Hiroshige
artist of the open road

Join the exhibition curators of Hiroshige: artist of the open road to explore one of Japan's most talented, prolific and popular artists.

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.

Booking information

• This event is open to all Patron Circles. To book your place, please email [email protected] and we'll be in touch via email to confirm your booking.
• Please meet at the Main entrance on Great Russell Street. View the Museum map for more information.