What this is
This major travelling exhibition brings 70 masterpieces from Cologne's Wallraf-Richartz Museum — one of Germany's most important art collections — to Nagoya City Art Museum in autumn 2026. The show traces the revolutionary arc of Impressionism and its aftermath, from the naturalistic Barbizon School through the core Impressionist movement to Post-Impressionism and early 20th-century colorists. Highlights include Van Gogh's celebrated 'The Drawbridge' alongside works by Monet, Renoir, Pissarro, Gauguin, and Matisse, representing 42 artists in total. For Japanese audiences, this is a rare opportunity to encounter the depth of the Wallraf-Richartz collection without travelling to Europe, making it one of the most significant Western art events in the Nagoya region this year.
Who should go
This exhibition is ideal for art lovers, museum regulars, and anyone with an interest in European painting from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The breadth of the show — spanning multiple movements and 42 artists — makes it equally rewarding for casual visitors seeking beautiful paintings and for those with deeper knowledge of art history. Families with older children who have studied Impressionism at school will find it genuinely educational, and the free admission for middle school students and below is a welcome bonus. Arrive on a weekday morning to enjoy the galleries at a relaxed pace before crowds build.
Good to know
Tickets can be purchased in advance via eplus.jp, pia.jp, or at Lawson and other convenience store terminals — convenience store pickup is the most reliable option for visitors without a Japanese address. Nagoya City Art Museum is a mid-sized municipal museum located inside Shirakawa Park, with a calm, well-lit gallery environment suited to this type of travelling exhibition. The venue is seated/standing in the sense that benches are provided in some gallery rooms but the experience is primarily walk-through. Cash is accepted at the door; card payment availability at the box office may be limited, so bring yen to be safe. Arrive at opening time (typically 9:30 or 10:00) on weekdays to avoid school group visits, which tend to arrive mid-morning.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.