Special Exhibition & Workshop by Two-Michelin-Starred Chef Hiroki Odo and Japan’s Heritage Miso House, Marukome
THE GALLERY by Odo (Flatiron District, New York) is thrilled to announce a landmark three-month cultural exhibition and dining collaboration, “The Gallery by Odo × Marukome,” running from June 6 through September 4, 2026.
This project unites Chef Hiroki Odo of the two-Michelin-starred restaurant Odo and Marukome, a Japanese miso house founded in 1854, for an unprecedented cultural experience. Here in New York, we invite you to explore the profound appeal of Japanese fermentation culture and miso through three distinct lenses: Taste, Perceive, and Reflect.
Special Exhibition of Rare Heritage Artifacts (June 6 – September 4)
Throughout the duration of the event, the gallery will be open daily for a standing exhibition of rare historical artifacts drawn from Marukome’s own archives. Visitors are invited to up-close "Perceive" 170 years of fermentation history and tradition, including 100-year-old wooden brewing barrels brought directly from Japan, antique brewing tools, and calendars and signage dating back to 1911 (Meiji 44).
We have also prepared a special Obanzai Set that offers an approachable way to experience the program’s theme of fermentation. Through a thoughtfully curated assortment of small dishes, guests will have the opportunity to explore key aspects of Japanese fermentation culture, including the history of miso, the role of koji in developing umami, the natural sweetness created through fermentation, the masking effect that helps balance flavors, and the possibilities of blended miso varieties.
This tasting experience is designed to showcase these concepts in a delicious and engaging way, allowing guests to discover the depth and versatility of fermented ingredients through multiple dishes.
[Registration Open] July 20 Special Workshop & Lunch Session
While the exhibition is open daily, the "Taste" and "Reflect" elements of this collaboration will be offered as a highly special event series in June, July and August.
Led by Shuta Aoki, the fifth-generation head of Marukome and a nationally-certified miso craftsman, this special session combines hands-on learning with an extraordinary culinary experience in a single sitting. (Please note that seats are highly limited and advance reservations are strictly required.)
< June 20 Workshop & Lunch Program >
Learn: Discover the fundamentals of miso and koji, the history of Japanese fermentation culture, and insights informed by the latest research directly from Mr. Aoki.
Touch (Approx. 15 mins): A hands-on experience making your own "samurai ball" (miso ball)—a portable provision once prized by samurai warriors during Japan’s warring-states era. Starting with a classic soybean miso base, participants can freely select their preferred add-ins, allowing for fully customizable combinations suitable for vegetarian and pescatarian diets.
Allergen Notice: The full range of available ingredients for this workshop contains Soy, Fish, Crustacean Shellfish, Sesame, and Wheat. While our team takes the utmost care to prevent cross-contamination, we kindly ask guests with severe food allergies to contact us in advance to discuss accommodations.
Taste (Approx. 60 mins): Following the workshop, savor an exclusive fermentation-themed lunch crafted by Chef Hiroki Odo. Presented in a beautiful, traditional Japanese Gozen (one-tray meal) style, the lunch features five distinct dishes utilizing a special miso co-developed by Marukome exclusively for this occasion. The dining experience will conclude with a special dessert, and all guests will receive an exclusive take-home souvenir.
Event Overview “Miso Mastery — The Magic of Taste, Tradition & Fermentation”
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Price: $130 per person
Capacity: 20 guests
Location: THE GALLERY by Odo
< July Workshop & Lunch Program > TBD
< August Workshop & Lunch Program > TBD
Step into an immersive space where 170 years of inherited Japanese wisdom, the latest research, and cutting-edge culinary arts intersect. We look forward to welcoming you to the exhibition and our exclusive events.
About Odo Hospitality
Odo Hospitality is a constellation of intimate dining and drinking concepts anchored in New York's Flatiron district, created by Chef Hiroki Odo. At its heart is Odo, a two-Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant recognized by The New York Times as one of New York's best, offering a multi-course journey rooted in Japanese tradition and reimagined for the modern era. The Odo universe extends across Odo Lounge, a hidden speakeasy offering premium Japanese mixology; HALL, a convivial neighborhood bar celebrated for its Japanese-influenced burgers and elevated cocktails; THE GALLERY by Odo, an art-forward culinary space pairing elevated Japanese small plates and sake with rotating art exhibitions; and Odo East Village, home to Chef Odo's original "Kaiseki Izakaya" concept blending technical precision with the warmth of a neighborhood izakaya. Rounding out the portfolio are Odo Lab, an evolving platform for culinary innovation and cultural programming, Sushi Muse, a luxury sushi delivery concept, and Odo at Home, a digital boutique offering artisanal tableware and Japanese lifestyle objects. Together, these concepts reflect Chef Odo's abiding commitment to Japanese craft, cross-disciplinary creativity, and quiet luxury.
For more information, visit www.odo.nyc
About THE GALLERY by Odo
Founded by Hiroki Odo in 2021, THE GALLERY by Odo is a hybrid restaurant, cultural venue, and creative space located in New York City’s Flatiron District at 17 West 20th Street. Built on Chef Odo’s lifelong passion for the arts, THE GALLERY regularly hosts exhibitions, culinary collaborations, and curated dining events that highlight cross-disciplinary creativity. Managed in the spirit of Odo’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, the space serves as a platform for innovation in both the culinary and cultural realms. For more information, visit www.odogallery.nyc.
About Marukome
Established in 1854, Marukome is Japan’s leading miso and fermented food producer, with over 170 years of unbroken tradition in the art of Japanese fermentation. As both a custodian of ancient fermentation culture and an innovator driving its future, Marukome collaborates globally to bring the depth and versatility of miso to new audiences and new contexts. This partnership with THE GALLERY by Odo marks Marukome’s debut in New York’s high-end culinary scene.
For more information, visit https://www.marukomeusa.com/