National Museum in Nara, known primarily for its extensive collection of works of Buddhist art. To works of Buddhist art in the first place, include the churches as works of wooden architecture, sculptures of Buddha, Bodhisattvas and other representatives of the Buddhist Pantheon, made of bronze, stone or clay, picturesque images of Buddhist values, as well as other works aimed at the creation of a special atmosphere conducive to meditation and the attainment of enlightenment.

The Museum houses one of Japan's best collection of sculptures of two periods: Nara (710-794 years, when in place modern Bunk was located the capital city Haze-ke) and kamakura (1185-1333). The Museum collection also includes paintings, manuscripts, works of ancient Chinese art, including the vessels of bronze. The national Museum exhibits and artifacts belonging to some of the temples of the city.

National Museum in Nara is the second of the oldest museums in Japan. He played a major role in the conservation and promotion of Japanese Buddhist art. The Museum is located in the Central part of the city and there is a few buildings – both old construction and the relatively new.

The Foundation of the Museum took place in 1889, and the first exposition was opened in 1895. Prior to this existed in Nara exhibition company, established in 1874, the mayor of the city of mount Fuji Chihiro. Since inception and until 1952 the Museum had the status of Imperial, and was then renamed the national.

The first building of the Museum was completed in 1894. It was designed by Katayama Tokuma by the Museum of Western style. The new facility, called the West wing, built in 1973 on the project Junzo Ezimora. In 1997, the Museum appeared and the East wing. And in 1980 on its territory was opened library of Buddhist art.