Japan to host travelling exhibition about Gaudí and the Sagrada Família - Japan to host travelling exhibition about Gaudí and the Sagrada Família

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família is presenting, together with NHK and NHK promotions, a travelling exhibition in Japan focused on Antoni Gaudí and his legacy. This initiative aims to share the work of this genius architect in Asia and raise awareness of the meaning and current construction status of his masterpiece, the Sagrada Família. In this vein, the exhibition offers a retrospective on the Sagrada Família by putting into context the figure of Antoni Gaudí and his work.

As a travelling exhibition, the display can be seen at three different museums in Japan: the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo (from 13 June to 10 September 2023), the Sagawa Art Museum in Moriyama (from 30 September to 3 December 2023), and the Nagoya City Art Museum in Nagoya (from 19 December to 10 March 2024). 

The exhibit includes historical materials that contextualise and shed light on Gaudí’s various works, with special emphasis on the Sagrada Família. The exhibition also features previously Ultra High Definition unreleased graphic and audiovisual material from NHK depicting the evolution of the Temple’s construction. At the MOMAT exhibit in Tokyo, you can also see a collection of heritage pieces loaned by the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, such as original models from Gaudí’s era and liturgical objects designed by the architect, among others. 

The Basilica of the Sagrada Família has loaned a total of 61 pieces, including most notably the model of a girl and the model of the Christ torso for the Nativity façade of the Sagrada Família. These original Gaudí plaster sculptures were used as models to create the Basilica’s Nativity façade. Also notable for its value is the fan palm leaf model for the grates of Casa Vicens. In addition, the models for the pinnacle of the tower of the Evangelist Mark and a cross mould will go on display for the first time outside the Sagrada Família. In addition, the models for the pinnacle of the tower of the Evangelist Mark and the original model of a cross will go on display for the first time outside the Sagrada Família.

At the inauguration, Mr Esteve Camps, Executive Chairman of the Junta Constructora de la Sagrada Família, expressed his recognition and appreciation for a job well done in this collaboration:

“Our sincerest thanks to NHK, the Japan Broadcasting Corporation, for making possible this exhibition featuring the unique pieces of genius architect Antoni Gaudí for the first time, and to Mons. Abella for his support and dedication, which has been key to this collaboration, and the National Museum of Modern Art in Tokyo (MOMAT) for welcoming us.”

For the inauguration of the exhibition, Mr Jordi Faulí, head architect of the Junta Constructora de la Sagrada Família, will give three conferences on the construction of the Basilica and Antoni Gaudí’s influence on architecture. The conferences will take place at MOMAT and Tokyo University on 13 June and at the Tokyo University of the Arts on 14 June.

This exhibition strengthens the good relations between the Japanese embassy and consulate in Spain and the Basilica of the Sagrada Família.