Medardo Rosso Ecce Puer | Modernist Sculpture at MOMAT Tokyo 2026
About this event
What this is
The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) presents the first dedicated exhibition of Italian sculptor Medardo Rosso's masterwork Ecce Puer (Behold the Boy), created circa 1920–25. This newly acquired sculpture is a landmark addition to MOMAT's permanent collection, making it a significant moment in the museum's history. Rosso was a pioneering figure in early modernist sculpture, known for his radical technique of casting in translucent wax to create surfaces where light diffuses and dissolves form, blurring the boundary between sculpture and painting. The exhibition places Ecce Puer in dialogue with works from Rosso's era and contemporary pieces, offering rich contextual framing for understanding his influence on 20th-century art.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for art enthusiasts with an interest in early modernism, sculptural innovation, or Italian art history. The intimate, contemplative nature of the display suits visitors who enjoy close, unhurried looking rather than large-scale spectacle. Those curious about the intersection of sculpture and painting — or the way light and material can transform a work — will find Rosso's wax technique genuinely surprising. Arrive early in the day or on a Friday or Saturday evening when the changing light conditions make the translucent wax surface appear markedly different.
Good to know
Tickets can be purchased at the MOMAT box office on the day — no advance booking is typically required for the permanent collection or small-scale exhibitions, and the museum rarely sells out. Foreign credit cards are accepted at the ticket counter. The museum is compact and well-organised, with English-language signage and labels throughout, making it genuinely accessible to non-Japanese speakers. Photography policies at MOMAT vary by exhibition — check signage at the gallery entrance, as works on loan or under copyright may be restricted. The museum also houses an excellent permanent collection of modern Japanese art included in the same admission price, so allow at least 90 minutes for a full visit.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.