Bijutsu-kan (美術館, Japanese for “Art gallery”) is an exhibition gallery at Epcot's Japan Pavilion hosting long-term exhibits on Japanese art and culture. Its current presentation, "Kawaii Life", features a look at Japan's "Culture of Cute".
The gallery space is located in what would have been the waiting area for the unbuilt Epcot version of Meet the World.
Exhibit History[]
- Living Gifts of Japan (October 1, 1982-1984)
- Art of the Japanese Theater (1984-1985) - An exhibit focused around various forms of Japanese theater and puppetry.
- Feathers on the Wind (1985-1987) - An exhibit looking at the artistry of Japanese kites.
- Echoes Through Time (1988-90s) - An ongoing series of exhibits exploring different aspects of Japanese art
- Japanese Women and the Arts (1993)
- Netsuke: Story Carvings of Old Japan (1994) - An exhibit focused on netsuke, Japanese miniature carvings.
- Karakuri: Magical Toys of Japan (1999-2000)
- Diamond Warriors: Traditions and Japanese Baseball (2000-2003)
- Tin Toy Stories (2003-2010) - An exhibit exploring the history of Japanese tin toys through pieces from the collection of Teruhisa Kitahara. Tin toys were imported into Japan around the turn of the 20th century and quickly were adopted into the culture, eventually being exported back out to the world after World War II. Featured a video introduction by John Lasseter.
- Spirited Beasts from Ancient Stories to Anime Stars (2010-2015) - A look at mythological creatures in Japanese folklore and contemporary interpretations of them.
- Kawaii Life (2015-present) - Explores the history of Kawaii design and how it deeply affected the country's Shinto past. Guests also learn why the kawaii design become fundamental aspect of Japanese culture and became tools to express oneself at home, work, and play. From the clothing that they wear to food that they eat to house where they live, the element of cuteness affected everything.
Gallery[]