Special exhibitions and corner exhibits
Special Exhibition: "Masterpieces of Calligraphy and Painting Passed Down in Sakai! The Brushstrokes of Tea Masters, Rulers of Japan, and Calligraphers and Painters"
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Sakai, once a thriving international trading city, attracted wealthy merchants. These affluent merchants sought spiritual fulfillment and took up the tea ceremony as "tea masters."
Against this backdrop, Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), renowned as the master of wabi-cha (a style of tea ceremony emphasizing simplicity and humility), was born in Sakai.
The city of Sakai, which amassed immense wealth, constantly attracted the attention of powerful warlords during the Sengoku period. "Unifiers of Japan" who shaped Japanese history, such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, all sought to seize control of Sakai.
Furthermore, the city of Sakai, a place where many people gather, also attracts cultured individuals who appreciate calligraphy and painting. The works of these "calligraphers and painters" continue to fascinate many people, transcending time and capturing the hearts of those of us living in the modern age.
This exhibition showcases masterpieces of calligraphy and painting by tea masters, powerful figures, and calligraphers and painters who have lived in Sakai to this day. We hope that through their brushstrokes, you will reflect on the people who lived in Sakai and the history that the city has walked.
[Exhibition Period] April 25 (Sat) - May 31 (Sun), 2026 *Closed: May 19 (Tue)
[Hours] 9:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Last entry at 17:30 PM)
[Admission Fee] Adults 300 yen, High school students 200 yen, Junior high school students and younger free
*Free admission for people with disabilities and their caregivers, and for residents of Sakai City aged 65 and over.
*This can be viewed with a permanent exhibition ticket.
Related event
●Cultural Lecture: "Reading the History of Sakai Through Brushstrokes - From the Letters of Tea Masters and Rulers of Japan"
Date and Time: Saturday, May 23, 14:00 PM - 15:30 PM
Responsible: Kazunari Shibuya (Curator, Sakai City Museum)
Location: Lecture Room, 2nd Floor
Capacity: First 40 people, advance registration required.
Participation fee: Free (exhibition ticket for the day required)
Application:Registration opens on May 1 (Fri) at 9:00 AM.
To apply by phone → 072-260-4386
● Exhibition explanation by a curator
Date and Time: May 10 (Sun) / May 16 (Sat), approximately 1:30 PM to 1:20 PM each day
Participation fee: Free (exhibition ticket for the day required)
Registration: Not required. Please gather directly in front of the special exhibition room.