Visiting as a Member:
Hokusai
The Great
Picture
Book of
Everything

Discover a collection of rare, rediscovered drawings by Katsushika Hokusai – one of Japan's most celebrated artists, best known for his iconic print, Under the Wave off Kanagawa, popularly called the Great Wave.

In a global first, this exhibition will display 103 recently acquired drawings by Hokusai, produced in the 1820s–1840s for an illustrated encyclopedia called The Great Picture Book of Everything. For reasons unknown, the book was never published, presenting the opportunity to see these exceptional works which would otherwise have been destroyed as part of the wood-block printing process.

Depicting scenes from Buddhist India, ancient China and the natural world, the brush drawings not only showcase Hokusai's inimitable style and skill, but also reveal a version of 19th-century Japan much more intrigued by the wider world than previously thought. 

We hope to continue to facilitate Member entry without bookings for the exhibition. If large numbers of Members are visiting the exhibition at any one time, we may ask you to collect a free timed entry to visit the exhibition at a later time on the same day. You'll also be able to reserve a place on the guaranteed entry list if you wish to visit the exhibition at a specific time and date. See the Visiting Hokusai: The Great Picture Book of Everything section for more information.

To ensure Members have the best experience, we'll be offering a range of Members-exclusive early morning and late night viewings. We'll also continue to offer online events and content for you to explore the exhibition from the comfort of your own home.

We hope to welcome you back soon.