The Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in St. Petersburg, Florida, is hosting an exhibition titled “Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress” from March 8 through June 8, 2025. This exhibition showcases over 150 exquisite objects, including kimono dating from the late Edo period (1603–1867) through the Shōwa era (1926–1989).
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty, complexity, and cultural significance of the kimono. From ceremonial robes to everyday attire, these garments tell rich stories about Japanese history, social movements, and artistic traditions. The kimono are masterpieces of construction, ornamentation, and symbolism that transcend time and geography.
In addition to finely woven damasks or brocades, many kimono feature intricate free-hand painting using a resist process, often combined with superb embroidery using gold-wrapped or even lacquered threads, as well as glorious shibori, which is akin to Western tie-dyeing. The exhibition also incorporates related accessories, including obi—the prized, traditional sashes—as well as Japanese photography, woodblock prints, and decorative arts.
The exhibition is organized around several interwoven themes, exploring the kimono’s evolving role in Japanese culture and society. Visitors will encounter a diverse array of garments, from brilliantly colored furisode with their elegant long sleeves to somber juban with their secret inner hand-painted or brocade scenes.
Access to “Kimono: The Triumph of Japanese Dress” is included with general admission to the museum. The museum is open Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm, with extended hours for Art After Dark from 5–8 pm on select Thursdays.
For more information about the exhibition and associated programming, visit the MFA’s official website:
Museum of Fine Arts
St. Petersburg, Fl
