Miffy Reimagined as Girl with a Pearl Earring for Vermeer Exhibition in Osaka
The Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka is currently hosting a temporary exhibition featuring Johannes Vermeer's iconic painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, which is on loan from the Mauritshuis during its renovations. To mark this occasion, a new version of Miffy, created by Dick Bruna, was introduced as "Miffy With a Pearl Earring" at a press event. This redesign showcases Miffy wearing a blue turban and a mustard robe, with the pearl earring positioned beside her cheek, igniting discussions. The artwork, which hasn't been seen outside the Netherlands for over ten years, will be displayed until September 27, 2026, as part of "Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring—Masterpieces of 17th-Century Dutch Art Back in Japan," from August 21 to September 27, 2026.
Key facts
- Johannes Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring is on loan to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka from the Mauritshuis in The Hague.
- The loan is temporary while the Mauritshuis undergoes renovation.
- Miffy, the Dutch bunny character created by Dick Bruna, was reimagined as "Miffy With a Pearl Earring" for the exhibition.
- The redesign features a blue turban, mustard-colored robe, and a pearl earring placed next to her cheek.
- The earring placement has sparked debate about whether it should be on Miffy's ear instead.
- The character has inspired merchandise such as plushies, pens, keychains, and bags that have sold out.
- The exhibition runs from August 21 to September 27, 2026, at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka.
- Dutch ambassador to Japan Gilles Beschoor Plug suggested on X that this might be the painting's last tour due to its age.
Entities
Artists
- Johannes Vermeer
- Dick Bruna
Institutions
- Nakanoshima Museum of Art
- Mauritshuis
- Miffy
Locations
- Osaka
- Japan
- The Hague
- Netherlands