Mar. 9 [Press Preview] Tokyo National Museum Groundbreaking Updates to the Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures
The National Center for the Promotion of Cultural Properties (CPCP) and the Tokyo National Museum (TNM) are pleased to announce groundbreaking updates to the Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures. An all new lineup of interactive exhibits is slated to launch March 10, 2026.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures houses sacred Buddhist works of art. The Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures opened on its mezzanine floor in January 2023 to give visitors the chance to explore treasures too fragile to be placed on permanent display. Since its inception, the digital gallery has been innovating new ways to appreciate the Horyuji Treasures, using interactive content and theoretical reconstructions to bring history to life.
In March, the gallery will feature two new immersive exhibits titled “Digital Wall: Tap to Explore the Horyuji Treasures” and “Digital Book: Flip through the Illustrated Catalogue of Treasures.” These offer the most interactive experiences yet to explore the highlights of the Horyuji Treasures in the TNM collection.
The new displays are equipped with intuitive interfaces that respond to visitors’ gestures, ensuring even first-time visitors unfamiliar with Japanese art and the Horyuji Treasures can enjoy them. Designed with inclusivity in mind, the exhibits are accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchair users and children. Digital content is available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean.
You are cordially invited to attend the following press preview. The preview will be held in English with interpretation available as needed. We eagerly await your participation and hope to see the gallery featured in your outlet.
Event Overview
•Date & Time: March, 9, 2026 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Reception: 1:30 p.m.– | 2:30 p.m.– * Two sessions
•Reception: First-floor entrance, Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, Tokyo National Museum
•Venue: Tokyo National Museum
Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (Mezzanine Floor) and Exhibition Rooms (1st and 2nd floors)
* Please enter through the Kuromon (Black gate).
•Schedule
* Two sessions limited to 30 people each. The program is the same for both sessions.
[1] 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
[2] 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
•Program (Times Are Approximate)
– Greeting and overview of new exhibits in the Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures —5 min. First-floor lobby
– Brief description of building architecture and collection —5 min. First-floor lobby
– Guided tour of gallery highlights —20 min. Exhibition rooms (1st and 2nd floor)
– Introduction and demonstration of the two new digital exhibits —10 min. Mezzanine level
– Opportunity for individual questions, free viewing, and photography —30 min.
* Schedule and event details in this invitation may change without notice if unexpected circumstances arise.
* Light refreshments of Japanese tea and traditional sweets will be served at the end of the press preview.
Please Note
•Advance registration is required. Please be sure to register in advance if you wish to attend.
•Registration may end early if capacity is reached for both sessions (30 participants x 2). Attendees may be asked to join a different session. Thank you for your understanding.
•Please use pencils in the galleries to protect the artworks (no pens or mechanical pencils).
•Tripods, stepladders, and lighting equipment are not permitted. Please follow the photography guidelines we pass out on the day of the event. Contact the PR Office if you wish to read the guidelines in advance.
•Only the Gallery of Horyuji Treasures is accessible at the Tokyo National Museum on March 9.
Registration
Please apply via the registration form by noon on Friday, March 6, if you would like to attend.
https://forms.gle/7SHXbELJmhZ3bJsu8
Press Materials
Press Materials are available for download at the link below.
https://service.press-camp.jp/pcamp/event/763
*User registration required only for the first time.
*Download period: Until the end of March 2026.
Media Contact
The Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, PR Office for the Gallery’s Reopening
E-mail: digitalhoryuji2026@ypcpr.com
Photos (from the left)
1. Conceptual Rendering of the New Exhibition Space in the Digital Gallery of Horyuji
2. New Digital Gallery of Horyuji Treasures Logo
3. Zoom in on the digital wall (Pre-production model)
4. Tactile wall reliefs (Prototype shown)
5. Interactive digital book display (Pre-production model)
6. Reproduction of Gigaku Mask: Gojo. 2019. Tokyo National Museum
7. Reproduction of Gigaku Costume (Mo). 2020. Tokyo National Museum
8. Reproduction of Gigaku Mask: Karura. 2019. Tokyo National Museum
9. Reproduction of Gigaku Costume (Ho). 2021. Tokyo National Museum.
10. Exterior View, Gallery of Horyuji Treasures, TNM
