Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Bather by a Fountain, 1914, Sannō Museum of Art
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February 26, 2026
Must-see art exhibitions in 2026: Part 1. Masterpieces and notable works, from Renoir to contemporary artists, gathered in one place.
ART | Must-See Art Exhibitions in 2026
2026 promises a wealth of art exhibitions, both past and present. For our first installment, OPENERS highlights exhibitions commemorating the 100th anniversary of Monet's passing, the 185th anniversary of Renoir's birth, and the Young British Artists (YBA) movement that blossomed in the UK in the 1990s—a period worth revisiting. Beyond the art itself, we look forward to enjoying the diverse facets of art through related merchandise and special menu offerings.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi
A Journey into Renoir's World of Light, Color, and Joy
— "Renoir: 185th Anniversary Exhibition" at Sannō Museum of Art
"Perhaps Renoir is the only great painter who never painted a sad picture." French novelist Octave Mirbeau wrote this in 1913 for a collection of Pierre-Auguste Renoir's (1841-1919) paintings. Renoir's works are indeed characterized by a warm, affectionate gaze.
The "Renoir: 185th Anniversary Exhibition" will be held at the Sannō Museum of Art in Osaka from Sunday, March 1, 2026, to Friday, July 31, 2026.
The exhibition features approximately 50 works from the Sannō Museum's collection. Among them, "Bather by a Fountain" (1914) represents Renoir's exploration of the traditional theme of "nudes in nature," culminating in a new, vibrant expression of life.
The exhibition showcases a wide range of works, from still lifes of roses and anemones to nudes and decorative paintings. It is divided into five sections, tracing Renoir's artistic journey spanning over 50 years: his Impressionist period portraits of women, his return to classical styles after feeling the limitations of Impressionism, his South of France period exploring the theme of "nudes in nature," and his late works characterized by rich, vibrant colors.
Renoir is said to have stated in his later years, "In a life full of unpleasantness, painting must be something lovable, something joyful and beautiful." We invite you to fully immerse yourself in Renoir's world, brimming with light, color, and the joy of living.
