The Tokyo National Museum in Ueno is celebrating its 150th anniversary with free entry to its regular exhibitions for five days from July 20 to July 24. You can admire the cultural institution’s vast collection including colourful faceted glassware made during the Meiji period (1868-1912), a two-panel folding screen from the 16th century by Sesson Shukei depicting the Daoist immortals Gama and Tekkai, the six-fold screen ‘Horses at Pasture’ by Tohaku Hasegawa from the 16th century, and more.
For the Grand Kids Day on Sunday July 24, junior high school students and younger children can join a number of workshops and events. At 10.30am, 12noon, 2pm and 3.30pm, they can enjoy kamishibai picture story shows (in Japanese only) with tales based on the museum’s artworks, as well as taiko drum and rakugo (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) workshops at 11am and 1.30pm. Throughout the day, kids can draw their favourite artworks or artefacts they’ve seen in the museum. The 150 best entries will be printed as special tickets to commemorate the museum’s 150th anniversary.
The museum is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.30pm).