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National Museum of Western Art's 2026 Exhibition Schedule

The National Museum of Western Art, located in Ueno Park, Taito, Tokyo, has been the sole national art museum dedicated to Western art since its opening in 1959. As the world gradually opens up, the museum is eager to showcase a vibrant lineup of exhibitions in 2026 that are set to captivate a wide array of audiences.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Exhibition Schedule

The highlights of the upcoming year include a major retrospective of Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, one of Lithuania's most celebrated artists, and a special exhibition showcasing Katsushika Hokusai's iconic Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji from the Inui Collection. This array promises to provide a rich experience for art lovers, highlighting masterpieces from different epochs and styles and firmly establishing the museum as a cultural beacon.

1. Čiurlionis Exhibition: The Inner Star Map

• - Duration: March 28 – June 14, 2026
• - Venue: Special Exhibition Room B2
• - Organizers: National Museum of Western Art, Yomiuri Shimbun, M.K. Čiurlionis National Museum of Art

This exhibition features approximately 80 works of the Lithuanian artist Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, including paintings, prints, and sketches. Čiurlionis's work, originating from the turn of the 20th century, is pivotal in understanding Lithuania's cultural heritage, as it emerged during a time of national liberation against the backdrop of the Russian Empire. The collection showcases the bridge between symbolism and abstraction, underscoring Čiurlionis’s dual talents as a composer and a painter. This will mark the first comprehensive retrospective of his work in Japan for 34 years, making it a not-to-be-missed event.

2. Hokusai's Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji

• - Duration: March 28 – June 14, 2026
• - Venue: Special Exhibition Room B3
• - Organizers: National Museum of Western Art, Yomiuri Shimbun

Katsushika Hokusai, known for his innovative compositions and remarkable expressiveness, profoundly influenced not only Japanese art but also Western art movements, particularly Impressionism. This exhibition will present the full series of 46 prints from Hokusai’s iconic Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji (1830–33), including rare editions such as the “blue Fuji” and exceptional impressions of the much-admired “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”. This is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated works of Japanese art alongside the museum’s vast Western art collection.

3. Rembrandt: Challenge, Continuity, Impact

• - Duration: July 7 – September 23, 2026
• - Venue: Special Exhibition Room
• - Organizers: National Museum of Western Art, Rembrandt House Museum

This exhibition will explore Rembrandt's innovative etching technique and his artistic challenges through a collaboration between the National Museum and the Rembrandt House Museum. The exhibition includes over 20 key pieces and investigates the significant impact of his prints within European art and literature across centuries.

4. Turner Exhibition: Sublime Painting and Dialogue with Contemporary Art

• - Duration: October 24, 2026 – February 21, 2027
• - Venue: Special Exhibition Room
• - Organizers: National Museum of Western Art, Tate Museum

An exhibition featuring more than 80 pieces from the Tate's extensive Turner collection will take place, showcasing themes surrounding the sublime and modern art's interaction with Turner's landscape explorations. Visitors will appreciate the evolution of nature depicted through the artist's innovative techniques and his lasting influence on future generations of artists.

Special Small Exhibitions

In addition to major exhibitions, the museum plans smaller exhibits tackling various themes, such as the evolution of the artist's image in Western prints from Dürer to Picasso and the exploration of myth and festivities in Italian court culture from the Renaissance to Baroque.

Educational and Community Engagement Initiatives

To foster a deeper relationship with art, the museum continues its educational programs and community outreach. The “Kawasaki Free Sunday” initiative allows visitors free access to the museum, while thematic events are scheduled throughout the year to enhance visitor experiences.

Conclusion

The National Museum of Western Art is set to embark on a robust 2026 exhibition program that engages with diverse artistic expressions and serves as a platform for cultural dialogue. Don’t miss out on these remarkable exhibitions that promise to enrich the understanding and appreciation of Western art.

For additional details regarding ticketing, schedules, and events, please visit the museum's official website at National Museum of Western Art.