintings and woodblock prints by leading artists of ukiyo-e —a major artistic genre that flourished during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868).

The collection features Katsushika Hokusai’s iconic masterpiece, Under the Wave off Kanagawa, widely considered as one of the most recognizable images in the world, along with eight more of his original works.

There will also be works by Utagawa Hiroshige, particularly known for the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo series.

The MAC will host on-site lectures by authors and curators, film screenings, weekly Japanese calligraphy and woodblock print- making classes, and more. For many of these events, a Hokusai & Ukiyo-e exhibition ticket will grant free access.

In addition, celebrating the much-anticipated exhibition by hosting ancillary events including local gallery exhibitions, mural displays through the Waves of DuPage Public Art Project, restaurant offerings, classes related to Japanese cultural activities and more.

The Cleve Carney Museum of Art is located at 425 Fawell Boulevard in Glen Ellyn. ccma.org. More information about the Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World can be found at Hokusai2025.org.