By Indigo James, Senior Correspondent
The Cleveland Museum of Art has unveiled “Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow,” a vibrant new exhibition celebrating the fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary pop culture. The exhibition, which opens to the public on May 25, 2025, transports visitors into Murakami’s kaleidoscopic universe through a blend of visual storytelling, historic symbolism, and modern artistic techniques.
At the heart of the exhibition is a stunning replica of the Yumedono, or “Hall of Dreams”—an octagonal structure inspired by Japan’s Hōryūji Temple. This architectural centerpiece serves as both a spiritual and artistic hub, housing four original paintings by Murakami that depict legendary mythological creatures: a tiger, dragon, phoenix, and turtle. These symbols, deeply rooted in East Asian traditions, represent courage, wisdom, transformation, and longevity—core themes that echo throughout Murakami’s work.
Surrounding the Yumedono are dozens of the artist’s most celebrated creations, displayed across the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Exhibition Hall and Gallery. The exhibition traces Murakami’s artistic evolution from his early experiments with the “Superflat” style to his massive, emotionally charged compositions. Key pieces include “727,” the 1996 painting introducing Mr. DOB—Murakami’s whimsical alter ego—and the colossal mural “In the Land of the Dead, Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow,” which spans more than 80 feet in length and pulsates with detail and color.
Murakami’s art, often characterized by bright hues and cartoon-like imagery, carries layers of deeper meaning. The exhibit unflinchingly addresses some of the most defining moments in modern Japanese history, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These tragic events have left indelible marks on Japanese society, and Murakami uses his visual language to explore grief, resilience, and cultural rebirth.
The Cleveland exhibition also includes a unique component: limited-edition merchandise available exclusively on-site. Visitors can purchase trading cards, prints, and other collectible items inspired by Murakami’s works. This initiative not only supports the museum’s programming but also allows fans to take a tangible piece of the artist’s vision home with them.
To enhance visitor engagement, the museum will offer guided walkthroughs led by docents on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These sessions provide deeper insight into Murakami’s techniques, symbolism, and the cultural significance behind his most iconic images. Educational workshops and family-friendly art activities are also scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run.
Running from May 25 through September 7, 2025, this immersive experience is set to attract both art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Tickets are priced at $30 for adults and $15 for children aged 6–17. Admission is free for museum members and children under 5. Reservations are recommended to ensure entry, especially during weekends and holidays.
“Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow” is more than an art exhibit—it is an exploration of identity, memory, and the unbreakable spirit of creativity. Through his extraordinary ability to marry the ancient with the avant-garde, Murakami invites audiences to reflect on the past while embracing the colorful chaos of the present.
