The Nara National Museum is currently hosting a special exhibition called "A Journey of World Exploration - A Heritage of Beauty and Wonders," where visitors can experience a magnificent journey that transcends time and space. The exhibition will run until Tuesday, September 9rd (national holiday).
Head of Gudea, Iraq, BC2100Around the year Tenri University Reference Library
This exhibition, planned to commemorate the 130th anniversary of the opening of Nara National Museum and the 100th anniversary of the founding of Tenri University, explores approximately 220 years of human history through approximately 6000 masterpieces, mainly archaeological and ethnographic materials.
Kasai enshrined tomb beast China Tang (8century) Tenri University Reference Library
The core of the exhibition is a collection of carefully selected materials from the Tenri Reference Museum, attached to Tenri University, which boasts a vast collection of 30 items. In addition to valuable items related to faiths from around the world, views of the afterlife, and the lifestyles and culture of the now-lost 20th century, the exhibition also features masterpieces of Buddhist art from the Nara National Museum, creating a magnificent and mysterious exhibition space.
Warrior's Honor Courtesy Canada 20Mid-century Tenri University Reference Library
Beijing sign (real sign) Hat shop China 20First half of the century Tenri University Reference Library
The exhibition is divided into three chapters: "A World Where Civilizations Intersect," "Gods and the Mysterious World," and "Memories of the 20th Century." Artworks from different eras and regions, such as a statue of a Sumerian king, a ceremonial mask from Papua New Guinea, a Canadian warrior's crown of honor, and a street sign from Beijing, China, offer the experience of traveling around the world.
Shadow puppetry Wayang Kulit puppets, Java, Indonesia 1840Tenri University Reference Library
Among the exhibits are rare works that can only be seen at the Tenri Sankokan Museum, as well as works that are being shown for the first time. Another unique feature of this exhibition is the unusual style in which all exhibits can be photographed. Actor Takao Osawa will be providing the audio guide, guiding visitors through the world of the works from a traveler's perspective.
Gold headdress, human face, estimated to be from the Inca Empire in Bolivia (15~16century) Tenri University Reference Library
Furthermore, the special "Mysterious Hour" event, which was previously only held on certain days and times, will now be held on a permanent basis due to popular demand. In an immersive space created by lighting and digital effects that differ from the regular exhibition, visitors can experience a world of fantasy and wonder in a more immersive way.
Spirit Mask "Kovave" Papua New Guinea, New Guinea Island 20First half of the century Tenri University Reference Library
This summer, why not embark on a journey of world exploration that transcends time and space?
◆Nara National Museum opens130Founding of Tenri University100AnniversarySpecial Exhibition "World Exploration Journey" -A heritage of beauty and wonder-'[Dates] Now on until Tuesday, September 2025, 9 (National Holiday)
[Venue] Nara National Museum East and West Wings
[Time] 9:30am - 17pm (August 8th - 5th and Saturdays until 15pm)
[Closed] Every Monday (except September 9th and September 15nd) and September 9th (Tuesday)
[Admission fee] Adults 1,800 yen, high school and university students 1,300 yen, junior high school students and younger free
