Full Power! Ninety Years of Treasures

For ninety years, the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts has quietly safeguarded some of the most important artworks in its collection. From April 25 through June 21, 2026, visitors have a rare opportunity to see many of those treasures gathered together under one roof. Created as the museum’s official 90th Anniversary Special Exhibition, Full Power! The Tale of the Treasure transforms the institution’s remarkable collection into a journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

The timing could hardly be more significant. After undergoing a major renovation and reopening in 2025 following approximately two and a half years of closure, the museum is using its 90th anniversary to showcase the works that define its identity. Approximately 200 pieces from the museum’s collection and important long-term deposits come together to tell the story of the institution itself. Paintings, scrolls, ceramics, religious art, decorative objects, and cultural treasures reveal how the museum built one of western Japan’s most significant collections and why those works continue to resonate today.

Among the highlights are Important Cultural Properties such as Ming Fei Chu Sai Zu and Butsu Nehan Zu, alongside celebrated works including Hyakki Yagyō Emaki and Uemura Shōen’s elegant Late Autumn. Chinese ceramics, decorative arts, paintings, scrolls, and religious works demonstrate the extraordinary breadth of the museum’s holdings. Visitors move from legendary figures and Buddhist imagery to seasonal landscapes and centuries-old masterpieces that rarely appear together within a single exhibition.

The exhibition’s title, Full Power!, reflects the celebratory mood. Rather than focusing on a single artist or period, the museum has assembled a sweeping survey of the treasures that have shaped its history. The exhibition explores not only the artworks themselves but also the stories behind their acquisition, preservation, and significance to Osaka’s cultural heritage. It is both a celebration of the collection and a reflection on the museum’s role in the city since opening in 1936.

Visitors returning during the final weeks of the exhibition may discover works that were not displayed earlier in the run. The exhibition is divided into two presentation periods, with certain pieces rotated between the first half (April 25–May 24) and second half (May 26–June 21). This approach allows the museum to display a broader selection of fragile and historically important works while helping preserve them for future generations. As part of the anniversary celebrations, the museum will also host a Family Day interactive viewing program on June 14, giving children and parents an opportunity to explore selected works together through guided discussion.

The location makes it easy to turn a museum visit into a full day in Tennoji. After exploring the galleries, visitors can stroll through Tennoji Park, visit nearby Abeno Harukas, browse the shops around Tennoji Station, or continue on to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku. Few exhibitions offer such a convenient combination of culture, history, and urban exploration.

For longtime museum supporters, Full Power! The Tale of the Treasure serves as a celebration of ninety years of collecting, preserving, and sharing art with the public. For first-time visitors, it may be the perfect introduction to the newly renewed Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts. Either way, this anniversary exhibition offers one of the most significant opportunities of 2026 to experience the artistic treasures that have shaped Osaka’s cultural landscape for nearly a century.

Ninety Years On – Celebrate the museum’s 90th anniversary with a landmark exhibition spanning centuries of art.

Freshly Reopened – Experience the museum following its major renovation and 2025 reopening.

Two Hundred Treasures – Explore approximately 200 works drawn from the museum’s collection and important deposits.

Masterpieces Gathered – See Important Cultural Properties, famous scrolls, paintings, ceramics, and decorative arts together.

A Day in Tennoji – Combine the exhibition with Tennoji Park, Abeno Harukas, Shinsekai, and more.

Photos: Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts official website