Kaj Franck Retrospective – Timeless Finland Design opens on November 3 (Tuesday, holiday) at Museum "Eki" KYOTO and runs through December 20 (Sunday), 2026.
Kaj Franck (1911–1989) is one of Finland's leading designers. Aiming for design that stays close to people's lives and solves social issues, Franck is known as "the conscience of Finnish design." Pursuing thorough functionality and simple beauty, he created pieces such as the Kartio glassware and the Kilta ceramics, followed by their successor, Teema, and transformed the way design had been approached until then. His design philosophy continues to be passed down to this day.
The exhibition centers on glassware, ceramics, and other works from the collection of the Helsinki Architecture & Design Museum, presenting the full scope of his work from his early period to his later years. It also introduces the footsteps of Franck, who was drawn to Japanese culture and visited Japan several times, along with works by designers influenced by him. This large-scale retrospective explores the work of Kaj Franck, still loved across the ages, and the thinking that underpins his designs.
Note: The number of works on display differs from other touring venues.
Highlights
Starting with early works, the exhibition introduces Franck's work comprehensively. It includes simple, functional glassware and ceramics that reflect his design philosophy that "the only decoration needed is color," among them Kilta and Teema, which are among his representative works. It also features a wide range of glass art pieces created as works of art with techniques developed together with glass craftsmen, as well as works that show the influence of traditional Japanese crafts.
Merchandise: Kaj Franck Retrospective Commemorative Items
These commemorative items were produced in collaboration with iittala. The carafe and mug come in special packaging designed by graphic designer 大島依提亜.
Kartio Carafe, approx. 950 ml
- Color: Sea Blue
- Price: ¥20,900 (tax included)
- While supplies last
Teema Mug, approx. 280 ml
- Colors: Vintage Blue, Linen
- Price: ¥3,960 (tax included)
- While supplies last
Kartio Tumbler, set of 4 in special packaging, approx. 210 ml each
- Colors: Clear, Linen, Pine Green, Calluna
- Price: ¥8,900 (tax included)
- While supplies last
A variety of other original exhibition goods are also available.
Exhibition Details
- Venue: Museum "Eki" KYOTO (adjacent to the 7th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan)
- Dates: November 3 (Tuesday, holiday) to December 20 (Sunday), 2026. Open every day during the exhibition.
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing)
- Admission:
- General: ¥1,300 (advance: ¥1,100)
- High school and university students: ¥1,100 (advance: ¥900)
- Elementary and junior high school students: ¥500 (advance: ¥300)
- High school and university students must present a student ID.
- Prices in parentheses are advance ticket prices. Holders of a disability certificate (障害者手帳) who present it, and one companion each, receive a ¥200 discount from the same-day price.
- Advance tickets:
- On sale from September 9 (Wednesday) to November 2 (Monday), 2026.
- Available at ART PASS, Ticket Pia (P-code 687-552), and Lawson Ticket (L-code 51647).
- Advance tickets are not sold at the museum's ticket counter.
- Organizers: Museum "Eki" KYOTO, Helsinki Architecture & Design Museum, Kyoto Shimbun, The Asahi Shimbun
- Sponsor: NISSHA
- Special cooperation: IITTALA
- Support: Embassy of Finland
Note: Exhibits and event details may change or be cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.
