Tokyo National Museum

About Tokyo National Museum

The Tokyo National Museum (TNM) serves as a testament to Japan’s commitment to preserving its heritage. As the oldest national museum in Japan, it is a significant art museum with a vast collection that covers Japanese history from prehistoric times to the Edo period (1603-1868). The TNM presents a wide range of historical artifacts, such as sculptures, swords, and lacquerware, and has a special emphasis on Asian art, including Greco-Buddhist art from the Silk Road.

The Honkan, or Japanese Gallery, is the centerpiece of the museum, with 24 exhibition rooms filled with Japanese art forms and cultural artifacts. Reconstructed in 1931 following the Great Kanto earthquake, the Honkan building is a fusion of Japanese and Western design and has been recognized as an Important Cultural Property.

With more than its indoor exhibits, the museum’s outdoor exhibitions and garden provide a scenic setting that enhances the visitor experience. The TNM also contributes to research and education, organizing various public events focused on art and culture.

The museum complex encompasses several buildings, each dedicated to different aspects of art and history. The Toyokan focuses on art from across Asia, the Heiseikan is used for special exhibitions and archaeological displays, the Horyuji Homotsukan displays treasures from the Horyuji temple, and the Kuroda Memorial Hall is dedicated to the works of artist Kuroda Seiki.

As a part of Japan’s National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, the Tokyo National Museum has grown in alignment with the nation’s cultural policies. It has transitioned from a past that included natural history to its present role as a custodian of Japan’s cultural legacy, making it a key destination for those interested in the art and culture of Japan and Asia.