Hokusai in Rome: Italy's most extensive Hokusai retrospective

Opening 27 March 2026, Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome presents a major monographic exhibition on Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849). The show gathers over 200 works loaned by the National Museum in Kraków, marking their first presentation in Italy.

Highlights

The exhibition maps the artist’s key themes and techniques from the Edo period, showcasing both celebrated prints and less familiar works. Notable highlights include:

• prints from the Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō;
• the iconic Great Wave off Kanagawa and the Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji;
• the inventive Manga albums, which document Hokusai's drawing practices and visual experiments.

Collection and significance

The more than 200 items on display come from the National Museum in Kraków, an institution with strong ties to Japanese collections. This exceptional loan offers Italian audiences a broad view of Hokusai’s output, from popular Ukiyo-e sheets to rare drawings and studies.

Organization and cultural context

The exhibition is realized with national and international partners, with the Fondazione Terzo Pilastro – Internazionale as main partner. It is produced by Arthemisia, curated by Beata Romanowicz with scientific and editorial consultancy by Francesca Villanti. The show is among the flagship events for the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan.

Visitor information

Designed for a wide audience—from enthusiasts of Japanese art to students and professionals—the exhibition benefits from planning: check opening hours, ticketing and visitor rules on the venue's or organizers' official channels before arriving, particularly during peak times.