Kaj Franck Retrospective – Timeless Finland Design 2026

Why You Should Visit

A major retrospective of Kaj Franck (1911–1989), the designer known as 'the conscience of Finnish design'. His Kartio glassware and Kilta tableware, later reworked as Teema, are still everyday classics from iittala, and the show traces his work from early pieces to his final years, drawing mainly on the collection of Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki. It also follows Franck's several trips to Japan, whose culture fascinated him, and shows work by designers he influenced. The museum sits on the 7th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan inside Kyoto Station, open daily until 19:30, so it fits neatly before an evening train or after a day of temple visits.

Essentials

location

Museum "EKi" KYOTO, 7F, JR Kyoto Isetan (Kyoto Station Building)

period

November 3, 2026 (Tue) - December 20, 2026 (Sun)

Time

10:00–19:30 (last entry 19:00)
・Open every day during the exhibition

cost

Adults ¥1,300 (advance ¥1,100); high school and university students ¥1,100 (advance ¥900); elementary and junior high school students ¥500 (advance ¥300)
・Holders of a disability certificate and one companion get ¥200 off the on-the-day price

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

Directly connected to Kyoto Station (JR, Kintetsu and the Karasuma subway line): the museum is inside the Kyoto Station Building on the 7th floor of JR Kyoto Isetan, so you can walk straight up from the platforms. Drivers can use the Kyoto Station Building car park.

There are 12 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Museum "EKi" KYOTO, 7F, JR Kyoto Isetan (Kyoto Station Building), and 8 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

TICKETS / REGISTRATION

No booking is needed. Advance tickets are sold from Wed 9 September to Mon 2 November 2026 via ART PASS, Ticket PIA (P-code 687-552) and Lawson Ticket (L-code 51647). The museum's own ticket counter does not sell advance tickets. High school and university students should bring student ID.

NOTE

Highlights

Signature designs including Kartio glassware and Kilta and Teema tableware
Mainly from the collection of Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki
Franck's links with Japan, which he visited several times
Work by designers he influenced

※The number of works differs from other venues on the tour.

※You may have to wait to enter when busy.

※Organisers: Museum "EKi" KYOTO, Architecture & Design Museum Helsinki, Kyoto Shimbun, The Asahi Shimbun / Special cooperation: IITTALA / Supported by the Embassy of Finland

FAQ

Is the museum closed on any days?

No, it is open every day from 3 November to 20 December, 10:00–19:30, with last entry at 19:00.

Can I buy advance tickets at the museum?

No. Advance tickets are sold only through ART PASS, Ticket PIA and Lawson Ticket until 2 November. During the exhibition you can buy a regular ticket at the museum counter.

How much is admission for children?

Elementary and junior high school students pay ¥500 on the day or ¥300 in advance.

Calendar

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