ART | "California Design 1930–1965: Picturing the Mid-Century Dream" at The National Art Center, Tokyo
LOUNGE / ART
January 16, 2015

ART | "California Design 1930–1965: Picturing the Mid-Century Dream" at The National Art Center, Tokyo


ART│Win Tickets to the Exhibition!


The "Good Life" Everyone Dreamed Of Is Here


The National Art Center, Tokyo Presents "California Design 1930–1965: Origins of Modern Living"


Modern design flourished in California during the mid-20th century, a period known as "Mid-Century." The exhibition "California Design 1930–1965: Origins of Modern Living," which features this era and its works, is on display at The National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi until June 3 (Monday). To commemorate the event, OPENERS is offering exhibition tickets to 10 pairs of winners (20 people in total).



Text by YANAKA Tomomi




Over 250 items spanning furniture, jewelry, fashion, graphics, and more




California experienced a dramatic surge in development as the cultural heart of the United States, a nation that welcomed many immigrants from the early 20th century and boasted the world's largest economy after World War II. With a growing population, demand for new housing and living spaces rapidly increased. Bold, experimental, and unique designs emerged, effectively utilizing new materials and technologies developed during the war.

Characterized by openness, vibrant colors, and a warm climate, these innovative designs quickly spread worldwide, becoming symbols of achievable dreams for everyone.

This exhibition, co-organized with the Los Angeles County Museum of Art—known as the largest art museum in the American West—offers a firsthand experience of "California Modern." It showcases approximately 250 items across various genres, including furniture, fashion, graphics, ceramics, and jewelry, as well as cars and surfboards. Visitors can also admire works by renowned designers such as Charles and Ray Eames and R.M. Schindler up close.


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The venue also features screenings of television commercials from the era, Hollywood films, and interviews with the exhibiting artists conducted prior to the exhibition. These invaluable visual materials bring the social climate and atmosphere of the time back to life.
"California Modern," which spread as the epitome of a rich, comfortable, and desirable "good life," continues to captivate us with its innovative designs and products.



Win Exhibition Tickets to "California Design 1930–1965: Origins of Modern Living"!



And for OPENERS readers, we have exciting news: we are giving away exhibition tickets to 10 pairs of winners (20 people in total). If you wish to enter, please apply via the button below.

Application Deadline: April 30 (Tuesday) Noon


Applications are now closed.
Thank you for your many applications.

Winners will be notified via email. Winners must reply to the email, keeping the subject line as is and including all necessary information. Please note that failure to reply by the deadline will result in disqualification.


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"California Design 1930–1965: Origins of Modern Living"
Exhibition Dates: March 20 (Wednesday, Holiday) – June 3 (Monday)
*Closed on Tuesdays, except for April 30 (Tuesday) when the museum will be open.
Hours: 10:00–18:00 (Fridays until 20:00)
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Venue: The National Art Center, Tokyo, Special Exhibition Gallery 1E
7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-5777-8600 (Hello Dial)
Admission: General ¥1000, University Students ¥500