Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum, National museum in Nara Park, Japan
Description
The Nara National Museum is a national museum in Nara Park, Japan, specializing in Buddhist art and craft. Its four buildings combine Western architecture in French Renaissance style with modern extensions made of concrete and glass.
History
The museum opened in 1889 as an imperial institution to protect and preserve religious objects during the Meiji Restoration. Later, the collection shifted to state administration and opened its doors permanently to the general public.
Culture
The building is often called Nara-Haku, a shortened form of its Japanese name used by locals and visitors. Inside the permanent galleries, Bodhisattva figures and temple relics take center stage, showing the influence of Buddhism on the region.
Practical
A 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station leads through the park directly to the entrance. Alternatively, several bus lines stop nearby, so you can reach the site comfortably even in the rain.
Did you know?
Every autumn, a temporary exhibition displays objects from the Shoso-in repository, which normally remains closed to the public. This special show lasts only 17 days and draws visitors from across the country.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Nara).
Shigisan Engi Emaki
0 m
Himuro Shrine
166 m
Extermination of Evil
156 m
Hell Scroll
156 m
Nara National Museum
186 m
Yoshiki-en
186 m
Nara National Museum Buddhist Art Library
283 m
Isuien Garden
241 m
Hue of the Water, Light on the Peaks
156 m絹本著色十一面観音像
156 m
Deer Hide Patterned with Grapevine Arabesques
156 m金剛般若経開題残巻〈弘法大師筆／（三十八行）〉
156 m紫紙金字金光明最勝王経
156 m刺繍釈迦如来説法図
156 m牛皮華鬘
156 m越中国射水郡鳴戸村墾田図（麻布）
156 m日本書記巻第十残巻
156 m蓮唐草蒔絵経箱
156 m木造薬師如来坐像
156 m伝教大師筆尺牘〈弘仁四年十一月廿五日／〉
156 m鉄宝塔
156 mHōkyō-in Stupa
78 m後園
248 m苔の庭
184 m茶花の庭
153 m依水園
244 m春日東塔跡
99 m春日西塔跡
96 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes