Announcing the Annual Exhibition Schedule for the Ancient Orient Museum in 2026

Located in the vibrant Sunshine City of Ikebukuro, Tokyo, the Ancient Orient Museum, under the directorship of Makiko Tsumura, is excited to share its exhibition schedule for the year 2026. Visitors can look forward to a variety of special exhibitions and events that will not only showcase the rich history and culture of the ancient Orient but also engage visitors of all ages.

Ongoing Exhibition: "Time Slip! The World of the Ancient Orient"

Dates: Ongoing until June 14 (Sunday)
This exhibition is divided into several sections: "Excavations in Syria," "The Oldest Orient," "Ancient Mesopotamia," "Culture of Ancient Egypt," and "Cultural Exchange between East and West." The exhibition aims to make the ancient Orient accessible and engaging through visual displays and interactive experience areas. Special guided talks by the museum's researchers are also popular, providing deeper insights into the displayed materials. For dates and further details on the talks, please visit the museum's website here.

Golden Week Special Program: "Oriental Museum Special Week - Touch and Enjoy!"

Dates: April 25 (Saturday) to May 6 (Wednesday)
This special event includes hands-on quizzes featuring replicas of exhibits and opportunities to engage in pottery restoration puzzles. It is a unique experience designed for everyone, from children to adults, encouraging them to physically interact with the artifacts and immerse themselves in the rich historical culture of the ancient Orient.

Summer Special Exhibition: "Architecture and Urban Development in the Ancient Orient - Explore Through Models!"

Dates: July 4 (Saturday) to September 6 (Sunday)
The museum will showcase over 30 models it has produced of notable structures, including the cityscape of Uruk and the palace of Persepolis. Alongside genuine artifacts, the exhibition will provide a comprehensive overview of the history of architecture, encompassing residences, graves, and production sites in the context of urban planning during one of the world's oldest civilizations.

Autumn Special Exhibition: "From the Ancient Orient to Iwami Silver Mine - The World Shaped by Silver"

Dates: September 19 (Saturday) to December 6 (Sunday)
This exhibition will explore the significant role silver has played throughout human history, transitioning from a measure of value to currency, linking regions together. The narrative extends to Japan's Iwami Silver Mine, a site that flourished during the early modern period and significantly influenced the global economy. Visitors will encounter silver artifacts, containers, coins, and items connected to Iwami.

New Year's Corner Display: "Zodiac Exhibition: Year of the Sheep"

Dates: January 4 (Monday) to February 3 (Wednesday), 2027
In line with the Chinese zodiac, this display will feature artifacts related to sheep from the museum's collection.

Focus Exhibition: "Movement and Exchange in the Islamic Era - From Waseda University's Research Materials"

Dates: January 9 (Saturday) to March 7 (Sunday), 2027
This exhibition will highlight archaeological research conducted by Waseda University in the Middle East and the Islamic world since the 1970s, concentrating on the cultural exchanges and movements of people and goods during the Islamic era through artifacts excavated from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

About the Ancient Orient Museum

Founded on October 5, 1978, coinciding with the grand opening of Sunshine City, the Ancient Orient Museum is Japan's first dedicated museum focused on ancient civilizations from West Asia and Egypt. The museum was inspired by a journey in 1973 led by Hiroki Imaizumi, who, alongside notable figures such as writer Yasushi Inoue and Professor Emeritus Haruo Egami, aimed to promote awareness of the ancient Orient in Japan.

The museum is committed to becoming a universal museum accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. Regular family-friendly events, guided tours for the visually impaired, and inclusive resources like sign language videos are available. For more information, please visit our website: Accessibility Information.

Practical Information

- Location: 7th Floor, Sunshine City Cultural Center, 3-1-4 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
- Contact: +81-3-3989-3491
- Admission Fees: Vary by exhibition

Please note that there may be changes to the schedule, exhibitions, and hours of operation depending on circumstances.