Opened in 1895 (Meiji 28) as Japan’s second national museum, the Nara National Museum houses numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, including Buddhist sculptures and paintings, with a focus on Japanese Buddhist art from the Asuka through Kamakura periods. Located in a peaceful corner of Nara Park surrounded by Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, Kasugataisha Shrine, and other historic sites, the museum offers visitors an opportunity to learn about Buddhist art and the rich history and culture behind it.
Selections from the museum’s collection are displayed year-round in a rotating exhibition titled “Masterpieces from the Museum Collection.” The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall exhibits approximately 100 Buddhist sculptures. One of the most extensive exhibitions of Buddhist sculpture in Japan, it offers a close look at the exceptional craftsmanship and intricate details of each work. The elegant building is designated an Important Cultural Property as an outstanding example of Western-style architecture from the mid-Meiji period.
One of the museum’s main attractions is the annual Shosoin Exhibition held each fall. The special exhibition presents a selection of treasures preserved in the Shosoin, formerly a storehouse of Todaiji Temple, including cherished possessions of Emperor Shomu. Different objects are selected each year from a collection of approximately 9,000 treasures based on the exhibition’s theme, offering something new to discover with every visit.
In addition to a museum shop and restaurant, the museum is home to the Buddhist Art Library, which holds a wide range of research materials. Members of the public may use the library on Wednesdays and Fridays by advance reservation (as of August 2021). Guided tours of the exhibitions and facilities, as well as various events and workshops, are also offered on an irregular basis. Some programs may currently be suspended, so check the official website for the latest information.
The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall will be closed from September 14, 2026, until around spring 2028.
Highlights
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Houses one of Japan’s leading collections of Buddhist art.
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Located in a peaceful corner of Nara Park, where visitors can explore the appeal of Buddhist art at a relaxed pace.
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The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall is designated an Important Cultural Property as an outstanding example of Western-style architecture from the mid-Meiji period.
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The annual Shosoin Exhibition, held each fall, displays treasures from the Shosoin that are not normally open to the public.
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