Hokusai in Rome: Italy’s Largest Retrospective at Palazzo Bonaparte

Hokusai at Palazzo Bonaparte: exhibition overview

From 27 March 2026, Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome presents the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) ever mounted in Italy. The show brings together more than 200 works from the National Museum of Kraków, including iconic prints such as The Great Wave, the Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji and the Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō, alongside Manga sketchbooks and a wide selection of objects.

Highlights

• Ukiyo-e prints: masterworks that capture nature, landscape and everyday life in Edo-period Japan.
• Manga: series of drawings that reveal Hokusai’s graphic experimentation and inventiveness.
• Artifacts and garments: more than 180 items including kimonos, lacquerware, cloisonné enamels, armor, helmets, swords and traditional musical instruments, providing cultural context.
• Exhibition design: a narrative layout that connects artistic production with daily life and spiritual themes in Hokusai’s work.

Curators, production and partners

The exhibition is curated by Beata Romanowicz with scientific and editorial consultancy by Francesca Villanti. It is produced and organized by Arthemisia with the main partnership of the Fondazione Terzo Pilastro – Internazionale. Institutional patrons underline the exhibition’s role in cultural exchange between Italy and Japan.

Why visit

The retrospective offers a unique chance to explore Hokusai’s influence on modern visual culture, his technical mastery in printmaking and the way he transformed landscape and movement into images that inspired European artists and composers.

Visitor information

• Venue: Palazzo Bonaparte, Rome.
• Start: 27 March 2026.
• Suggested visit time: allow 90–120 minutes to fully appreciate prints, objects and educational displays.
• Accessibility: check venue or organizer channels for disability services and accommodations.
• Tips: book tickets in advance during peak periods; look for guided tours and educational activities to deepen your understanding of techniques and historical context.

This exhibition functions as a cultural bridge between East and West and offers an exceptional opportunity to view artworks and artifacts that illuminate Hokusai’s multifaceted legacy. For the latest practical details on opening hours, tickets and related events, consult the exhibition’s official channels.