Origami Unfolded

About this event

Explore the origins and process of the art of paper folding.

In the nearly two decades since PEM featured the crowd-pleasing exhibition Origami Now!, contemporary origami has continued to expand into exciting new styles of expression and invention.

This multigenerational exhibition in the Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center highlights origami as not just an exciting art form, but also an important influence on new innovations in science, engineering, math and more. See works from leading origami artists, including Michael G. LaFosse, one of the worlds top origami masters and a Massachusetts resident. In addition to showcasing masterworks of origami, PEM will highlight what is emerging in contemporary origami and design, ranging from incredibly complex artistic models and folding nano structures, to origami-inspired emergency shelters. Investigate origami-inspired breakthroughs in robotics, medicine and sustainability. Interactive displays and video tutorials will give visitors of all ages hands-on opportunities to investigate and participate in the artistic process of origami.

Visit the windows at 179 Essex Street, Salem to see another work of paper art: an origami quilt folded by students from the 2025 Salem-Ota Cultural Exchange.

Follow along on social media using #PEMOrigami

Origami Unfolded is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum. This exhibition is made possible by Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Foundation. We thank Jennifer and Andrew Borggaard, James B. and Mary Lou Hawkes, The Creighton Family, Chip and Susan Robie, Karla and Jeff Kaneb, Timothy T. Hilton, and an anonymous donor as supporters of the Exhibition Innovation Fund. We also recognize the generosity of the East India Marine Associates of the Peabody Essex Museum and the support and guidance of the Art & Nature Center Visiting Committee.