The exhibition "Leo Lionni's Picture Book Making Exhibition," introducing the creative world of Leo Lionni, known for the picture book "Swimmy," will be held at the Hikarie Hall on the 9th floor of Shibuya Hikarie from July 5 to August 27, 2025. The exhibition is organized by Bunkamura and The Asahi Shimbun Company.

A large photo of Leo Lionni is displayed at the entrance to the venue.

The exhibition will focus on the picture book creation of Leo Lionni (1910-1999), a master of picture books, and will introduce his creative world through a variety of techniques including collage and his unique methods of expression.

Leoni, who worked as a graphic designer and art director, became a picture book author at the age of 49. He has created timeless masterpieces such as "Swimmy," "Blue and Yellow," "Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse," and "Frederick," and is loved by a wide range of generations around the world. In Japan, he has many fans through elementary school textbooks and translations by poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.

This exhibition is based on the picture book section of the "Leo Lionni and Friends" exhibition, which started at the Itabashi Art Museum and is currently touring the country, and Bunkamura The Museum has added new content to it. In addition to the display of many original picture book illustrations, experiential content using video will also be available exclusively at the venue.

The exhibition is divided into three parts. The first part is titled "Leoni's Techniques" and introduces the use of various art materials such as watercolors, oil paints, crayons, pencils, and colored pencils, as well as variations in expression, including collages made by cutting and tearing various pieces of paper. It explores the thoughts that Leoni puts into his handiwork.

Exhibition view of Chapter 2

In the second chapter, "Reading the picture book '6-Wan no Karasu' with original illustrations," we focus on the "story" and "message" that are essential to a picture book through the original illustrations of the picture book of the same name. The book is structured to allow readers to deeply appreciate the charm of picture books in which the story and visuals are united and completed.

Exhibition view of Chapter 3

Chapter 3, "LeoLeorium! Welcome to Leoni's Picture Book World," is a collaboration between Bunkamura The Museum and plaplax, an art unit that creates video installations. The experiential space is based on the motif of the terrariums that Leoni has loved making since he was a boy, and it makes visitors feel as if they have stepped into a picture book. Terrariums, in which plants and animals are grown in glass containers, are an important source of imagery in Leoni's world of work, and visitors can experience that world with all five senses.

The "Fantasy Garden" is surrounded by a 360° circular screen and features many of Leoni's characters.

There will also be a workshop where you can experience Leoni's picture book making techniques.

In addition to the exhibition, there will also be a workshop where you can experience the production methods used in Leoni's works. Various techniques are used to create Leoni's picture books, such as mixing, pressing, rubbing, tearing, cutting, pasting, etc. The workshop will be taught by designer, illustrator, and silkscreen artist Yamasaki Kaoru, and participants will layer colors using tools and their hands to create colored paper, which they will then cut out and collage to create their own works. In addition, participants will be able to create their own collection of techniques by collecting the parts of the colored paper they have made, allowing them to experience the charm of Leoni's works while thinking about them. Those who wish to participate can do so by viewing a summary in advance on the special website (participation fee: 2,200 yen).

Additionally, a variety of original goods featuring Leoni's characters will be on sale at the venue, including mini canvases, acrylic magnets, eco bags, and T-shirts. All items are in limited quantities, making this a must-see lineup for fans.

Left: Tote bags (3 types) 1,980 yen each Right: Acrylic magnets (blind packaging) (11 types) 605 yen each

Left: Masking roll stickers (2 types) 1,100 yen each Right: T-shirts (4,730 yen for kids, 4,950 yen for adults)

Of note is the limited-edition "Early Bird Goods Set Ticket." "Ticket A" (3,200 yen) comes with a mini tote bag with an illustration from "Matthew's Dream," and "Ticket B" (3,800 yen) comes with a stuffed toy character from "Theodore and the Talking Mushroom." Both are available for a limited time only and will end when sold out.

In addition, there are also tickets available for adults and children (junior high school and elementary school students), such as the "Early Bird Children's Ticket" (2,200 yen), and the "Early Bird Pair Ticket" (3,000 yen) for two adults. These unique tickets can be enjoyed by families and friends, making this an exhibition that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

The world of picture books is filled with colorful pictures and stories. This exhibition, where you can learn about the secrets of Leo Lionni's creations and experience his charm with all five senses, is sure to be a valuable opportunity to cultivate your sensibilities in Shibuya this summer.

Venue