From August 1st (Saturday) to November 23rd (Monday, public holiday), 2026, the exhibition "Marie Antoinette Style" will be held at the Yokohama Museum of Art. This is a world tour exhibition organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London, and Yokohama is the first stop on its tour, making it the only venue in Japan where the exhibition will be held.
(Left) Bust of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Louis-Simon Boiseau, circa 1788. Soft-paste porcelain. 40.7 x 26 x 15 cm. Victoria and Albert Museum. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London (Right) Bust of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France (reverse side), Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, Louis-Simon Boiseau, circa 1788, soft-paste porcelain, 40.7 x 26 x 15 cm, Victoria and Albert Museum, London ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Robe à l'angleière, place of manufacture unknown, late 18th century (1770s–1790s), silk brocade. *Lace on the cuffs is a recent addition. Collection of Kyoritsu Women's University Museum. *Exhibition period: August 1st (Sat) - September 9th (Wed)
Plate from Marie Antoinette's dinnerware set, "Pearls and Cornflowers," Sèvres Porcelain Manufactory, 1781. Soft-paste porcelain, enamel, gold. 3 x 24.2 x 24.2 cm. Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Marie Antoinette, often called "the most fashionable queen in history," is the subject of this exhibition. Through approximately 200 items including dresses, jewelry, furniture, paintings, prints, and photographs, the exhibition showcases the aesthetic sense and lifestyle she cultivated. From the historical fashion of the late 18th century to haute couture in 2025, the exhibition traces the trajectory of how her influence has been passed down to the present day through a diverse array of exhibits.
Commonly known as the "Sutherland Diamond," this original necklace is made in France in the 1780s. It is made of platinum, diamonds, gold, and silver. Dimensions: 35.8 cm, 8 cm, and 8.1 cm. Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
A three-strand necklace of natural pearls and diamonds, formerly owned by Marie Antoinette. Made in France, late 18th century. Materials: natural pearls, gold, and diamonds. Each strand measures 38.5 cm, 41 cm, and 43 cm. Heidi Holten Collection, Vienna. Photo courtesy of Sotheby's.
Marie Antoinette's Armchair (one of a set of four) by Jean-Baptiste-Claude Senet, 1788. Walnut wood, cotton cloth with silk embroidery (recent upholstery). 97.5 x 63.5 x 63 cm. Victoria and Albert Museum, London. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
The exhibition features a diamond believed to be part of the necklace from the "Affair of the Diamond Necklace," along with other items from the former collection (approximately 10 items) associated with the queen, as well as numerous 18th-century artifacts that have been depicted in novels, plays, and films. In addition, the exhibition includes the blade of the guillotine allegedly used to execute the queen, and displays introducing the French Revolution, creating a more nuanced portrayal of the queen and the historical context. Furthermore, the exhibition content has been reorganized for the Asian tour, and approximately 20 other fine pieces held in Japan will also be on display.
In addition, a wide variety of original and collaborative merchandise will be available. During the exhibition period, the Yokohama Grand InterContinental Hotel will offer a special course themed around the world of the exhibition, titled "Petit Trianon ~Memories of Marie Antoinette~".
Exhibition view at the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Bracelet clasp, French, circa 1770. Diamonds, blue lead glass (artificial gemstone), gold. Each piece measures 3.9 x 3 x 1.4 cm. Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. ©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Marie Antoinette established a new style in every respect. Why not take this precious opportunity to experience firsthand why her aesthetic sense continues to inspire contemporary creators?
◆ Marie Antoinette Style
[Dates] July 2026th (Saturday) to September 8rd (Monday, National Holiday), 1
[Venue] Yokohama Museum of Art (3-4-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture)
[Closed on] Thursdays *However, open on August 13th, September 24th, and November 19th.
[Opening Hours] 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Until 8:00 PM on November 21st and 22nd (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
