International Samurai Exhibition Coming to Kuopio in May 2027

An international Samurai exhibition opening at Kuopio Museum in May 2027 will, for the first time, bring an extensive and remarkable collection of artefacts exclusively from the collections of the Samurai Museum Berlin to Kuopio. The exhibition presents the history and culture of Japan’s samurai warriors while exploring the meanings behind Japanese traditions and myths through exquisitely crafted objects.

Samurai have fascinated people around the world and have become familiar to many through films, television series, and literature. However, these popular images tell only part of the story. The exhibition arriving in Kuopio looks beyond the myths and invites visitors to explore the world of the samurai through authentic artefacts and the captivating stories connected to them.

The exhibition is based on the collection of German collector Peter Janssen, widely regarded as one of the largest and most prestigious collections of samurai artefacts in the world. The collection, comprising approximately 4,000 objects, began more than 40 years ago when Janssen acquired his first samurai sword at a flea market in Berlin. Over the decades, it has grown into an internationally significant collection known for the exceptional quality of its artefacts and their outstanding craftsmanship.

Approximately 60 carefully selected objects from the collection will be displayed in Kuopio. These include samurai armour, helmets, and swords. The exhibition is produced by Kuopio Museum in collaboration with the Italian touring exhibition company Expona and the Samurai Museum Berlin.

Expona’s exhibition productions are international in scope, bringing together museums, collections, and experts from around the world. The company has produced exhibitions in 20 countries across four continents.

– It is wonderful that we will be able to bring such a significant collection of samurai artefacts exclusively to Kuopio. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Japanese cultural heritage and samurai culture through original objects, says Heta Pekkarinen, Chief Curator of the Kuopio Cultural History Museum.

The Samurai exhibition will open at Kuopio Museum in May 2027.

Further information:
Heta Pekkarinen, Chief Curator, Kuopio Cultural History Museum, tel. +358 44 718 2647, heta.pekkarinen(at)kuopio.fi