Exhibitions
Crafts Gallery for Kids & Adults What’s it made of? from the Museum Collection
Date
Location
Crafts Gallery, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
About
Have you ever looked at crafts with children? You might be concerned that appreciating crafts would be difficult for them. But when you look at the works together, children’s lively responses far surpass adult expectations. Their eyes gleam with excitement. They are full of questions. Their boundless curiosity fills the air with happiness, delighting the adults with them, too.
What excites children more than anything else is how things were made, and, specifically, “What’s it made of?”
The term “craft” is a general term that covers a huge range of works, a host of different types of crafts. What differentiates them is their materials. Yet one of the distinctive features of craft works is that it often isn’t easy to decide what they are made of. Clay, stone, plant matter, wood, insects—as children discover the original materials chosen to make each piece, their excitement grows and their questions multiply.
Crafts have developed in so many different directions because when we humans create forms, we make the way we want. Our desire to make them even better, even more beautiful is never ending. We examine materials and explore their potentials from many perspectives. The result, carefully refined through that exploratory process, is what makes these works so entrancing. That is what fascinates both those who see them and those who make them.
That approach to thinking about crafts makes us realize that the simple question, “What’s it made of?” is not only our best introduction to a work but also the source of the outpouring of excitement that we feel. Even adults, who may know a great deal about crafts, can put that aside and join our children in asking this simple, powerful question? “What’s it made of?” may be the key to unlocking the secrets of the wisdom and intense satisfaction to be found in the crafts.
Self-guiding leaflets
We have self-guiding leaflets for kids and adults. Please ask for them at the reception counter when you pay admission fee to the museum.
These leaflets provide museum visitors with basic information that helps them to understand objects exhibited at the show, such as artist profiles and technical words commonly used in Japanese craft works. You might find clues to answer the question “What’s it made of?” in them too.
For kids
A self guiding leaflet for kids comes with illustrated guide and colored pencils in a small bag. This kit helps kids to learn and view works in more engaging way. Please read an instruction that comes with the kit before starting a journey at Crafts gallery.
Events
Gallery Talk
- Date
-
August 21, 2016(Sun)
- Time
-
14:00~15:00
Free Program ( But Museum admission required. ) *Offered in Japanese only
Touch & Talk: Guided by Volunteer Staff Members
Looking at craft pieces, you may wonder what they are made of, or how they are made. You may also want to touch them. To meet such requests, Touch & Talk programs are given at the Crafts Gallery by volunteer docent. Since pieces and topics in focus vary each time offered, you can enjoy participation any number of times. We look forward to your joining us.
- Date
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Wednesdays and Saturdays during exhibition periods.
- Time
-
14:00~15:00
Free Program ( But Museum admission required. ) *Offered in Japanese only
●English guide is available upon request.
Hours & Admissions
- Location
-
Crafts Gallery
- Date
-
July 16, 2016 – September 8, 2016
- Time
-
10:00 – 17:00
※Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. - Closed
-
Closed on Mondays (except July 18, 2016), July 19, 2016
- Admission
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Day ticket (Group of 20 persons or more)
Adult ¥210(100)
Student(college/university) ¥70(40)*All prices include tax.
Free for high school students, under 18, seniors(65 and over), Campus Members, MOMAT passport holders.
Persons with disability and one person accompanying them are admitted free of charge. - Free Admission Days
-
August 7, September 4, 2016
- Organizer
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The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo