An Adventure of Self-Discovery at the “Animal Exhibition” in Tachikawa
Written by ART Driven Tokyo
Photo by Nobutada Omote
“Animal Exhibition: WHO ARE WE? WHERE ARE WE GOING?” is now open at PLAY! MUSEUM in Tachikawa from April 16, 2025. This unique exhibition combines art and science, offering an imaginative and immersive experience through a special collaboration with the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo. Visitors can engage with everything from realistic animal specimens to fantastical art pieces—a sensory-filled journey.
Photo by Jun Yoshie /courtesy of Art Museum and Library, Ota
Photo by Tomomi Takano / courtesy of Kyoto Seika University Gallery Terra-S
Highlights
One of the highlights is a piece by Kohei Nawa, a contemporary artist who also participated in the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo. Other featured artists include Shunsuke Osone, known for his dry-lacquer sculptures; Mirocomachiko, recognized for her bold animal illustrations; and Tarō Yabe, a comedian and manga artist. The exhibition showcases expressive works that transcend genres.
The traveling exhibition “WHO ARE WE And What Can We Learn From Observation?” produced by the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, features 11 thematic displays of some of the world leading collections of animal specimens, each with a drawer that visitors can open to reveal specimen materials and hints for observation.
Also based on the concept of “WHO ARE WE And What Can We Learn From Observation?”, The venue is organized into exciting, sensory-themed zones like “Forest of Smiles,” “The Power of Tails,” and “Planet of Patterns,” designed to spark curiosity in both children and adults. The “Utopia” zone, where artworks with animal motifs are gathered, also features imaginary animals. You may be able to meet your own “animal”!
Through animals, the exhibition invites you to explore the profound questions: “Who are we?” and “Where are we going?”
Exhibition Overview
Title: Animal Exhibition: WHO ARE WE? WHERE ARE WE GOING?
Dates: April 16 (Wed) – July 6 (Sun), 2025
Closed: Open every day during the exhibition
Venue: PLAY! MUSEUM (Tachikawa, Tokyo)
Hours: 10:00–17:00 (until 18:00 on weekends and holidays; last entry 30 minutes before closing)
Admission: Adults: ¥1,800 University students: ¥1,200 High school students: ¥1,000
Elementary & junior high school students: ¥600 Tachikawa Resident Discount: Adults: ¥1,200 University students: ¥700 High school students: ¥600 Elementary & junior high school students: ¥400 Free for preschoolers All prices include tax
Address: 3-1 Midoricho, Tachikawa, Tokyo, GREEN SPRINGS Building W3, 2F
Phone: 042-518-9625
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