M. K. ČIURLIONIS: THE INNER CONSTELLATION

The Art of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis Resonates in Japan – The National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo Opens the Major Exhibition “M. K. Čiurlionis: Inner Constellation”

On March 28, 2026, the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo opened the exceptional exhibition “M. K. Čiurlionis: Inner Constellation,” presenting one of Lithuania’s most prominent artists, Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875–1911). This marks the first large-scale retrospective of Čiurlionis in Japan in 34 years.

In 1992, shortly after the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, the country introduced itself to the world through an exhibition of works by its most celebrated artist, “M. K. Čiurlionis. Fin-de-Siècle Mystic and Fantasist of Lithuania,” held in Tokyo. Now, after 34 years and marking the 150th anniversary of the artist’s birth, his work returns to Japan with the exhibition “M. K. Čiurlionis: Inner Constellation.” The exhibition will feature 82 works, including 51 paintings.

Čiurlionis drew inspiration from Lithuanian folk tales and folklore, while also engaging with the international ideas of his time, such as theosophy and astronomy. The exhibition’s curator, Aoi Yamamasu, has selected works that introduce Japanese audiences to the artist’s visions of Lithuanian nature (cycles such as Winter, Raigardas, Sparks, Lithuanian Cemeteries), fairy-tale motifs (The Tale of Kings, The Tale of the Castle, the Fairy Tale cycle, and sketches for the opera Jūratė). A special focus is placed on works exploring the synthesis of the arts and synesthesia (The Rustling of the Forest, painterly preludes, fugues, and sonatas such as Sonata of the Serpent, Sonata of the Stars, and Sonata of the Sea). Among these fantastical works, reflecting psychological states and cosmic mysteries, Čiurlionis’s most cosmic masterpiece, Rex, will be presented in Japan for the first time.

“Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis is one of Lithuania’s leading artists, remarkable for his achievements in both music and painting. It is with great pleasure that we present this major retrospective of his work in Japan, the first in thirty-four years. His works are rich in poetic expressiveness and profound spirituality. They also reveal the influence of ukiyo-e, suggesting a meaningful connection with Japan. We hope this valuable opportunity allows many visitors to experience the richness and originality of his art,” says Tanaka Masayuki, Director of the National Museum of Western Art.

Visitors to the exhibition will discover not only Čiurlionis’s paintings, but also graphic works, postcards, and musical manuscripts. Music resonating throughout the exhibition spaces will further immerse audiences in the subtle and sensitive creative world of the artist – as both painter and composer.

“Čiurlionis emerges as a bridge – quietly connecting the deeply intuitive and sacred layers of Lithuanian and Japanese sensibilities, while linking the visible world with invisible, metaphysical realities. His art speaks in the language of rhythm, light, and cosmic order, transcending cultural boundaries. Therefore, this exhibition at the National Museum of Western Art is more than another international presentation of Lithuania’s greatest artist. It is a meeting of kindred ways of perceiving the world,” notes Dr. Virginija Vitkienė, Director of the M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art.

The exhibition in Tokyo will be accompanied by an extensive program of events. “With the program "Čiurlionis in Japan", we aim to open up the multifaceted world and unique personality of M. K. Čiurlionis to Japanese audiences. Over several months, the exhibition will be complemented by thirteen events in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Kanazawa. Through concerts, lectures, guided tours, and discussions, we hope to broaden audiences’ understanding of Čiurlionis and Lithuania,” says Gabija Čepulionytė, Cultural Attaché of Lithuania in Japan.

The National Museum of Western Art is the only national institution in Japan dedicated to Western art. Established in 1959, it was founded on the renowned Matsukata Collection, which includes Impressionist paintings and sculptures by Auguste Rodin. Today, the museum houses and continues to expand a significant collection spanning from the Renaissance to the early 20th century. It is also notable for its architecture – the main building was designed by the modernist master Le Corbusier. This is his only work in the Far East, and in 2016 it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum organizes international exhibitions each year in collaboration with leading museums worldwide, presenting significant developments in Western art to Japanese audiences.

Curators: Aoi Yamamasu, Vaiva Laukaitienė

Organizers: National Museum of Western Art, Yomiuri Shimbun, M. K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

Sponsors: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania, Shibahara Keiichi Foundation of the National Museum of Western Art

In cooperation with: Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Japan, Western Art Foundation, Lithuanian Culture Institute