Nara National Museum
Area
Category
The treasure trove of Buddhist art hosts the "Shosoin Exhibition" every autumn.
※Unauthorized reproduction of images on this page is prohibited
Many masterpieces of Buddhist art, including Buddhist sculptures and paintings, are on display, and the Nara Buddhist Temple has nearly 100 Buddhist statues on permanent display.
The New Building hosts special exhibitions approximately twice a year. Notably, the autumn Shosoin Exhibition draws many fans from across the country.
The Main Building, completed in 1894 and designed by Katayama Tokuma, who also worked on Akasaka Palace (State Guest House), is designated an Important Cultural Property as a representative example of Western-style architecture from the Meiji period.
Related articles
- Why are there deer in Nara Park? Learn how to interact with them, tourist etiquette, and historical background.
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/deer
- Nara for first-timers - a thorough guide to Nara City, from history, highlights, and the popular, to hidden gems! Recommended sightseeing spots, gourmet food, access information, and more.
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narashi
- Find out all about the attractions of Nara Park, from recommended ways to go around it, to the gourmet highlights and accommodations nearby.
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/feature/narapark
Related itineraries
- Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to enjoy Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka to the fullest
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_13.html
- Itinerary for 3 days and 2 nights to visit Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and Nara/Kyoto
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_17.html
- Walking around World Heritage Sites in Nara to Fully Enjoy Its Attractive Features
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_28.html
- A Daytime Trip to the “Treasured Buddhas” & Nara’s High-Grade Sake
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_39.html
- Enjoy the Charms of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and Nara: A 2-Day, 1-Night Model Course Walking Through World Heritage Sites
- https://narashikanko.or.jp/en/course/detail_46.html
General Information
- Address
- 50 Noborioji-cho, Nara 630-8213, Nara City, Nara
- contact details
- NTT Hello Dial: +81-50-5542-8600
- Times
- 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
*Hours may be extended for special exhibitions and other events. Please check the official website for details. - Closed
- ・Mondays (Or the following day on weeks in which Monday is a public holiday. In cases of consecutive holidays, the museum remains open and closes the day after they end.)
・December 28 - January 1 - Access
- 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station , walking east along Nobori-oji Road. Accessible by bus from both JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station on the City Outer Loop Bus (Number 2); Right in front of "Himuro-jinja/Kokuritsu Hakubutsu-kan" bus stop.
- Car Park
- Not available
- Admission/Worship Fees (Individual)
- Special Exhibitions of famous pieces, Special Collections
Adults: 700 yen
University Students: 350 yen
High School Students: Free
Middle School Students: Free
Elementary School Students: Free
Special Exhibitions & Collaborative Exhibitions entry fees will vary depending on the event. - Discount for Persons with Disabilities
- Free entry (for the visitors with disabilities and the same number of guardians/companions) upon presentation of Nara citizens with disabilities booklet, rehabilitation booklet, or mental disability health & welfare booklet.
- Senior Discount
- Free entry for visitors aged 70 years of older. (Proof of age is requried) *Does not apply to special exhibitions
- Events
- Special Exhibition of the Treasures of Shoso-in Temple: Late-October-Early November (Planned dates)
- Website
