Enjoy Art!

The National Center for Art Research (NCAR) carries out a wide range of initiatives to help many people encounter and enjoy art.
On this “Introduction to Art!” page, we highlight various art‑related projects, featuring exhibitions and artists supported by NCAR, along with many other initiatives.

Let’s Go to a Museum!

100 Selections of Contemporary Art

At the National Center for Art Research (NCAR), we introduce outstanding works of contemporary art—masterpieces that should be passed on to future generations—together with museums across Japan, as part of the “100 Selections of Contemporary Art” initiative.
The selections are organized in various ways, such as by theme or by period, allowing visitors to explore contemporary art from multiple perspectives.

We invite you to check whether any of the “100 Selections” works are on view at a museum near you.

100 Selections of Contemporary Art

Exhibition Information: Collection Plus & Collection Dialogue

The National Art Museums and the National Center for Art Research (NCAR) collaborate with museums and related institutions across Japan on two partnership projects that make active use of the National Art Museums’ collections.
You may even find works from the National Art Museums on display at a museum in your own region.

--There are no exhibitions currently being held. Contains information on past exhibitions.--

The National Museum of Art Cooperative Program

Recommended Masterpieces

The series “Recommended Masterpieces” invites museum staff from across Japan to introduce one selected work from their collections that they especially hope visitors will enjoy.
The featured works are diverse—ranging from French paintings created more than 100 years ago to "fog sculptures" that integrate with their surrounding landscapes.
In addition to presenting the appeal and ways to appreciate each artwork, the series also shares insights into the history and background of the respective museums.

Discover Artists!

Discover the diverse talents of artists supported by NCAR.
NCAR promotes the international activities of Japanese artists and supports their participation in major international exhibitions. Our Artist Talks, in which the artists themselves speak about the background of their works, offer video content that provides insight into the current landscape of Japanese contemporary art.

Artist Interview

Enjoy Art for All

At the National Center for Art Research (NCAR), we promote D&I (Diversity and Inclusion) to ensure that everyone can access cultural experiences.
Diversity and Inclusion means not only accepting differences, but transforming those differences into strengths and enhancing each other’s creativity through co‑creation.
Here, we introduce some of our initiatives in this area.

  • Learning Programs

    The National Art Museums offer a variety of learning programs and educational tools designed for young children, teens, and visitors with disabilities.
    These initiatives are introduced through video content that highlights the different approaches taken at each museum.

    The Learning Channel

  • Social Story

    Social Story are booklets created mainly for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, explaining how to enjoy a visit to the museum.
    They are also helpful for anyone visiting a museum for the first time or for those who may feel anxious about using museum facilities.

    Social Story

NCAR Magazine

We regularly publish a web magazine that shares updates on the activities of the National Center for Art Research (NCAR).
Featuring a wide variety of content—including discussions on key issues facing the art world and interview videos with leading figures from various fields—the magazine highlights what is happening at NCAR today.

NCAR Magazine
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