A bird adorned with diamonds and topped with a golden plume gracefully flutters across a backdrop of sakura cherry blossoms and urban skyscrapers. This scene welcomes visitors to the new “Tiffany Wonder” exhibition in Tokyo. The display features a large-scale animation of “Bird on a Rock,” designed by Jean Schlumberger in 1965, one of the most iconic pieces in jewelry history. This exhibition explores the rich history of Tiffany & Co., from its founding in New York in 1837 to its present-day prominence.
Inside the World of Tiffany Wonder
The exhibition, created by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, occupies 1,430 square meters at Tokyo Node Gallery on the 45th floor of Toranomon Hills Station Tower. “Tiffany Wonder” unfolds through ten interconnected spaces, each with unique atmospheres, textures, and shapes. These spaces blend intimacy and drama, showcasing the craftsmanship and creativity Tiffany is known for. Over 500 jewelry pieces and objects are on display, many of which are being exhibited for the first time. Live demonstrations by artisans add to the experience.
Ellen van Loon, a partner at OMA and the exhibition designer, described the exhibition as “intimate, cinematic and refined.” She explained, “The aim was to exhibit the history of Tiffany through objects and jewelry created over almost two centuries. Understanding the history of Tiffany & Co. was crucial for us.”
Each room has a distinct atmosphere, highlighting different aspects of Tiffany’s story. Van Loon added, “This intense, intimate relationship between viewer and object emphasizes the time needed for creation and the sophisticated level of craft.”
A Journey Through Tiffany’s Heritage
The journey starts in a dark, double-height space with a large screen showing the “Bird on a Rock” animation. This scene, set against Tiffany’s art deco lamp-style images depicting Japan, transitions visitors into the world of Tiffany. A blue corridor lined with a digital tapestry showcases a 187-year timeline of Tiffany’s history. Along the way, visitors see legendary pieces, including the original “Bird on a Rock” and the first Blue Book mail-order catalog.
The exhibition features design highlights from Louis Comfort Tiffany’s early creations to Angela Cummings’ 1970s abstractions and Elsa Peretti’s “Scorpion” necklace. Other highlights include a visual display of iconic Tiffany film moments, craftsmen at work, and the atmospheric Wonder of Dreams room with iconic shop displays.
Van Loon noted, “We wanted to convey the time and intensity artisans put into creating something as precious as a piece of jewelry. Our intention was to showcase Tiffany’s versatility and cultural resonance through their designs.”
Tiffany’s Deep Ties with Japan
Japan’s influence on Tiffany is significant, with founder Charles Lewis Tiffany offering Japanese goods since 1837. A room with washi-inspired walls displays Japanese crafts and design items, reflecting Japan’s long-held inspiration for Tiffany.
Giulio Margheri, an associate at OMA, explained, “The relationship between Tiffany and Japan has been important since the company’s earliest years. The exhibition showcases this influence through designs emblematic of the brand.”
The climax of the exhibition is a towering black triangular installation featuring the 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, the world’s largest yellow diamond, set in a “Bird on a Rock”-inspired design.
Alexandre Arnault, executive vice president of product, communications & industrial at Tiffany & Co., said, “The idea of wonder has been integral to our DNA since 1837. Each design we’ve imagined and each piece we’ve handcrafted has been rooted in our mission to spark wonder and inspire the world’s greatest love stories.”