Liberty Makes Kyoto Exhibition Debut as Principal International Cultural Sponsor of Kyōto YouMe Triennale
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the Liberty archive, bringing together years of design inspired by and created for the Japanese market
15 September 2026
Liberty announces its debut exhibition in Kyoto, Japan, as the principal international cultural sponsor of the inaugural Kyōto YouMe Triennale between 09-18 October 2026. Grounded in a celebration of the decades of artistic dialogue and creative exchange between Liberty and Japan, the exhibition will be presented in the historic Shōsei-en Garden (渉成園) featuring an expanded edition of I Am. We Are. Liberty., alongside new craft research projects developed with Japanese makers.
Following presentation in London, and at the World Expo 2025, Osaka, Liberty's landmark I Am. We Are. Liberty. exhibition will be unveiled as an expanded edition within the unique setting of the Shōsei-en Garden. From original artworks and textile designs, to archival references and print journeys, the exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore one of the United Kingdom's most significant and expansive design archives, bringing Liberty’s creative history into dialogue with Kyoto’s historic setting.
The exhibition journey will begin outdoors, with a series of structural frames directing a pathway though the gardens and creating a conversation between Liberty's archival prints and the landscape’s undulating greenery, layered stonework, and botanical environment. The second chapter will see a bespoke presentation of the I Am. We Are. Liberty. exhibition, designed in response to its setting within the Rinchi-tei (臨池亭) Teahouse.
The final chapter, set within Tekisui-Ken (滴翠軒) Pavilion, explores Liberty's ongoing creative dialogue with Japanese craftsmanship through a series of research-led projects in conversation with Japanese makers, including the likes of Keiji Ashizawa, that celebrate both heritage and innovation. Together, these research projects reflect the enduring relationship between Liberty and Japan - honouring generations of craftsmanship while exploring how traditional techniques can inspire new approaches to contemporary design.
“Japan has long been an important source of creative exchange with Liberty, dating back to Arthur Lasenby Liberty’s pivotal visit in 1889. The exhibition is a true celebration of that relationship. Bringing together our archive with new research collaborations allows us to place a spotlight on the remarkable craft traditions that connect us, while exploring how heritage can continue to shape contemporary design. Presenting this exhibition in Kyoto, a city with such an extensive creative legacy, makes this a particularly meaningful moment for us.” - Mary-Ann Dunkley, Design Director, Liberty
The Liberty exhibition and craft research projects will be presented within the inaugural Kyōto YouMe Triennale, an initiative that champions global art, craft, and design. For its first edition, the MANIFESTO Edition, the Triennale will showcase a celebration of human craft in an era defined by increasing digitalisation. Set in a city renowned for both its cultural heritage and contemporary creative innovation, the Kyōto YouMe Triennale will unveil a programme of exhibitions, installations, and creative collaborations that explore the role of craft within contemporary art and design.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
VISITOR INFORMATION
Address
Shōsei-en Garden (渉成園)
Japan, 〒600-8190 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward
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ABOUT LIBERTY
Liberty is a movement dedicated to discovery, animated by arts, culture, design and the pursuit of beauty. Liberty is famed for its original curation, directional design and celebration of craftsmanship. In the spirit of our founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty, Liberty remains unapologetically eccentric and committed to bringing good design to all.
ABOUT KYOTO YOUME TRIENNALE
The Kyoto YouMe Triennale is a celebration of the intersection of art, craft and design. Named after both "you & me" and yume - the Japanese word for dream - it brings together creatives from around the world to explore the future of making through exhibitions, installations and cultural exchange. Rooted in Kyoto's rich creative heritage, the Triennale celebrates the dialogue between tradition and innovation, local craftsmanship and global perspectives.