Beauty Through the Ages: Treasures of the Imperial Collections

2026-11-03 - 2027-01-24

This special exhibition is held to commemorate the grand reopening of the Sannomaru Shozokan, the museum of Japan’s Imperial Collections. In addition to highlights from the museum’s own collection, the exhibition brings together under one roof the Shosoin Treasures, a collection of rare eighth-century artifacts passed down under the protection of the Imperial Family, as well as treasures dedicated to Horyuji Temple, an institution associated with the seventh-century Prince Shotoku. In addition, as this year (2026) marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the Showa era (1926–1989), masterpieces of modern art presented to the Imperial Family between 1868 and 1989 will also be on display. The exhibition period is divided into three rotations, with different works displayed during each. Highlights in the first rotation include a rosewood lute from Shosoin and Ito Jakuchu’s Rising Sun and Phoenix, while the third rotation will showcase the National Treasure Illustrated Account of the Mongol Invasions and Kano Eitoku’s Chinese Lions. The exhibition offers an opportunity to understand the role the Imperial Family has played in shaping Japanese culture and to experience the pinnacle of beauty cultivated by court culture.

Event Information

Dates and hours: November 3, 2026 – January 24, 2027
Rotation One: November 3–23
Rotation Two: November 26 – December 20
Rotation Three: December 23 – January 24
*Please note that each exhibition period will feature a different selection of works.
Closed on Mondays (except November 23 and January 11), November 24 & 25, December 22, December 28–31, January 1–3, and January 12
*Closing days are subject to change.
9:30 – 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Open until 20:00 on Fridays and Saturdays (last entry at 19:30).
Venues: The Museum of the Imperial Collections, Sannomaru Shozokan
1-8 Chiyoda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace)
Fees: General admission 2,500 yen
*Admission is permitted only on the reserved date and time slot. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the venue on the day of your visit.
*Visitors under 23 years of age are admitted free of charge.
*Persons with disabilities and one caregiver are admitted free of charge.
*Visitors eligible for free admission must present valid documentation upon entry, such as a student ID card, complimentary admission ticket, disability certificate/ID, or other proof of eligibility. (Does not apply to elementary school students.)
*Depending on crowding, you may have to wait before being admitted. Even those eligible for free admission (with some exceptions) must make a reservation in advance.