Hokusai in Rome: Major Retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte

Palazzo Bonaparte hosts a major monographic exhibition dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai, the master of ukiyo-e, with more than 200 works loaned from the National Museum in Kraków. The show pairs original prints, sketch albums and period objects with immersive installations that turn looking into a multisensory experience.

Highlights

• The Great Wave off Kanagawa and the iconic "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji";
• original sketch albums and manga that reveal Hokusai's creative process;
• woodblock prints and Edo-period materials illustrating daily life and nature;
• immersive displays and interactive stations designed to introduce visitors to ukiyo-e techniques;
• hands-on activities and a small workshop where visitors can create a free souvenir of their visit.

Why visit

The exhibition allows visitors to see rare historical works in an accessible layout: the dialogue between original pieces and multimedia installations clarifies themes such as image narration, the depiction of nature and Hokusai's influence on Western art.

Practical information

• Dates: 27 March 2026 – 29 June 2026
• Venue: Palazzo Bonaparte, Piazza Venezia 5, 00186 Rome, Italy
• Info & bookings phone: +39 06 87 15 111
• Official website: mostrepalazzobonaparte.it

Opening hours and tickets

• Opening hours: Mon–Thu 09:00–19:30; Fri–Sun 09:00–21:00 (ticket office closes one hour earlier)
• Tickets: standard ticket approx. €17; reduced approx. €16. Open tickets and concessions for students and seniors are available.

Curatorship and loans

The works on display come from the National Museum in Kraków. The international loan and curatorial programme highlight Hokusai's role as a cultural bridge between East and West. International curators and partner institutions contributed to the exhibition design and educational programme.

Visitor tips

• Arrive early at weekends to avoid queues;
• set aside at least 90 minutes to experience both the prints and the immersive installations;
• check the official website for special openings or additional activities such as guided tours and workshops.

This exhibition is a rare chance to explore Hokusai's work in depth—from his best-known woodblocks to the materials that reveal his artistic method—offering a timeless encounter with waves, mountains and figures that still speak to contemporary audiences.