Exhibition

  • Spring Special Exhibition: “Dotaku Bronze Bells―Treasures of the Yayoi Period”

    Period
    Apr. 26 (Sat.) – Jun. 29 (Sun.), 2025

    One of Japan’s most iconic bronze artifacts is a dotaku (bronze bell), used in rituals during the Yayoi period (circa 10th century B.C. – 3rd century A.D.). Many of these bells are found in the Kansai region, with Hyogo Prefecture boasting the largest number of excavated pieces at 67. Taking advantage of the attention on the Kansai region during the Expo 2025, the spring special exhibition will feature Dotaku bells, which embody the pinnacle of ancient beauty and technology. Additionally, pieces from the Tokyo National Museum’s collection will be on display, back in their “home” in Kansai. The exhibition also showcases the molds and tools used to create dotaku, along with illustrations of dotaku by later generations, offering insights into the various aspects of these mysterious and enigmatic artifacts.

  • Summer Project Exhibition: “Hyogo’s Latest Excavation Research Results 2025”

    Period
    Jul. 12 (Sat.) – Aug. 24 (Sun.), 2025

    This exhibition presents the latest findings from the excavation research conducted by the Hyogo Prefectural Board of Education in FY2024 at various sites, including the Tsukaguchi-yamamawari archaeological site and Ikedayama burial mound (Amagasaki City) and the Yamakado Temple site (Kakogawa City). The results of research at the Tsuma archaeological sites (Nishiwaki City) and Akashi Castle samurai residence site (Akashi City), where excavated artifacts have been cataloged and reports published, will also be featured. Additionally, the exhibition will highlight the Tamba region, one of the five districts of Hyogo, with a focus on the Yayoi period and materials excavated at Nanukaichi archaeological site (Tamba City). A selection of ancient Chinese bronze mirrors from the Sengoku Collection of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Ancient Bronze Mirrors (Kasai City; Kasai Branch of the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Archaeology) will also be on display.

  • Autumn Special Exhibition “Harima Archaeology―Research of the Yayoi Period, Roof Tiles and Umaya Posting Stations by Imasato Ikuji”

    Period
    Sep. 13 (Sat.) – Nov. 24 (Mon.), 2025

    Imasato Ikuji (1919–2017) was a pioneering archaeologist who played a crucial role in the early development of archaeological research in Hyogo Prefecture. In particular, his research on Yayoi earthenware and ancient roof tiles from Harima has made a lasting impact on the study of the history of Hyogo Prefecture. Born in Himeji in 1919, Imasato began collecting archaeological materials at the age of 17, when he began working at a bank. At the age of 21, he published a paper in an academic journal, marking the start of his dual career as a banker and an archaeologist. The museum has received his archaeological materials from his bereaved family. In commemoration of this, the exhibition will showcase Imasato’s achievements and archaeological collections, along with the latest research developments that have built upon his work. 　

  • Winter Project Exhibition: “Gunge Ancient Local Government and Hakaza Archaeological Site in Izushi, Tajima”

    Period
    Jan.17 (Sat.) – Mar. 15 (Sun.), 2026

    The Hakaza archaeological site in Toyooka City was excavated 14 times between 1987 and 1995, uncovering many significant findings related to ancient Tajima, including the remains of the local government, ritual sites, and paddy fields. Notably, the large quantity of wooden items excavated provides valuable insights. This exhibition will offer a comprehensive view of the Hakaza archaeological site, one of the most important sites in Tajima. It will feature excavated objects mainly from the Nara and Heian periods (8th–12th centuries), along with research findings from the nearby Sunairi and Araki archaeological sites.

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