What this is
Every year, the Bologna Children's Book Fair selects the world's finest picture-book illustrations for a travelling exhibition that has become one of the most respected showcases of children's book art globally โ and this is that show, landing in Nishinomiya for summer 2026. Expect original artwork and reproductions from illustrators across dozens of countries, spanning wildly different styles from delicate watercolour to bold graphic design. It's a genuine art exhibition that happens to feature children's books, not a children's activity space.
Who should go
Art lovers, illustration enthusiasts, and parents with a serious interest in picture-book culture will get the most from this. It suits adults as much as children โ possibly more so.
Good to know
Tickets are typically available at the venue box office and through major Japanese ticketing platforms such as eplus.jp or pia.jp; foreign credit cards are generally accepted at museum box offices in Japan. The Nishinomiya Otani Memorial Museum of Art is a mid-sized municipal museum, so crowds are unlikely to be overwhelming โ arriving at opening time is rarely necessary. Photography policies vary by exhibition, so check with staff on arrival as some travelling illustration shows restrict flash or tripod use. The museum is a short walk from a Hankyu line station, making it easy to combine with a day trip between Osaka and Kobe. Signage may be primarily in Japanese, so downloading a translation app before your visit is worthwhile.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change โ verify with the official source before attending.