From the Cleveland Museum of Art
Tan Tan Bo a.k.a. Gerotan: Scorched by the Blaze in the Purgatory of Knowledge, 2018
Takashi Murakami. Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. The Broad Art Foundation.
It’s time to dream louder. The Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA )’s next major exhibition opens May 25 with Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow. The show runs all summer through Sept. 7.
Takashi Murakami is known for his pantheon of vividly colorful characters and unique style that simultaneously honors the rich tradition of Japanese art and deploys the cultural energies of anime, manga, otaku, and kawaii in singular contemporary artworks. This expanded version of Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow is filled with paintings and sculptures that pulsate with color, sheen, and vibrant energy. Originally displayed at The Broad in Los Angeles in 2022, visitors can explore how, after shared historical events and trauma, art can address crisis, healing, outrage, and escapist fantasy.
In addition to works more than 30 feet wide on view, the centerpiece of the exhibition is the re-creation of the Yumedono, or Dream Hall, from Nara’s Horyuji Temple complex in the CMA’s atrium. Visitors can enter Murakami’s rendering of the Yumedono to experience four new paintings by the artist that the structure was designed to house. The interpretation of this exhibition at the CMA also includes new artworks from Murakami placed in conversation with works in the museum’s permanent collection galleries, meant to provide helpful context and to spark emotional connections.
Murakami uses his art to interpret historical events and their lasting effects, such as the end of World War II, the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visitors can explore how, after shared traumatic events, art can address crisis, healing, outrage, and escapist fantasy. Artworks explore topics such as how people may change when experiencing trauma, how major disasters can lead to outpourings of creative and religious fervor, and how art addressing contemporary passions as diverse as gaming, the metaverse, trading cards, street fashion trends, anime, and manga can be an entry point to engaging the past.
Originating at the Broad in Los Angeles, Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow is presented with expanded scope at the CMA.
Starting on Friday, May 30, docents are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. throughout the exhibition to answer questions and provide background information on the artworks. This service is free to all visitors in the exhibition.
How to Purchase or Reserve Tickets
The CMA recommends reserving tickets through its online platform by visiting the Takashi Murakami: Stepping on the Tail of a Rainbow exhibition web page. Tickets can also be reserved by phone at 216-421-7350 or on-site at a ticket desk.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly and are not guaranteed. Your first choice of date and time may not be available, so please have other date and time options in mind when reserving tickets. Advance ticket sales are highly recommended.
Photo above: Tan Tan Bo a.k.a. Gerotan: Scorched by the Blaze in the Purgatory of Knowledge, 2018
Takashi Murakami. Acrylic on canvas mounted on board. The Broad Art Foundation.
Artist Takashi Murakami at the Cleveland Museum of Art©️2025Takashi Murakami/KaikaiKikiCo., Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Photo by Daniel Lozada.
