Louis Vuitton's "Visionary Journey" exhibition opens in Osaka, the site of the World Expo, revealing the creative journey

Event Date:2025.07.15-09.17
Jul 15, 2025
Louis Vuitton's immersive exhibition, "Visionary Journey," will run from July 15 to September 17, 2025, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. The exhibition, planned to commemorate the 2025 World Exposition in Japan (Osaka-Kansai Expo) and the Maison's 170th anniversary, offers a multifaceted, experiential introduction to Louis Vuitton's creative history and deep cultural ties with Japan. Curated by renowned fashion historian Florence Muller, the exhibition design is by OMA partner and architect Shohei Shigematsu. Comprised of 12 themes, the exhibition begins with a spectacular installation that makes full use of the atrium space, and unfolds as a magnificent journey unravelling the Maison's origins to its outlook for the future.

©LOUIS VUITTON

Lighting Trunks and Transforming Vessels—An Immersive Experience Beginning in the Atrium
The venue, the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, is a cultural facility that has been highly acclaimed in the field of modern and contemporary art since its opening in 2022. Its clean-cut black façade and open-air interior space combine the beauty and openness of contemporary architecture. The museum's atrium features eight gigantic trunk towers covered in washi paper. Glowing softly from within, they resemble modern-day lanterns, inviting visitors to the beginning of a story. Behind them lies a hemispherical installation composed of 138 trunks. Designed by Shohei Shigematsu, this transforming vessel-like structure serves as a gateway symbolizing Louis Vuitton's imagination and aesthetic beauty.


From the House's Origins, "Asnières," to a Dialogue with Japan
The exhibition journey begins in "Asnières." Revisiting the transformation of the House's birthplace from the perspective of the Vuitton family and its artisans, the space brings to life archival footage and sketches from the 19th century, as well as the atmosphere of the workshops at the time. The "Origins" section explores the origins of functional and elegant products, such as flat-lidded trunks and steamer bags, and offers a space to reconsider what "travel" means to Louis Vuitton. The "Adventure" section features masterpieces that embody the House's spirit of exploration, such as sturdy trunks and folding desks designed for explorers and pioneers. Finally, "Louis Vuitton and Japan" explores the House's dialogue with Japanese culture. In addition to tracing collaborations with artists such as Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Rei Kawakubo, and NIGO®, the unique exhibits blend uniquely Japanese aesthetics with a custom-made dressing table trunk created for Ichikawa Danjuro XIII's Hakuen. The spatial composition, which appears to float on tatami mats, and the lighting that mimics tatami mats are also impressive.

Origins / ©LOUIS VUITTON

Materials, Craftsmen, Innovation—Exploring the Maison's Manufacturing Philosophy
The "Materials" section explores the core of the Maison's craftsmanship by focusing on four basic materials: wood, metal, leather, and canvas. The exhibition explores how these materials have created durability and beauty through the use of bags, accessories, and more. Additionally, the "Monogram Canvas" exhibit marks the first public showing of the original sample, first created in Paris in 1897. A rotating platform displays a collection of Monogram products throughout the Maison's history, symbolically illustrating its evolution. The "Atelier" exhibit features two noteworthy trunks: the "Toolbox Trunk" by artist Sho Hirano and the "Courier Trunk" by VERDY. Videos and demonstrations by artisans highlight the meticulous craftsmanship and spirit of the pieces. From Couture to Collaboration—The Current State of Creativity. Furthermore, the "Atelier Lalex" space recreates Louis Vuitton's haute couture atelier on Place Vendôme. Looks worn by various celebrities, including the dress worn by actress Suzu Hirose at the Cannes Film Festival, are displayed alongside a triple-mirror display. The exhibition culminates with the "Collaboration" exhibit. Stephen Sprouse's graffiti, a bold collaboration with Supreme, and immersive works by Takashi Murakami and Yayoi Kusama are all displayed in four kaleidoscopic domes, expressing the dynamism of creativity that transcends borders and genres.

Collaborations / ©LOUIS VUITTON

Venue-exclusive items and books available
In addition to the limited edition booklet and notebook from the "Visionary Journey" exhibition, the gift shop adjacent to the exhibition will also be selling the book "Louis Vuitton and Japan: A Visionary Journey," co-published with Rizzoli, in advance. Additionally, on July 18th there will be a signing session for "Fashion Eye Osaka," a photo book by photographer Jean-Vincent Simonet, whose work is on display in the "Louis Vuitton and Japan" section.

The "Visionary Journey" exhibition is a crystallization of Louis Vuitton's aesthetic sense and innovation, as well as its cultural resonance with Japan. This experience, where past and future, travel and creativity, tradition and innovation intersect in Nakanoshima, Osaka, is sure to be a truly "visionary" experience.



Louis Vuitton "Visionary's Journey" Exhibition

Dates: Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Venue: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, 5th Floor Exhibition Room
          *Entry to the gift shop is only permitted during viewing of this exhibition.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 - 17:00 (last admission 16:30)
Friday, Saturday, and the day before a public holiday: extended hours 10:00 - 19:00 (last admission 18:30)
Closed: Mondays, Tuesday 22nd July
        *Open on Monday 21st July (public holiday), Monday 11th August (public holiday), and Monday 15th September (public holiday)
        *The museum may be closed temporarily due to disasters, etc. :
Organizer: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
Special cooperation: Louis Vuitton
Admission fee: 2,000 yen for adults, 1,500 yen for university and vocational school students, free for high school students and younger (advance registration required)
          *Prices include tax
        *This exhibition requires a designated date and time.
        *Persons with a disability certificate (including one caregiver) receive half the admission fee (proof required).
        *This exhibition requires the general admission fee for people aged 65 and over who reside in Osaka city.
Sales Location: Osaka Nakanoshima Museum of Art Ticket Site, Lawson Ticket
Inquiries: T 06 4301 7285 (Osaka City General Call Center)

>
>
About Louis Vuitton
Since its founding in 1854, Louis Vuitton has consistently offered unique designs that combine innovation and style, always with the highest quality. Today, through its travel luggage, bags, accessories, and other products, the brand faithfully carries on the "essence of travel" created by its founder, Louis Vuitton, a spirit that is creative, elegant, and practical. Boldness has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Respecting tradition, the brand has opened its doors to architects, artists, and designers throughout its history, pioneering fields such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches & fine jewelry, and fragrance. These carefully crafted products are a testament to Louis Vuitton's commitment to craftsmanship.


#LOUISVUITTON


Contact:
Louis Vuitton Client Services
0120-00-1854

編集部
  • Origins
  • Collaborations
Back to Top