Exhibition
Schedule
2025
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Maurice Utrillo
2025.09.20（Sat）- 12.14（Sun）
Current Exhibition
Maurice Utrillo (1883-1955) is known for depicting the cityscapes of early 20th-century Paris, leaving behind numerous oil paintings of Montmartre where he was born and raised, as well as suburban landscapes where he lived. His artistic journey was shaped by complex relationships with his family, including his mother Suzanne Valadon (1865-1938), and his struggle with alcoholism since childhood, all contributing to his unique artistic vision. Despite his turbulent life, this École de Paris painter who dominated the art world in the first half of the 20th century continues to enjoy enduring popularity, particularly in Japan.
This exhibition, organized in cooperation with Musée National d'Art Moderne (MNAM), presents a comprehensive view of Utrillo’s oeuvre through approximately 70 oil paintings, including “Toits à a Montmagny” (circa 1906-07) and “Le Lapin Agile” (1910) from the MNAM collection, along with about 10 archival items provided by the Association Maurice Utrillo. Visitors will journey through his “Montmagny Period” when he took up painting as part of his alcoholism treatment, his pinnacle “White Period” where he captured the poetic essence of white walls using various materials, and his “Color Period” characterized by vibrant hues. We hope this exhibition offers a chance to appreciate Utrillo’s unique style and the poetic landscapes he cherished.
2026
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The 50th Year of the Sompo Museum of Art
Shinjuku: the City of Modern Art
2026.01.10（Sat）- 02.15（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
The Sompo Museum of Art opened in Shinjuku in July 1976. To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we will hold an exhibition themed on Shinjuku.
A discussion on the history of modern Japanese art would not be complete without mention of Shinjuku of Tokyo. Up-and-coming artists began to gather in Shinjuku in the late Meiji period, and the artists who lived there in turn attracted even more artists to the area.
This influx of artists turned Shinjuku into a major center of modern art. This exhibition represents the first attempt by an art museum in Shinjuku to trace the trajectory of artists associated with the neighborhood, featuring works created over the course of roughly half a century by artists like Nakamura Tsune, Saeki Yuzo, Matsumoto Shunsuke, and Miyawaki Aiko. -
FACE2026
2026.03.07（Sat）- 03.29（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
This will be the 14th exhibition of works submitted for this contemporary painting competition. As a "gateway to success for new and emerging artists regardless of age or affiliation", the exhibition will feature works selected from submissions nationwide. An Audience Award will also be presented based on votes submitted by exhibition visitors. This time, we will also concurrently hold a special exhibition featuring new and recent works by artists who won grand prix and excellence awards at the previous exhibition. Enjoy works that capture the sensibilities of our times through a variety of techniques and motifs.
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The 50th Year of the Sompo Museum of Art
Eugène Boudin
2026.04.11（Sat）- 06.21（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
The first exhibition in Japan of works by Eugène Boudin (1824–1898), known as the forerunner of Impressionism, in approximately 30 years. These artworks beautifully capture the light and scenery of many different regions including his home of Normandy, such as the sky and clouds, ocean scenery, and herds of cows, in fresh colors and light brushstrokes. His emphasis on painting in the open air paved the way for the emergence of Impressionism. While the works focus on people and building motifs, it also casts new light on the charms of Boudin’s works, which greatly contributed to the development of modern landscape painting.
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The 50th Year of the Sompo Museum of Art
Yamaguchi Kayo (tentative)
2026.07.11（Sat）- 08.30（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
Yamaguchi Kayo (1899–1984) attended Kyoto City Specialized School for Painting while studying under Nishimura Goun (1877–1938). He became known mainly for works that used animals as the subject. After Nishimura died, he revived Shinchosha, a private painting school and research group, and became one of the most well-known artists to represent Kyoto’s art world. This exhibition lets visitors walk through many of Yamaguchi’s works from his early years to his final days, particularly focusing on three of his representative works from our collection. This retrospective exhibition brings Yamaguchi’s works, who had a deep connection with Kyoto, back to Tokyo for the first time in 27 years.
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The 50th Year of the Sompo Museum of Art
150th Anniversary of the Birth of Albert Marquet (tentative)
2026.09.22（Tue）- 12.13（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the birth of French modernist master Albert Marquet (1875–1947), the Sompo Museum of Art will present the first large-scale retrospective of his work in Japan in 35 years. Featuring approximately 100 works—including around 60 paintings and 20 drawings and pastels—this exhibition brings together highlights from major public collections in both Japan and France. Tracing Marquet’s artistic journey from his early Fauvist period to his serene depictions of port towns along the Seine and the Mediterranean, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at his evolving style and enduring appeal. In recent years, Marquet’s oeuvre has been the subject of renewed interest in France, and this exhibition provides a timely opportunity to reexamine his legacy from multiple perspectives.
2027
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The 50th Year of the Sompo Museum of Art
130th Anniversary of the Birth of Togo Seiji (tentative)
2027.01.09（Sat）- 02.21（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
On the 50th anniversary of the Sompo Museum of Art, we will hold a solo exhibition to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the birth of artist Togo Seiji (1897–1978), who contributed greatly to the establishment of this museum. The exhibition will extensively cover Togo’s works, including paintings of graceful female figures widely known as “Seiji Beauties,” early works showing his interest in avant-garde, sketches depicting overseas landscapes, and large-scale oil paintings from his later years, as well as related materials in our collection, including confectionery shop packaging and insurance brochure designs based on Togo’s original artwork.
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FACE2027 / The Way of Paintings 2027
2027.03.06（Sat）- 03.28（Sun）
Introducing of the exhibition
The 15th edition of our contemporary painting competition. As a “gateway to success for emerging artists regardless of age or affiliation,” the exhibition will feature nominated and winning works chosen from across Japan, and visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the Audience Award. We will also set up “The Way of Paintings2027” in the 3F Exhibition Gallery to introduce the FACE2026’s Grand Prix winner and the recipients of the Excellent Work Awards, with each artist’s display including 5 to 10 works. Enjoy works that capture the sensibilities of our times through a variety of techniques and motifs.