Ikebana Exhibition

When: 11 AM - 5 PM, 29 August & 10 AM - 5 PM, 30 August 2026

Where: Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent (Map)

Admission:

$10 – At the door or via TryBooking
Includes one 10% discount voucher for an Ikebana Workshop* and one small floral gift per adult (limited quantities available).

Children are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

$25 – Multiple-entry pass for both days (TryBooking only)
Includes one 10% discount voucher for an Ikebana Workshop* and one small floral gift per adult (limited quantities available).

*Conditions apply: Valid September 2026 to August 2027.

Free Admission: Free for exhibitors (multiple entry), complimentary ticket holders, and  Demonstration, Ikebana Workshop, or Ikebana Conference bookings (single entry). 

They are not eligible to receive the workshop discount voucher or floral gift.

Celebrating the Art of Ikebana

Experience the beauty and creativity of Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arrangement, through inspiring displays by local and international artists. Featuring artists selected by the Melbourne Ikebana Festival Committee, the exhibition presents an exceptional collection of traditional and contemporary works, including:

• Wa Ikebana Award Exhibition – celebrating the achievements of newly qualified Ikebana teachers.
• Ikebana for Cafés and Restaurants – creative floral designs produced following the live demonstration, showcasing how Ikebana can enhance hospitality spaces.
• Ikebana Bouquet Competition – contemporary bridal bouquet designs inspired by the art of Ikebana.
• Ikebana Container Exhibition – all exhibits are for sale, including the Hiroe Swen Award-winning work.
• Ikebana Artist Talk - visitors are invited to engage with our exhibitors one-on-one during the Artists Talk sessions (Sat: 11am - 1pm, Sun: 11am-12pm & 13pm - 14pm ).
• Students Exhibition Program - the Melbourne Ikebana Festival is delighted to offer approximately 20 student exhibition places free of charge.

Special Highlights

Japan Ikebana Therapy Association Exhibition

The Melbourne Ikebana Festival Committee is honoured to present an exhibition by ten distinguished artists and therapists from the Japan Ikebana Therapy Association, led by Dr. Hamasaki and Professor Niikawa, internationally recognised pioneers in Ikebana Therapy.Working together with their clients and senior community members, including people living with dementia and their carers, they will create a unique collaborative ikebana installation celebrating creativity, connection, and wellbeing. This is a rare and exceptional opportunity to experience the beauty, elegance, and therapeutic power of ikebana at its highest level.

Ikenobo Melbourne Special Exhibition

Discover an elegant collection of works by Ikenobo Melbourne, featuring contemporary arrangements and magnificent Rikka compositions—one of the oldest and most prestigious styles of ikebana. This special exhibition celebrates the beauty, refinement, and enduring tradition of Japanese floral art. Special thanks to Yukako Braun and Ikenobo Melbourne for their valued contribution to this exhibition. 

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience world-class ikebana in one inspiring exhibition.

Thank You for Your Support

This year, the venue hire costs for our exhibition have increased significantly, and admission fees are our major source of funding to help make this event possible.

Your support means so much to us. If you enjoy the exhibition, we'd be truly grateful if you could help spread the word by inviting your friends, family, and colleagues to come along. Every visitor helps us continue bringing this exhibition to the community.

Thank you for being part of our journey—we look forward to welcoming you and your loved ones!

Would you like to join Ikebana workshop, demonstralation or conference? View our Booking page.

Would you like to join this exhibition as an exhibitor? View our Exhibitor Guidelines.

Would you like to help us as a volunteer? View our notice.

Looking for an Ikebana teacher near you? Visit our Ikebana Teacher Directory.

Want to learn more about ikebana? Here are a couple of introductory essays from Shoso's publication.

2024 Shoso Shimbo. The Way of Ikebana (Translation), a chapter from “Hana ni ikiru hitotachi e” (1967) by Suido Yamane. International Journal of Ikebana Studies, 11, 31-34. https://doi.org/10.57290/ikebana.11.0_31

2021 Shoso Shimbo. Ikebana: A Flower Arrangement in Search of Poetry, Garland Magazine, #24.