Feature Exhibition

Exploring Art

The Wonders of Japan’s Gods and Goddesses

In Japan, it has long been believed that there are too many gods and goddesses to count. People made offerings to these sacred beings known as “kami,” depicted their forms, and connected them to deities of the Buddhist pantheon. Various beliefs gave rise to the emergence of art and beauty from these activities. This exhibition introduces ways that Japanese have viewed and worshipped their deities through the generations, revealing the wonders of such art and beauty, through hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

Important Cultural Property
Tenjin
(Yokitenman-jinja Shrine, Nara)
Our museum mascots will show you around the exhibition!

Dates

Saturday, July 20th to Sunday, September 1st, 2024

The museum is closed on Mondays, but it will be open on August 5th and August 12th.

*Some works will be rotated during the exhibition.

Venue

The West New Wings of the Nara National Museum

Museum Hours

9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Last entry is thirty minutes before closing.
*From August 5th to 14th, during the Nara Tōkae, the museum will be open until 6:00 p.m.
*On August 15th, during the Chugen Mantoro, museum will be open until 7:00 p.m.
*Museum hours and exhibition periods are subject to change.

Admission

General700 yen
University Students350 yen
  • High School Students and below; those under the age of 18; those 70 and above: free
  • For those bringing along with them a guest who is a high school student or under and/or under the age of 18, please enjoy a 100 yen discount on admission. Likewise, those bringing along a university student can enjoy a 50 yen discount.
  • Admission includes entry to the Feature Exhibition “Masterworks of the SEN-OKU HAKUKOKAN MUSEUM—Sacred Forms Cherished by Sumitomo Shunsui” in the East New Wings and the Exhibitions from the Permanent Collection “Masterpieces of Buddhist Sculpture” and “Chinese Ancient Ritual Bronzes.”   

Organizers:

The Nara National Museum, Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) Nara Station

Through Corporate Partnership with:

DMG MORI Co., Ltd.

With the Cooperation of:

The Nara City Board of Education and the Association of Buddhist Art (Bukkyō Bijutsu Kyōkai)

Featured Items:

Important Cultural Property
The God Tenjin
[Yokitenman-jinja Shrine, Nara]

Kamakura period, 1259 (Shōgen 1)

Lion and Dog Guardians
[Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara]

Kamakura period, 13th–14th century

National Treasure
The Diety Jingūkōgō
One of the Three Shinto Deities of Hachiman
[Yakushi-ji Temple, Nara]

Heian period, 9th century

Important Cultural Property
Biwa Lute with Gilding
[Niutsuhime-jinja Shrine, Wakayama]

Kamakura period, 13th century