One work of art can be appreciated in a plethora of ways, especially when it’s seen in a completely different light — literally. Giving art aficionados the chance to see some of the most famous masterpieces from Japan’s greatest artists is Kyoto’s new Night Museum, open to the public for free until October 30th, 2016.

The Night Museum, held at Nishiki Market (aka Kyoto’s Kitchen), displays 50 works of art on store shutters. The star of this outdoor exhibition is Itō Jakuchū, one of Japan’s most notable artists from the mid-Edo Period, back when Japan was still closed off from the rest of the world. In celebration of the 300th anniversary of his birth, his hometown of Nishiki City is offering this unique entrance into his paintings.

Paintings include Jakuchū’s Rooster and Hen with Hydrangeas and Tiger, reproduced in all their glory on shutters. Artwork will be displayed down the length of the market, a distance of 390 meters. From 7-10PM, the street of the market will light up, and visitors will be able to enjoy many familiar works from a drastically different perspective.

It’s not every day you see prominent artwork of historical Japanese artists drawn on shutters, so make sure to visit this one-of-a-kind art exhibition if you’re in the area.


By - grape Japan editorial staff.