Celebrate the rich cultural history of Japan at our Japanese Heritage Festival on Saturday! Inspired by the beautiful culture and traditions represented in our Japanese art collection, this free festival features art activities, scavenger hunts in the galleries, and more. Here are five things to do while you’re here.
- Experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Highlighting the day will be a traditional tea ceremony demonstration by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Birmingham Association. The association is tied to the Toshin-an Tea House, which is located in the Japanese Gardens at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. The name Toshin-an was given by Matsumoto Daien, the abbot of Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto. It conveys a deep wish that people who gather in the tea house light the wick of each other’s hearts.
- Search for Sailor Moon’s favorite works of art. Fighting evil by moonlight. Winning love by daylight. Never running from a real fight, she is the one named Sailor Moon! Japanese superhero Sailor Moon and her Sailor Soldiers have found their favorite moon-inspired objects at the BMA. Access their interactive scavenger hunt on the Museum’s smartguide from your own decide or borrow an iPad from us at either entrance.
- Create your own works of art. The festival will feature art activities for all ages, including Japanese brush painting, paper-lantern making, and more!
- Enjoy our favorite Anime. The word anime is the Japanese term for animation, which means all forms of animated media. We’ll screen a few of our favorite family-friendly anime in the Museum’s auditorium on Saturday.
- Explore the Japanese art gallery. Don’t forget to check out the Museum’s collection of Japanese art on the second floor, which includes everything from Samurai suits and weapons to ancient brushstroke paintings.
The Family Festivals Series is presented by Medical Properties Trust.