This summer, expand your cultural experiences beyond palm trees and beach breezes to include Japanese robots, art, and origami at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Based in Delray Beach, the Morikami offers a variety of exhibitions, classes, and happenings appropriate for all ages. Mark your calendar for these events:
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| Explore the gardens with family at the Sushi and Stroll series. |
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Sushi and Stroll, June 12, July 10, and August 14. At Sushi and Stroll, guests can explore the Japanese gardens with a cold sake and sushi roll in hand from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Though the exhibition galleries will be closed on these evenings, there will be a plethora of activities in which to partake, including a craft sake station and a taiko drumming performance by Fushu Daiko. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 10, and tickets at the door increase to $8 for adults and $6 for children. Admission is free for museum members and children 3 years old and younger. Learn even more about the event, as well as some sushi basics, here.
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“Japan’s Robot Kingdom” exhibition, June 16 to September 13. Robots have played a vital role in Japan’s recent history. They’ve entertained in comic books and films, but they’ve also been integral to scientific and technological developments. This exhibition celebrates every part a robot can play as depicted through vintage toys, figurines, and robotic forms, such as PARO, a therapeutic robotic seal made to comfort those in need.
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“The Morikami Menagerie: Creatures in Japanese Art” exhibition, June 16 to September 13. As if robots aren’t enough, “The Morikami Menagerie” invites guests to discover the wild world of Japanese art, which abounds with otherworldly creatures like mythical dragons, supernatural gods and demons, and hybrid beasts including the shishi, a lion-dog guardian with (presumably) a heart of gold.
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Family Fun: Pinwheel Making, June 20. Most Family Fun events are free with paid admission. On June 20, from noon to 3 p.m., children and adults can learn to make a pinwheel—the perfect summer garden accessory.
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| Astro Boy vs. Pluto, part of “The Robot Kingdom” exhibition. |
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Japan as “The Robot Kingdom” lecture, June 26. Augment your robot knowledge with a lecture on Japanese robots and their importance in popular culture and society on June 26 from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Writer Frederik L. Schodt will look at the development of robots in the postwar era, to include industrial robotics and adorable pet robots. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are $10 for non-members and $7 for members.
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Family Fun: Make a Tanabata Wish, July 2-5 and 7-9. In Japanese culture, children and adults write wishes on slivers of colored paper, called tanzaku, and hang them on bamboo branches along with other paper ornaments. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., participants can make a wish and then tie it to the tanabata bamboo in the museum lobby.
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Bon Odori Dance Workshop, July 11 and 25. Sometimes, you just gotta dance. Learn about bon odori, a traditional dance performed during the summer period of Obon to honor and welcome spirits of loved ones, on July 11 or 25. Bon odori consists of lively movements performed in a circle surrounding drummers and musicians. The class will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., requires advanced registration, and costs $15.
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Robot Day, July 18. You’ve perused “The Robot Kingdom” exhibition—now what? Return for a Robot Day filled with robot-inspired activities, crafts, and games for kids of all ages. Guests can visit the exhibit with a special discovery guide in hand, meet a larger-than-life action figure, and even build a robot.
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Family Fun Mini Workshop: Beginner’s Origami and Intermediate Origami, August 8. No art personifies the beauty and delicate nature of Japan quite like origami. During the beginner’s class from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., participants can learn a few easy origami techniques. Take the craft a step further at the intermediate workshop from 1 to 2 p.m. Admission for each workshop is $20 for a parent and a child (ages 7 and up) and $10 for each additional participant. Advanced registration is required.
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