Translation guide
In Japanese, 'art exhibition' can be expressed in several ways depending on the scale, formality, and type of art. The most common and general term is 美術展 (bijutsuten), but other words like 展覧会 (tenrankai) and 個展 (koten) are used in specific contexts.
A public display of artworks, typically in a museum or gallery.
The most common and general term for an art exhibition. It can refer to exhibitions of various art forms, including painting, sculpture, and contemporary art.
来月、国立美術館で大きな美術展が開かれます。
A big art exhibition will be held at the National Museum next month.
この美術展は現代アートに焦点を当てています。
This art exhibition focuses on contemporary art.
A broader term for exhibition, not limited to art. It can be used for trade shows, book fairs, etc., but is also common for art exhibitions, especially when emphasizing the event aspect.
友達と一緒に絵画の展覧会に行きました。
I went to a painting exhibition with a friend.
A casual, modern term often used for contemporary or pop art exhibitions. It has a trendy feel and is common in advertising.
渋谷で面白いアート展をやっているよ。
There's an interesting art exhibition going on in Shibuya.
An exhibition featuring the works of a single artist.
Specifically a solo exhibition by one artist. Very common in the art world.
彼女は来月、銀座のギャラリーで初めての個展を開きます。
She will hold her first solo exhibition at a gallery in Ginza next month.
An exhibition featuring works by multiple artists.
A group exhibition, often used for smaller, collaborative shows.
大学の友人たちとグループ展を企画しています。
I'm planning a group exhibition with my college friends.
An exhibition that moves to different locations.
A traveling exhibition that tours various venues.
その有名な絵画の巡回展がついに私たちの町に来ます。
The traveling exhibition of that famous painting is finally coming to our town.
An exhibition focused on a specific theme, period, or artist, often larger in scale.
A special exhibition, usually temporary and featuring a curated collection, often from other museums.
博物館で古代エジプトの特別展が開催されています。
A special exhibition on ancient Egypt is being held at the museum.
美術展 (bijutsuten) specifically means art exhibition, while 展覧会 (tenrankai) is a broader term for any exhibition. In everyday conversation, 美術展 is more precise for art, but 展覧会 is also widely understood and used.