The Ueno Royal Museum is a private art museum located in Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Blending natural surroundings with artistic ambiance, the museum is operated by the Japan Art Association, a public interest incorporated foundation, with Prince Hitachi, a member of the Imperial Family, serving as its President. Situated near the famous statue of Saigō Takamori, the museum is one of the key cultural landmarks in Ueno Park.
The museum traces its origins back to 1879 (Meiji 12), when it began as the Japan Art Association Exhibition Hall—one of Japan’s earliest art organizations. It was restructured and officially established as the Ueno Royal Museum in 1972 (Showa 47) by the Fujisankei Communications Group.
As a significant platform for promoting and nurturing modern art, the museum launched the "Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition" in 1983 (Showa 58), offering young artists a chance to present their work. Since 1994 (Heisei 6), it has also co-hosted the "VOCA Exhibition" (Vision of Contemporary Art) with Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, aimed at discovering emerging artists. In addition, the museum regularly holds themed exhibitions such as the "Exhibition of Japan’s Natural Scenery," along with open-call and international special exhibitions.
In 1993 (Heisei 5), the museum underwent major renovations, and in 2006 (Heisei 18), it opened the "Ueno Royal Museum Gallery," featuring upgraded facilities and exhibition space to enhance both display quality and the visitor experience.
In 2008, the special exhibition “Takehiko Inoue: The LAST Manga Exhibition” set a new record for the highest number of visitors in the museum’s history.
