Masterpieces from 130 Years of History on Display

Bulgari, Italy's globally renowned high jewelry brand, is an esteemed house with over 130 years of history. Since its founding in Rome in 1884, for over a century, it has been a leading brand in Italian jewelry design, drawing inspiration from the art and architecture of ancient Greek and Roman cultures to express unparalleled creativity. The perfection of these creations is, quite literally, art. Now, Bulgari's precious archives will be unveiled at the Tokyo National Museum's Hyokeikan.

A major exhibition titled "The Art of Bulgari: 130 Years of Italian Artistic Splendor" will be held at the Tokyo National Museum's Hyokeikan from Tuesday, September 8, to Sunday, November 29, 2015.

The exhibition traces the evolution from the silver decorative items of 1884, created by founder Sotirio Bulgari and his family, through the Art Deco style of the 1920s to the present day.

The "Elizabeth Taylor Room" will feature not only the costumes worn by Elizabeth Taylor, a devoted admirer of Bulgari, in the film *Cleopatra*, but also jewelry worn by legendary actresses such as Ingrid Bergman, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren.

Works inspired by Japanese aesthetics, including masterpieces named "Mount Fuji" and "Buddha," will be specially exhibited.

The Serpenti collection, featuring the snake motif (Serpenti means snake in Italian), and the aesthetically striking Monete collection, with earrings and necklaces made from Byzantine gold coins, will be on display.

Furthermore, an exhibition celebrating the 40th anniversary of "Bulgari Roma," the origin of Bulgari's iconic watch collection "Bulgari Bulgari," will be held, offering a rare opportunity to see the evolution of timepieces inspired by ancient Roman coins.

The exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum's Hyokeikan promises to showcase the profound depth of Bulgari's tradition, setting it apart from mere fashion brands. It is an event to anticipate eagerly as a highlight of the autumn arts season.

The Art of Bulgari: 130 Years of Italian Artistic Splendor
Dates: Tuesday, September 8 – Sunday, November 29, 2015
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
*Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays in September until 18:00, Fridays until 20:00 (excluding September 25, October 9, 16, and 23)
*October 2 (Fri) – 3 (Sat) until 22:00, October 31 (Sat) – November 2 (Mon) until 20:00.
Closed: September 14 (Mon), 24 (Thu), 28 (Mon), October 5 (Mon), 13 (Tue), 19 (Mon), 26 (Mon), November 4 (Wed), 9 (Mon), 16 (Mon), 24 (Tue)
Venue: Hyokeikan, Tokyo National Museum (Ueno Park)
Admission: General ¥1400 (¥1200/¥1100), University/High School Students ¥800 (¥600/¥500), Junior High School Students and younger free.
*Prices in parentheses are for advance purchase/groups of 20 or more. Free admission for individuals with disabilities and one caregiver (proof of disability required at entry).