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BVLGARI KALEIDOS: COLORS, CULTURES AND CRAFTS

September 17 (Wed), 2025 - December 15 (Mon), 2025

  • Upcoming Exhibitions
  • Special Exhibitions

The National Art Center, Tokyo and Bvlgari are pleased to announce Bvlgari Kaleidos Colors, Cultures and Craft, the Maison’s first exhibition in Japan in ten years, and its largest ever in the country, a kaleidoscopic journey into its vibrant world of colors, showcasing nearly 350 chromatic masterpieces, from jewelry to contemporary art.

The exhibition takes its name from the Greek words "kalos" (beautiful) and "eidos" (form), symbolizing a dynamic and ever-changing journey through color, where beauty and creativity blend harmoniously. Nearly 350 chromatic masterpieces – including jewelry creations from the Bvlgari Heritage Collection and prestigious private collections, spanning from the origins to the present day – highlight the deep connection between Italy and Japan, celebrating their rich cultural legacy and shared passion for art and design. Adding further emotional depth, the exhibition also showcases works by three contemporary female artists – Mariko Mori, Lara Favaretto and Akiko Nakayama – who offer their personal reflections on color.

Bvlgari Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts unfolds like a kaleidoscope of creative references and emotional experiences, blending High Jewelry, creations from the Bvlgari Heritage Collection, contemporary art, exclusive materials from the Bvlgari Historical Archives and immersive installations. Visitors will explore Bvlgari’s mastery of gemstones and precious metals on a multifaceted journey where videos, interactive spaces and artistic dialogues bring the Maison’s world of color to life.

Overview
Period
September 17 (Wed), 2025 – December 15 (Mon), 2025

Closed on Tuesdays
*Closed on September 24 (Open on September 23)

Opening Hours

10:00-18:00 (Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00-20:00)
*Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Venue

The National Art Center, Tokyo
Special Exhibition Gallery 2E
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8558

Organized by

The National Art Center, Tokyo; Bvlgari

With the support of
Embassy of Italy in Tokyo

Admission (tax included)
General 2,300 yen (Adults), 1,000 yen (College students), 500 yen (High school students)

*Visitors who are under junior high school students and disabled people with ID booklets (along with the one assistant) will be admitted for free.
*More infomation on tickets will be posted at a later date on the exhibition website.

Inquiries

(+81) 47-316-2772 (Hello Dial)

Exhibition Outline

CHROMATIC REVOLUTION

With creations that are true chromatic masterpieces, Bvlgari stands as the only High Jeweler to have transformed color into an art form of its own. The Maison's history is deeply tied to its bold use of vibrant gemstones, still today primary source of inspiration for Bvlgari High Jewelry creations. While early silverware by founder Sotirio Bulgari hinted at a fascination with color, a true revolution emerged in the 20th century. In the early 1900s, traditional High Jewelry favored platinum and monochromatic designs, with limited and conventional schemes. After World War Ⅱ, Italy became the epicenter of a chromatic transformation.

In the 1950s, Bvlgari pioneered bold combinations of sapphires, rubies and emeralds set in yellow gold with diamonds. The Maison also embraced stones once considered semi-precious, such as amethyst, citrine and turquoise, valuing them for their vibrant hues and aesthetic potential, and capturing their chromatic intensity through the signature cabochon cut. This fearless approach to color became a hallmark of the Bvlgari style, cementing its reputation as the Master of Colored Gemstones.

This color revolution will be explained in the exhibition divided in three chapters. On the first one, a scientific approach on chromatic effects will be presented to visitors, highlighted with an important citrine bracelet dated around 1940, a bold bangle set with sapphires, rubies and diamonds, but also a set composed of a necklace and a pair of earrings combining emeralds, amethysts, turquoises and diamond together.


A second chapter will focus more on the cultural and symbolic aspects of color, starting with three enameled Serpenti necklaces, accompanied with rare jade jewels and a masterpiece necklace set with diamonds and seven important emeralds called "Seven Wonders".

Serpenti necklace in gold with white enamel and rubies, ca. 1970. Bvlgari Heritage Collection.

Serpenti necklace in gold with black enamel and diamonds, ca. 1970. Bvlgari Heritage Collection.

Serpenti necklace in gold with red and black enamel, emeralds and diamonds, ca. 1970. Private Collection02.jpg

Serpenti necklace in gold with red and black enamel, emeralds and diamonds, ca. 1970. Private Collection.

Lastly, the final chapter will be dedicated to the role of light in our perception of colors, particularly on metals like silver or gold. This part will be also illustrated with rare fancy color diamond jewels and creations set with pearls, to conclude in a firework of colors with a one-of-a-kind 1969 sautoir in gold with amethysts, turquoises, citrines, rubies, emeralds and diamonds.

THE ART OF COLOR

Color has long been a powerful inspiration in art, used by painters, sculptors, jewelers and artisans to convey emotions and represent the world. The exhibition highlights the shared passion for color between High Jewelry and Fine Arts, with Bvlgari's bold, chromatic designs influencing not only jewelry but also engaging with artists across various disciplines. Three contemporary female artists were invited to contribute their unique works: Mariko Mori and Lara Favaretto provide fresh perspectives, creating meditative transitions around the theme of color, while Akiko Nakayama's artwork concludes the journey with a vibrant, kaleidoscopic touch.

AN ARTISTIC PATH, ITALY MEETS JAPAN

For the exhibition's scenography, Bvlgari collaborates with architect Kazuyo Sejima from the Japanese SANAA studio and the Italian Formafantasma studio, further emphasizing the shared passion for art and design that unites the two countries. Drawing inspiration from the mosaics of the ancient Baths of the Roman emperor Caracalla, the design concept reflects the Maison's cultural heritage through curved shapes, refined translucencies and chromatic effects that guide visitors on a sensory journey into the world of color. Additionally, Formafantasma contributes special free-standing showcases highlighting masterpieces from the Bvlgari Heritage Collection. An artistic path into the essence of Bvlgari's creativity, seamlessly blending the Maison's Roman identity with elegant Japanese aesthetics.

The Maison's aesthetic and Japanese culture come together to showcase their shared values, enhancing the cultural exchange between the two countries. The exhibition opens with two exceptional pieces from the Heritage collections, symbolizing a mutual dedication to craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an enduring love of beauty. A precious paperweight, shaped like the façade of a Roman temple and crafted from yellow gold with lapis lazuli, onyx, and diamonds, harmonizes with a circular brooch in yellow gold, set with mother-of-pearl, polychrome enamels, and diamonds.

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