Marimekko: Art of printmaking—Beauty, Dream, Love
“Marimekko: Art of printmaking— Beauty, Dream, Love” is an exhibition series in Japan that explores the heritage, present and future of art of printmaking and Marimekko as a brand that inhabits the intersection of art, design and fashion.
The two-year exhibition tour kicks off in July 2026 at the Museum of Kyoto before traveling to the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Hiroshima Museum of Art and other cultural institutions across Japan.
Designed as an immersive experience rather than a traditional retrospective, the exhibition highlights Marimekko’s forward-looking approach to the art of printmaking. Serving as its conceptual foundation are the words of Marimekko’s founder, Armi Ratia, who wrote in her diary in 1926:
“There is only one responsibility— beauty
There is only one reality—dream
There is only one strength—love”
“There is only one responsibility— beauty
There is only one reality—dream
There is only one strength—love”
Chapters of the exhibition
The exhibition unfolds in three parts, each offering a distinct lens into the Marimekko’s joyful and optimistic lifestyle universe.
The first part presents a curated selection of 70 Marimekko dresses spanning from the 1950s to the present day. It reflects the house’s enduring philosophy of the dress as a canvas for bold prints and imaginative, often surprising color combinations.
The second part offers a dreamlike interpretation of Marimekko’s creative process through digital projection. The inherent beauty of Marimekko prints is brought to life in its purest form, inviting visitors to explore different print categories, signature characteristics, and the detailed processes behind the creation of iconic Marimekko designs.
The third part introduces a new creative dialogue with Japanese textile artist Akira Minagawa. This co-created installation celebrates the exchange between Marimekko and Minagawa and his unique interpretation of Marimekko’s design dna through his own artistic practice. As part of the installation, Marimekko features a new print by Minagawa designed specifically for the exhibition and produced at Marimekko’s printing factory in Helsinki, Finland.
