To commemorate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy and the cultural legacy of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, the special exhibition "Atlas in the Sky: Treasures of the Italian Pavilion" is being held at the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Arts until Monday, January 12, 2026 (national holiday). The masterpieces that captivated many visitors at the Italian Pavilion at the Expo will be relocated to the Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Arts, where they will once again be on display in Japan.
This exhibition will feature a carefully selected collection of three works that symbolize human wisdom and creativity: the Italian treasure "Farnese Atlas," Leonardo da Vinci's "Atlantic Codex," and "The Banner of Justice" by Renaissance master Perugino.
Farnese Atlas AD2century National Archaeological Museum of Naples
The Farnese Atlas, believed to have been created in the 2nd century AD, is a masterpiece of ancient sculpture depicting the Greek mythological giant Atlas holding a celestial globe. The intricate designs of the constellations and zodiac signs engraved on the globe convey the essence of ancient sculpture to the present day.
Leonardo da Vinci's "Codices Atlanticus"156Sheet front: A device that pumps water and cuts screws
1480-1482Circa 1800, Bibliotheca Ambrosiana
(C)Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana/Metis e Mida Informatica /Mondadori Portfolio.
Leonardo da Vinci's "Codices Atlanticus"1112Sheet Cover《Windmill and Hydraulic Pump》
1478Circa 1800, Bibliotheca Ambrosiana
(C)Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana/Metis e Mida Informatica /Mondadori Portfolio.
"Universal genius"The Atlantic Codex by Leonardo da VinciNewly exhibited for this exhibition, this is the first time it has been shown in Japan.2point.It is a comprehensive record of his intellectual pursuits, ranging from mathematics, astronomy, and botany to military technology.
Perugino "The Banner of Justice"1496National Gallery of Umbria (Perugia)
(C)Galleria Nazionale dell'Umbria
And the masterpiece "The Standard of Justice" by Perugino, Raphael's teacher, is a religious painting that beautifully expresses deep faith and spirituality. Its composition, enveloped in tranquil light, conveys the essence of Renaissance art to the present day.
"Farnese Atlas" (detail) AD2century National Archaeological Museum of Naples
This is a rare opportunity to experience the lineage of knowledge and beauty that stretches from the spirit of ancient Greece to the creativity of the Renaissance. Be sure to visit the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts to enjoy the many masterpieces that continue to shine through time and across the ages.
Commemorating the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy and the Osaka-Kansai Expo
Special Exhibition "Atlas of the Sky: Treasures of the Italian Pavilion"
[Dates] Now held until July 2026, 1 (Monday, national holiday)
[Venue] Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts (1-82 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka)
[Opening hours] 9:30-17:00 (Admission until 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday), New Year's holidays (December 29th to January 2nd)
■Online tickets (reservations for specified dates and times) have been sold out for all dates, so ticket sales, including at the museum ticket counter, have been suspended. For future details, please refer to the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts website.
