Guide
Nara, once known as the "Nanto" (Southern Capital), is the birthplace of "Nanto Buddhist Paintings"—exquisite Buddhist art that has been passed down since ancient times. During the Nara period, the international and sophisticated styles of the Tenpyo era graced great temples and set the standard for generations to come. This exhibition is a groundbreaking attempt to trace the history of these sacred paintings alongside a selection of masterpieces.
A major highlight of this event is the homecoming of precious Buddhist paintings from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. This international collaboration, which took approximately 20 years to realize, brings together the premier collections of both the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the Nara National Museum. Visitors can also experience the profound history of the region through the paintings and sculptures that once adorned the famous Uchiyama Eiju-ji temple.
The most captivating aspect of this exhibition is the fusion of world-class collections. It offers a rare opportunity to see the treasures of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and the masterpieces of the Nara National Museum side by side.
The exhibition runs from July 18, 2026, to September 13, 2026. The display is divided into two distinct periods:
The exhibition is held at the East and West New Buildings of the Nara National Museum.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Nara National Museum (East and West New Buildings) |
【Access】
This is a highly significant international collaboration with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Since the exhibition is split into a "First Period" and a "Second Period," we recommend checking the official website in advance to see which specific masterpieces are on display during your visit.