Nature Within: The Architecture of Toyo Ito

Exhibition

January 31 – April 18, 2026

Nature Within: The Architecture of Toyo Ito is a solo exhibition focusing on the works of Toyo Ito, one of Japan’s most prominent architects. Over his career spanning more than fifty years, Ito has made his mark on the architecture world with his innovative and conceptual designs. In particular, he is renowned for making use of open space in a way that evokes the feeling of being outdoors, even when indoors.

This exhibition focuses on three of Ito’s iconic works: Sendai Mediatheque (2000), ‘Minna no Mori’ Gifu Media Cosmos (2015), and Ibaraki City Culture and Child-rearing Support Complex ONIKURU (2023). These public buildings are constantly teeming with life, facilitated by the creation of fluid spaces with fewer walls, rather than functionally defined rooms. These design features encourage flexibility, allowing users to freely wander and choose their spots as if they are in a natural environment.

With architectural models, sketches and photography by Iwan Baan on display, Nature Within showcases some of Ito’s most notable projects, from concept to completion. It is hoped that this exhibition will spark conversations about the evolving possibilities of architecture, and the shapes that exceptional architecture may take on in years to come.

Nature Within: The Architecture of Toyo Ito will be held at The Japan Foundation Gallery from January 31 to April 18, 2026.

Toyo Ito 伊東豊雄

Born in 1941, Toyo Ito graduated from the University of Tokyo, Department of Architecture. After working for Kiyonori Kikutake, he founded his own office, Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects.

Ito’s major projects include Sendai Mediatheque, ‘Minna no Mori’ Gifu Media Cosmos and Ibaraki City Culture and Child-rearing Support Complex ONIKURU. Other notable works not featured in this exhibition include the Tama Art University Library (Hachioji Campus), the National Taichung Theater and the Expo Hall for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

Ito is the recipient of prizes including the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Golden Lion at La Biennale di Venezia, the Pritzker Architecture Prize and more.

In 2011, he established the private architectural school Ito Juku, which focuses on the future of cities and architecture. Together with Ito Juku members and the local community, Ito has also been engaged in a variety of activities to revitalise the island of Omishima in Imabari, Ehime, where the Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari is situated.