Nara National Museum
MuseumKansai(Nara)
Established: 1895Admission
¥700
Opening Hours
9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Museum devoted to Buddhist art with an extensive collection of sculptures, paintings, and calligraphy.
The Nara National Museum specializes in Buddhist art, housing one of the world's most important collections of Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and ritual objects. The original 1894 Western-style building and the modern Shin Wing by Junzo Yoshimura are set within Nara Park, surrounded by freely roaming deer. The museum's annual Shoso-in Exhibition displays treasures from the 8th-century imperial repository.
Highlights
World-class Buddhist art collection; Annual Shoso-in Exhibition of 8th-century treasures; Historic 1894 Western-style main building; Nara Park setting with free-roaming deer; Buddhist sculpture gallery spanning 1,400 years
Access
15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. Also accessible by Nara Kotsu bus from JR Nara Station to Todaiji-Daibutsuden or Himuro-jinja-Kokuritsu-Hakubutsukan stop.
Tips for Visitors
The Shoso-in Exhibition in late October to early November is extremely popular — visit on weekday mornings to avoid queues. The underground passage connects the main building to the Shin Wing. Deer crackers are available nearby but keep food away from museum entrances.