May 31 – Septempter 21, 2025
The “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” exhibition authentically brings 17th-century Japan to life through meticulously crafted recreations, immersive experiences, hands-on activities and historical exhibits. Visitors will be transported to a time when the city of Edo (now Tokyo) flourished under shogunate rule as the cultural and economic heart of Japan, embracing the arts, nature and leisurely pursuits.
Kids are going to especially love the black and while hand-drawn room about manga and anime as well as the Hokusai Kids Area with hands-on activities. You also receive a booklet when entering the building, which has spaces for stamps from each part of the exhibit. It’s fun to mark off which parts you have seen and what unique stamp you’ll get next.
From centuries-old legendary artworks to anime, digital art and kid’s activities, there’s something around each corner for visitors of all generations to explore, learn and enjoy.
Diana Martinez, Executive Director of the McAninch Arts Center
We’ll walk you through each part of Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World in order so you can see what to expect and things to keep an eye out for along the way so you don’t mis any of the intricacies of the exhibits.
Historical Edo & Ukiyo-e Exhibit
With a layout inspired by a woodblock print, the first exhibit provides context to the featured art collection, focusing on the lives of Hokusai, Hiroshige and Edoardo Chiossone, the development of ukiyo-e and its lasting impact, the art of woodblock printing, and works from the College of DuPage permanent art collection.
On loan from the Edoardo Chiossone Museum of Oriental Art in Genoa, Italy, the collection includes 53 woodblock prints and original paintings by leading artists of ukiyo-e — a major artistic genre that flourished during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868)—along with several handcrafted objects such as games, instruments and daily objects.
Hokusai’s World: Step Into Edo
This streetscape is impressive and transports you to a woodblock printshop and Japanese market. Look for a scene depicting Hokusai and his daughter Oi—both deeply focused on their craft.
Waves of DuPage: Beautiful Cities
Lining the hallways are Naperville artist Rich Lo’s ukiyo-e-style landscapes of iconic locations in DuPage County. You can see framed copies at The MAC between exhibits and also at the locations they are depicting. We went to Hinsdale Public Library after our visit to Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World and found Rich Lo’s rendition of the library, which was fun.
Immersive History of Manga & Anime
This room was one of the most striking parts of the exhibit. Artists and owners of 2d Restaurant, Vanessa and Kevin, hand drew all of the chairs, tables, desk, boat, floor, and displays in the exhibit. They were even there with handmade clothing too. We loved meeting them and learning about the history of manga and anime from them! Their exhibit walks you through each time period and how communication through drawings evolved in subject matter and style.
It’s fun to pose in the boat! You can pretend you are conquerors of the wave or terrified of it. Their young son loved playing in this room too. So cool.
Hokusai Kids Area
Families can enjoy an original Hokusai biographical anime film, write down a wish and place it on the cherry blossom wishing tree, make origami, and do activity sheets in this bright and cheerful room with tables and chairs of all heights. The adults were really getting into it too!
Ukiyo-e Imagination Station
This digital experience wasn’t ready when we visited for the press preview, but we were told that visitors can create their own ukiyo-e masterpiece via a screen near the children’s area.
Samurai & Silk Selfie Station
There are three samurai figures in the hallway between the garden and kids area showcasing the Edo Era clothing, including a samurai uniform on loan from Warner Bros., a Kabuki character costume designed by Kim Morris, and an empress kimono.
Great Wave Gardens
Even the garden and picnic area is transformed to immerse you in Japanese culture with sculpted evergreens, a bridge, and teahouse façade.
Edo EATS! and Gift Shop
Want a snack? Even the café is on theme! There is also a gift shop with Hokusai-themed merchandise and souvenirs.
Tickets
Ticket prices range from $12 to $32 ($12 tickets available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2 –5 p.m.). VIP add-on packages start at $25 and include benefits such as audio tours, catalogs and exhibition merchandise. For tickets or more information visit Hokusai2025.org or call the MAC Box Office 630.942.4000. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more by contacting the group sales coordinator at 630.942.3026 or grouptix@cod.edu.
More information about the “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World” can be found at Hokusai2025.org.
Related Activities and Events
The MAC will host on-site lectures by authors and curators, film screenings, weekly Japanese calligraphy and woodblock printmaking classes, and more. For many of these events, a “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e” exhibition ticket will grant free access.
Many businesses are offering experiences and classes related to the exhibit, including Local Glass Studio in Glen Ellyn. You can create a fused glass interpretation of The Wave at their studio.
Towns across DuPage County are also displaying ukiyo-e style murals of iconic locations and landmarks as part of the “Waves of DuPage: Beautiful Cities” public art project, some even with additional events and art installations to accompany the exhibit at The MAC.
Megan and her family checked out the Hokusai-related art installations in Lisle, which starts on Main Street on either side of the Garden Walk Fountain, and had a great time! I’ll let her take over to give you the details of their experience…
Hokusai in Lisle
The Hokusai in Lisle exhibit starts on Main Street at the Garden Gait Fountain (the only fountain on the west side of Main Street) and heads down the Garden Walk and into the newly installed Japanese Garden. I would recommend parking in the angled parking on Main Street if possible, otherwise the Garfield Parking Lot is another option.
Augmented Reality by Pulse Studios brings HOKUSAI to Life
My kids absolutely loved scanning the QR codes on the Garden Gait Fountain and watching the artwork of HOKUSAI literally come to life in front of our eyes as we read about it’s history.
Walking through HOKUSAI History
As you walk through the exhibit, there are prints and signs that give the history of HOKUSAI’s life and collections. My kids had learned about HOKUSAI at school, and loved telling me all the facts they remember from art class.
Plenty of Photo Ops
I always have a weakness for a great photo opportunity, and HOKUSAI in Lisle did not disappoint. The beautifully decorated walk is dripping in cherry blossoms and brightly colorful flowers. There were also a few custom murals that decorated the buildings along the walk.
Combo Trip with Dragonfly Landing + Lola’s Handcrafted Churros
You had me at combo trip! I love a good combo trip, and the HOKUSAI in Lisle exhibit makes a great little stop in combination with Dragonfly Landing Park, and a local favorite Lola’s Handcrafted Churros.
Dragonfly Landing
4704 Garfield Ave
Lisle, IL 60532
Dragonfly Landing has a splash pad (currently open), and a park with a play structure and large slide. We enjoyed a nice walk around Prairie Walk Pond (1 lap around is 1/3 mile) checking out the lily pads, before heading over to grab a churro.
Lola’s Handcrafted Churros
4714 Main Street
Lisle, IL 60532
Lola’s is a favorite for local Lisle residents. Lola’s has the most beautiful storefront (talk about photo ops!) and the most deliciously, deluxe desserts. We love the creative cookies and cream churro sundaes, and the pink soft serve ice cream. Everything in Lola’s is Instagram worthy, including the bathrooms! Keep in mind, they close at 8:00pm on weekdays.
Past Exhibits at McAninch Arts Center
Go to the next page to read about past exhibits at the MAC.
