Director's Message

The Nara National Museum is located in a corner of Nara Park and surrounded by such ancient complexes as Tôdai-ji Temple, Kôfuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Shrine. The museum, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 1995, has long been deeply involved in the preservation, inventory, and research of Japanese antiquities and archeological artifacts, especially artworks related to Buddhism. Through the years, with the cooperation of temples, shrines, and private collectors, we have organized numerous exhibitions introducing a wealth of outstanding artworks associated with the Buddhist faith and the rich historical and cultural backgrounds in which they were produced. In April 2001, the Nara National Museum-together with the Tokyo and Kyoto National Museums-became semi-privatized, forming one branch of the newly established organization, National Museum. This administrative change should allow us to further enrich our activities and services in the future.

Through the newly redesigned NNM Website, we hope to make it easier to access information about the museum, its collections, and its exhibitions. We especially hope that the site will stimulate interest in Buddhist art among first-time viewers, prompting more people to actually come to the museum to view these magnificent objects in person. Be sure to check the site before you visit for current exhibitions and related activities information.

I hope that your experience with this site deepens your understanding and appreciation of East Asian art. Welcome, and enjoy.

Kenichi Yuyama

Director, Nara National Museum