31Theo Jansen Exhibition / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art
A life form that feeds on wind and evolves appears in Toyama.
Dutch sculptor Theo Jansen (1948–) conceived the idea of solving the problem of the Netherlands' shrinking land area due to rising sea levels, and created the "Strandbeest" (a neologism by Jansen, combining the Dutch words "strand" (beach) and "beest" (living thing)) which walks on the sand using wind as its power source.
Strandbeests, with their plastic tube skeletons, have evolved like living creatures, not only walking forward but also possessing the ability to change direction, and continue to evolve to adapt to various environments. The movements of the beasts, created by Jansen, who studied physics at university, are smooth and almost lifelike.
This exhibition showcases the various forms of Strandbeests created by Theo Jansen, often called the "modern Leonardo da Vinci," who fused art and science, along with the process of their creation and evolution, using materials such as videos, sketches, and parts. Furthermore, a "re-animation" will be presented, allowing visitors to see the Strandbeests in action.
Enjoy the diverse worlds created by Janssen, where beasts come to life.
Events
| Date |
2026.7.4 (Sat) - 2026.9.23 (Wednesday/Holiday) 9:30-18:00 (entry until 17:30) |
|---|---|
| Event name | Theo Jansen Exhibition / Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art |
| Venue | Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art |
| Price | General advance tickets: ¥1,400, General admission: ¥1,600 (¥1,400), University students: ¥1,100 (¥900) *Free admission for high school students and younger. * () Indicates group rates for 20 or more people |
| Contact Us | Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art Tel: 076-431-2711 |
| Official Website | https://tad-toyama.jp/exhibition-event/20454 |
| Remarks | [Closed days] Every Wednesday (except August 12th, September 2nd, and 23rd) |
Facility information
| Name | Toyama Prefectural Museum of Art (TAD) |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-20 Kibamachi, Toyama City |
| Phone | 076-431-2711 |
| Business hours | [Art Museum] 9:30 to 18:00 (Last admission 17:30) [Rooftop Garden "Onomatopoeia Rooftop"] 8:00-22:00 (entrance until 21:30) *Playground equipment is available from 8:00 AM until sunset. *The facility may be closed due to weather conditions or other reasons. |
| Membership Fee | [Museum Admission Fee] Collection Exhibition: Until June 30, 2026: General admission 300 yen (240 yen) From July 1, 2026: General admission 350 yen (280 yen) * (Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more) Special Exhibitions: Varies depending on the exhibition. *Admission to the special exhibition also includes entry to the permanent collection exhibition. The following individuals are admitted free of charge to both the permanent collection exhibition and the special exhibition. 1. Children and students (elementary, junior high, and high school students, etc.) 2. Admission to the collection exhibition is free for those aged 70 and over, and university students and younger. For more details, see https://tad-toyama.jp/visitor/general [Rooftop Garden "Onomatopoeia Rooftop"] Free |
| Holiday | [Art Museum] Every Wednesday (except public holidays) The day after a public holiday / New Year's holiday *The museum may be temporarily open or closed. For further information, please read https://tad-toyama.jp/calendar [Rooftop Garden "Onomatopoeia Rooftop"] Winter closure: December 1st to March 15th. *Temporary openings may be possible depending on snowfall and weather conditions, provided safety can be ensured. |
| Parking | Parking lot available 103 parking spaces (including 3 spaces reserved for people with disabilities and pregnant women) Usage hours: 8:00-22:30 Usage fee: 330 yen for the first hour, then 110 yen for every 30 minutes thereafter. *Those using the art museum or Kansui Park can park for free for 2 hours. If you use the pre-payment machine (located at the museum entrance/exit in the parking lot), parking is free for the first two hours after admission. |
| Access |
Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Toyama Station (North Exit)
From platform 1 at Toyama Station (South Exit), take the bus bound for "Toyama Red Cross Hospital/Prefectural Art Museum" → Get off at "Toyama Prefectural Art Museum" stop.
Approximately 20 minutes from the Toyama Interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway towards the city center.
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| Official Website | https://tad-toyama.jp/ |
| Official social media |
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