Ryukoku Museum to Host Special Exhibition 'Sacred Monsters in Buddhist Art'!

Ryukoku University's Ryukoku Museum and the Kyoto Shimbun will co-host the special exhibition 'Sacred Monsters in Buddhist Art,' part of the series 'Buddhist Thought and Culture: From India to Japan,' from July 11 (Sat) to August 16 (Sun), 2026, at the Ryukoku Museum (Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City).

Buddhist art often features unusual creatures that accompany the Buddha and deities. Stories from Buddhist scriptures tell of nagas (great serpents) protecting the Buddha from storms and demons listening attentively to sermons. This exhibition focuses on these enigmatic yet revered 'sacred monsters'—the unsung supporting figures that enrich Buddhist art across diverse regions from India to Japan.

■ Main Exhibits

For detailed exhibit information, press image applications, and downloads, please visit:

[ArtPR] https://www.artpr.jp/ryukoku-museum/sacred-monsters-in-buddhist-art

※ For media and press only
※ Free membership registration required

Arhat Figures (1 of 6) – Japan, Nanboku-chō period, 14th century – Kōjō-in, Kyoto

Sixteen Arhats (1 of 3) – Japan, Kamakura period, 13th–14th century – Gekkai-in, Kyoto

Sixteen Arhats (1 of 3) – China, Ming dynasty, 16th–17th century – Hōtō-ji, Kyoto

Illustrated Life of the Buddha by Katsushika Hokusai – Japan, Edo period, 1845 – Ryukoku University

Lion Statue – Gandhara, 2nd–4th century – Ryukoku University

Buddha's Life Relief 'Bathing the Buddha' – Gandhara, 2nd–3rd century – Ryukoku University

Naga and Nagi in Music and Dance – Gandhara, 2nd–3rd century – Ryukoku University

Cetus Statue – Gandhara, 2nd–3rd century – Ryukoku University

Wheel of Life Depicting Five Realms – Nepal, 19th–20th century – Ryukoku University

Seated Buddha on a Naga – Cambodia, 12th–13th century – Ryukoku University

■ Exhibition Overview

1. Title:
Series Exhibition 'Buddhist Thought and Culture: From India to Japan' – Special Exhibition: Sacred Monsters in Buddhist Art

2. Dates:
July 11 (Sat), 2026 – August 16 (Sun), 2026

3. Closed:
Mondays and Tuesday, July 21 (except Monday, July 20, a national holiday, will be open)

4. Hours:
10:00–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)

5. Venue:
Ryukoku University Ryukoku Museum, Horikawa-dori Shomen-agaru, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City (in front of Nishi Hongan-ji Temple)

6. Organizers:
Ryukoku University Ryukoku Museum, Kyoto Shimbun

7. Admission Fees:
General: 800 JPY (600 JPY advance/group of 20+)
Senior (65+): 600 JPY (500 JPY)
University Students: 500 JPY (400 JPY)
High School Students: 400 JPY (300 JPY)
Junior High and younger: Free

※ Seniors aged 65 and above

※ Prices in parentheses are for advance tickets and groups of 20 or more

※ Admission is free for individuals with a disability certificate and one accompanying caregiver
(Please present your certificate or Mirairo ID at reception)

◎ Official Online Tickets (ARTIX)
https://www.artix.jp/the-thought-and-culture-of-buddhism202607

8. Notes:
For the latest information, please visit the Ryukoku Museum website:
https://museum.ryukoku.ac.jp

■ Related Events

◆ Special Talk

Museum curators will explain highlights of the exhibition in a lecture room.

Dates: July 18 (Sat), August 8 (Sat) 13:30–14:15

Venue: Room 101, Ryukoku Museum

※ No prior registration required / Free admission / First 50 attendees / Exhibition ticket required (half-ticket after visit accepted)

◆ Special Lecture: 'Sacred Monsters Beside the Arhats' (Tentative)

Date: July 26 (Sun) 13:30–14:15

Speaker: Dr. Tomoko Iwata (Professor, Faculty of Letters, Ryukoku University; Former Curator, Ryukoku Museum)

Venue: Room 101, Ryukoku Museum

※ Prior registration required / Free admission / First 50 attendees / Exhibition ticket required (half-ticket after visit accepted)

◆ Viewing Program: 'Challenge from the Sacred Monsters'

Answer quiz challenges sent by the sacred monsters and earn your 'Monster Master Certificate'!

Available throughout the exhibition period.

※ No prior registration required / Free participation / Exhibition ticket required on the day

※ For details on each event, please visit the Ryukoku Museum website.

■ Inquiries

Ryukoku University Ryukoku Museum

Tel: 075-351-2500

Email: ryumuse@ad.ryukoku.ac.jp

Website: https://museum.ryukoku.ac.jp