What this is
Everyday Elegance: Modern Western Cosmetic Sets is an exhibition at a Hakone museum exploring the evolution of Western beauty implements and cosmetic sets from the 19th and 20th centuries. The show features Art Nouveau and Art Deco objects including powder boxes, perfume bottles, mirrors, and manicure sets that reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of their respective eras. Complemented by paintings from renowned artists such as Pierre Auguste Renoir and Fernand Léger, the exhibition traces how social changes — including the rise of leisure travel and new forms of self-expression — influenced beauty standards and design. It offers a rare opportunity to see decorative arts and fine art painting united around the theme of modern Western beauty culture. The exhibition is particularly notable for connecting everyday objects to broader shifts in social history and gender expression across two transformative centuries.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for design enthusiasts, art history buffs, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of fashion, beauty, and social history. The combination of decorative arts and fine art paintings creates an atmosphere of refined, unhurried cultural exploration suited to curious adults. Visitors with a particular interest in Art Nouveau and Art Deco aesthetics will find the curated collection especially rewarding. Hakone's museum district makes this a natural pairing with other cultural stops in the area, so plan for a leisurely afternoon and leave time to explore nearby institutions.
Good to know
Check the museum's official website for ticketing options, as many Hakone museums sell tickets at the door and also through convenience store networks such as Lawson Ticket or eplus.jp — foreign credit cards are generally accepted at major ticket platforms. Hakone museums tend to be mid-sized, seated-friendly spaces with a calm, gallery atmosphere; photography policies vary by institution so look for signage at the entrance. Arriving by mid-morning on weekdays is recommended to avoid tour groups, which are common in Hakone's museum district. The Hakone Free Pass (available from Odakyu) covers most transport in the area and is highly recommended for visitors coming from Tokyo or Osaka.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.