Current Exhibits

Quilts Japan: The 17th Quilt Nihon

December 10, 2025–March 8, 2026

The Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts (WMQFA) is pleased to present Quilts Japan: The 17th Annual Quilt Nihon (December 10, 2025-March 8, 2026). For more than a decade, WMQFA has been the exclusive Midwest host for this celebrated exhibition, which premieres at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum before traveling internationally.

This exhibition features the most extraordinary and innovative works from the biennial competition of the Japanese Handicraft Instructors’ Association (JHIA). JHIA sponsors the largest international quilt contest in Japan and one of the most prestigious in the world. This year’s Quilt Nihon exhibition features award-winning and notable works, including entries from the competition’s newest category, miniature quilts.

For 50 years now, JHIA has promoted handcrafted arts in Japan by educating and training instructors in eight specialties: quilting, knitting, embroidery, lace making, painting, weaving, leatherwork, and flower art. The JHIA boasts 7,000 certified quilt instructors among its 12,000 members. Its biennial Quilt Nihon exhibition is a must-see for quilt aficionados who marvel at the complexity of these masterpieces, as well as first-time visitors who simply appreciate their beauty.

The exhibition only travels to four venues in the U.S., including the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts.