Eric Carle Exhibition in Tokyo Original Artwork from The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Beyond

Eric Carle Exhibition in Tokyo Original Artwork from The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Beyond

The Eric Carle Exhibition: It All Began with The Very Hungry Caterpillar will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo from April 25 to July 26, 2026.

Featuring approximately 180 original works, the exhibition traces the creative journey of Eric Carle, from early design work to the iconic picture books that shaped generations of readers.

Original Artwork from 27 Picture Books

The exhibition presents original illustrations from 27 picture books, including:

  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar

  • Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me

Visitors can also explore:

  • Early dummy books

  • Collage materials

  • Graphic design works from Carle’s early career

Experiencing the Texture of Collage Art

Unlike printed books, the original artworks reveal:

  • Layered paper textures

  • Hand-painted colors

  • Crayon and pen details

Seeing every page of The Very Hungry Caterpillar in original form offers a rare insight into Carle’s hands-on creative process.

Picture Books as Interactive Design

Many of Carle’s books incorporate physical interaction—holes, cut-outs, and changing page shapes.
The exhibition highlights how reading itself becomes a tactile experience, blending storytelling with design.

Exhibition Information

  • Venue: Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo

  • Dates: April 25 – July 26, 2026

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