Hiroshige
artist of the open road 

Join Chisato Minamimura for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of the Hiroshige: artist of the open road exhibition.  

The first exhibition on Hiroshige to be held at the British Museum, and the first on the artist in London for more than a quarter of a century, this is a visually stunning portrait of a country about to change forever. 

From fashionable figures and energetic city views to remote landscapes and impressions of the natural world, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797–1858) captured many aspects of life in the Japan of his time. Stunning bird-and-flower prints reveal his poetic feeling for nature while his evocative landscapes reflected the growing interest in travel across Japan. Hiroshige portrayed his world sometimes as it was, but often the way he imagined it could be. 

The exhibition features prints, drawings, illustrated books and paintings from the British Museum collection, as well as a significant gift and loan of prints from Alan Medaugh, a major US collector of Hiroshige's work, and other important loans. As well as exploring Hiroshige's incredible body of work, this show considers his global legacy, which spans from Japan's Edo period (1615–1868) through to Vincent van Gogh and contemporary artists such as Julian Opie. 

This event is in BSL only with no interpretation and is part of the public programme supporting Hiroshige: artist of the open road (1 May – 7 September 2025).

Booking information

• Book now to reserve your place.
• Please meet at the Montague Place entrance at 18.00. View the Museum map for more information.
• Carers and Disabled people's companions do not need to book a ticket.
• Assistance dogs are very welcome in the Museum.
• If you have any access requirements or need assistance booking this event please email [email protected] or phone +44 (0)20 7323 8971.