Ikebana Exhibition

11 AM - 5 PM, 29 August 2026

10 AM - 5 PM, 30 August 2026

Store Gallery, Abbotsford Convent (Map)

Admission:

$10 – At the door or via TryBooking

Incredible value: Book through TryBooking for just $10 and receive a $7.50 discount for an Ikebana Workshop*, plus a small floral gift per adlut (limited quantities available. Pictured: sample image for illustration only).

Children are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

$25 – Multiple-entry pass for both days (TryBooking only)

Book through TryBooking for just $25 and receive a $7.50 discount for an Ikebana Workshop*, plus a small floral gift per adlut (limited quantities available).

*Conditions apply: Available for purchase exclusively through TryBooking. Valid from September 2026 to August 2027. Full details will be sent to you via the TryBooking email system in September 2026. Please note: This offer cannot be redeemed for an ikebana workshop held as part of the Melbourne Ikebana Festival 2026. However, our ikebana workshops are held throughout the year, and you are welcome to use your offer to join a workshop after September 2026.

Free Admission: Free for exhibitors (multiple entry), complimentary ticket holders (single entry), and  Demonstration, Ikebana Workshop, or Ikebana Conference bookings (single entry - enjoy the exhibition before or after your booked session). 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 – Featuring unique containers and vessels, all available for purchase, including the Hiroe Swen Award-winning work.
• Ikebana Artist Talk - Meet our exhibiting artists during informal one-on-one sessions (Sat: 11am - 1pm, Sun: 11am-12pm & 13pm - 14pm ).
• Students Exhibition Program - Showcasing emerging talent through complimentary exhibition opportunities for students.

Special Highlights

A. 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.

B. 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. 

C. Featured Artists from Sogetsu School

The Melbourne Ikebana Festival is honoured to present works by three internationally award-winning artists from the Sogetsu School—Nguyen Thanh Hien (Hanoi: Sogetsu Excellent Artist Award, Sogetsu School, 2025), Shoka Healey (Melbourne: Wa Ikebana Award, 2024, 2022), and Shoan Lo (Melbourne: 1st prize, Botanical Moments, Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, 2026, 2025). Their distinctive creations exemplify the spirit of innovation and artistic freedom that has defined the Sogetsu School and continues to inspire ikebana practitioners worldwide.

As the Sogetsu School approaches its centenary in 2027, this special exhibition celebrates a century of creativity, contemporary expression, and the enduring artistry of one of the world's most influential schools of ikebana.

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

Thank You for Your Support

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

If you're excited about the exhibition, we'd love your support in spreading the word. Please consider inviting your friends, family, and colleagues to join you—every visitor makes a real difference and helps us continue bringing this exhibition to the community.

Thank you for your support. We can't wait to welcome 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.