Osaka, Draped in Washed Canvas: Where Louis Vuitton’s History Walks in Lanterns

Image Source: Global Citizen Club

Louis Vuitton has unveiled its most ambitious cultural showcase to date—Visionary Journeys—an immersive exhibition now open at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. Running from July 15 to September 17, 2025, the exhibition celebrates the Maison’s 170th anniversary and its enduring creative dialogue with Japan. Curated by fashion historian Florence Müller and designed by architect Shohei Shigematsu of OMA, the experience spans twelve thematic chapters and over 1,000 objects, including 200 Japan-specific archival pieces.

A multisensory voyage through fashion and heritage

1. A grand entrance
- Visitors begin their journey in a glowing atrium filled with eight towering trunk sculptures crafted from washi paper, each illuminated like lanterns
- The centerpiece is a hemisphere made of 138 stacked trunks, forming a cocoon of imagination and design

2. Origins and expeditions
- The exhibition traces Louis Vuitton’s evolution from its founding in 1854 to its global status today
- Highlights include the flat-top trunk, the Steamer Bag, and the rare Secrétaire Bureau Stokowski office trunk
- Rugged travel pieces like zinc-lined trunks and foldable desks showcase the brand’s legacy of utility and elegance

3. Louis Vuitton and Japan
- A dedicated room explores the Maison’s deep ties with Japanese culture, from early Japonisme influences to modern collaborations
- Floating tatami platforms display works by Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, Rei Kawakubo, and NIGO
- Rare pieces include a dressing table trunk made for Kabuki actor Ichikawa Danjuro XIII

4. Materials and monograms
- A gallery deconstructs the four sacred elements of Louis Vuitton trunks: wood, metal, leather, and canvas
- The Monogram Canvas room features the original 1897 sample, suspended in a celestial-inspired layout surrounded by iconic reinterpretations

5. Behind the scenes
- The Workshop section honors artisans with bespoke trunks for Sho Hirano and Verdy, alongside archival footage from the Asnières atelier
- Testing rooms feature playful devices named Louise and Louisette, which demonstrate the durability of Louis Vuitton bags

6. Couture and collaborations
- Atelier Rarex showcases red-carpet creations worn by stars like Zendaya, Cate Blanchett, and Suzu Hirose
- The Collaborations dome celebrates groundbreaking partnerships, from Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti to Supreme x Louis Vuitton streetwear

Exclusive merchandise and events

- The gift shop offers limited-edition items including the Visionary Journeys notebook and catalogue
- Visitors can pre-order the new Louis Vuitton Japan book, co-published with Rizzoli Editions
- A special signing session by photographer Jean-Vincent Simonet is scheduled for July 18, featuring his photobook Fashion Eye Osaka

Visitor information

- Exhibition dates: July 15 to September 17, 2025
- Venue: Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, 5th Floor Galleries
- Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (extended to 7:00 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and holiday eves)
- Admission: ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,500 for students, free for high school students and younger (advance registration required)

Conclusion

Visionary Journeys is more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and creative exchange. By blending heritage with innovation, Louis Vuitton invites visitors to step into a world where travel becomes art, and fashion becomes memory. For those seeking a truly immersive experience, this is the trunk show to end all trunk shows.

Sources: Prestige Online, Augustman, Marie Claire Australia, LVMH, This Is Japan, Hypebeast