Hokusai at Palazzo Bonaparte: the major retrospective in Rome

Hokusai at Palazzo Bonaparte: the major retrospective in Rome

When: from 27 March to 29 June 2026

Where: Palazzo Bonaparte, Piazza Venezia 5, Rome

Palazzo Bonaparte presents a wide-ranging exhibition dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849), a central figure of Edo-period Japanese printmaking and the ukiyo-e tradition. The show brings together prints, drawing albums and everyday objects to trace the artist's creative development and printmaking methods.

What to see

• More than 200 works loaned from the National Museum of Krakow, on display in Italy for the first time.
• Iconic series such as 'Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji' and the famous print 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa'.
• Thematic sequences, landscapes and studies of waterfalls that highlight Hokusai's exploration of movement and nature.
• Hokusai's manga: drawing albums that showcase his range and attention to everyday life.
• Over 180 rare books and objects (lacquerware, cloisonné enamels, costumes, armors, musical instruments) that contextualize his visual production.

Why visit

The exhibition offers more than monumental landscapes: it frames the artist's relationship with nature and everyday details, with a special focus on water as a visual element. Multimedia displays and period photographs provide context on 19th-century Japan and Hokusai's sources of inspiration.

Educational programme

The route is supported by educational materials and audiovisual content designed to explain printmaking techniques and the history of Japanese prints. Dedicated sections explore Hokusai's pupils and his influence on Western art.

Practical information

• Check opening times, ticketing and booking rules on the museum's official website or at the Palazzo Bonaparte ticket office.
• Address: Piazza Venezia 5, 00186 Rome. Verify accessibility and visitor services before attending.
• The exhibition is organised in collaboration with cultural institutions and the National Museum of Krakow.

Note: consult official museum channels for updates on guided tours, related events and admission fees.