Clematis no Oka in Nagaizumi, Shizuoka Prefecture, will be hosting two Dick Bruna exhibitions from April 20th to September 29th. The Bernard Buffet Museum will be hosting "Let's Go to the Museum! Learn How to Enjoy Modern Art with Dick Bruna," while the Vangi Sculpture Garden Museum will be hosting "Miffy's Joyful Flower Garden: The World of Flowers and Picture Books by Dick Bruna."


Miffy (the bunny), the protagonist of Dick Bruna's picture books, is beloved worldwide. The influence of modern art also played a role in the development of his unique style, characterized by well-thought-out simple lines and colors. The picture book "Little Bunny Goes to the Museum," published in 1997, depicts Miffy enjoying art on her first visit to a museum with her parents.

The exhibition "Let's Go to the Museum! Learning How to Enjoy Modern Art from Dick Bruna," held at the Bernard Buffet Museum, follows the contents of the picture book and explores Bernard Buffet's works with Miffy. It also introduces Bruna's creative methods and considers the forms of expression that Buffet and Bruna each pursued. In fact, Buffet and Bruna were born in 1928, just one year apart in age. You can enjoy the work of these two artists, who lived in the same era in France and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the Vangi Sculpture Garden Museum will be hosting the exhibition "Miffy's Joyful Flower Garden: The World of Flowers and Picture Books by Dick Bruna." This exhibition focuses on the flowers and plants depicted by Dick Bruna, showcasing works that feature them. The flowers and plants, depicted with simple lines and colors, stimulate the imagination of readers of picture books.

The museum's adjacent Clematis Garden also features a variety of flowers and plants that can be seen throughout the year. We recommend observing the flowers featured in picture books, lying down on the grass, and using all five senses to enjoy the garden. You'll enjoy making new discoveries as you move back and forth between Dick Bruna's artwork and the garden. In addition, video and photographic works by photographer Kawauchi Rinko will also be on display during the exhibition.

By viewing both the Bernard Buffet Museum and the Vangi Sculpture Garden Museum's special exhibitions together, you can gain a deeper understanding of Dick Bruna's work and enjoy his works and the nature around us from a new perspective. Enjoy Bruna's works and Clematis Hill with Miffy, beloved by everyone, from children to adults.