A tribute to 170 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and Japanese inspiration
Louis Vuitton invites visitors to embark on a journey through its creative universe with Visionary Journeys, an immersive exhibition opening at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, from July 15 to September 17, 2025.
A dialogue between Japan and Paris
Marking 170 years since the founding of Louis Vuitton, Visionary Journeys celebrates the brand’s enduring relationship with Japan, coinciding with World Expo Osaka Kansai 2025. Curated by renowned fashion historian Florence Müller and designed by Shohei Shigematsu (OMA), the exhibition unfolds across twelve thematic chapters, offering a deep dive into Louis Vuitton’s heritage of innovation, craftsmanship, and global exploration.
Highlights of the exhibition
- The Atrium:
Visitors enter through a breathtaking installation of eight monumental trunk columns made from Monogram washi paper, glowing like lanterns within the museum’s five-story atrium. Passing through this luminous forest, they reach the Trunk Hemisphere, a sculptural gateway formed by 138 assembled trunks – symbolising transformation and travel. - Asnières Room:
Tracing Louis Vuitton’s origins, this room showcases archival images, sketches, and historic pieces, from flat-top trunks to the revolutionary lock system, reflecting how utility and elegance became the brand’s DNA. - Expeditions:
A room dedicated to rugged travel pieces – zinc-lined trunks, folding desks, and an inhabitable hot-air balloon installation inspired by the adventurous spirit of Louis Vuitton campaigns. - Louis Vuitton & Japan:
Highlighting the rich cultural exchange, this section features collaborations with Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Rei Kawakubo, and NIGO®, displayed on floating tatami platforms mirrored by tatami lights on the ceiling – an homage to Japanese tradition, tea ceremonies, and kawaii aesthetics.
- Materials:
A tactile journey through wood, metal, leather, and canvas – the four elements at the heart of every Louis Vuitton creation, from trunks to accessories. - Monogram Canvas:
A celestial map-like installation showcasing the 1896 Monogram canvas by Georges Vuitton, including an original sample from 1897 exhibited for the first time, surrounded by iconic reinventions on rotating rings. - The Workshop:
An insight into the artisans’ world, featuring bespoke trunks for Sho Hirano and Osaka-born designer Verdy, with behind-the-scenes footage revealing the meticulous craftsmanship of the atelier. - Testing:
Visitors witness how bags are tested for strength and durability by “Louise” and “Louisette” – instruments designed to ensure Louis Vuitton’s unwavering standards. - Atelier Rare x:
Dedicated to the House’s couture and bespoke creations worn by celebrities on global red carpets, staged against a backdrop inspired by the mansard roof of Louis Vuitton Maison Vendôme, Paris. - Collaborations:
A kaleidoscopic celebration of Louis Vuitton’s groundbreaking partnerships, from Stephen Sprouse graffiti to Supreme, Murakami, and Kusama, displayed within four faceted domes of varying scale and complexity.
Why visit?
This exhibition is more than a retrospective; it is an immersive journey celebrating 170 years of visionary design, cultural dialogue, and boundary-pushing collaborations. Set within the contemporary architecture of the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, it offers an unforgettable encounter with one of fashion’s most influential maisons.
Exhibition details
📍 Where: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka
📅 When: July 15 – September 17, 2025