Johannes Vermeer's iconic painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring, will travel to Japan this summer for an exhibition at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka. This marks a rare international journey for the renowned artwork, which typically remains at its home in the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, Netherlands.
The temporary relocation is a direct result of necessary alterations and building work scheduled at the Mauritshuis from August 24 to September 20. The museum has stated that such loans occur only under highly exceptional circumstances, underscoring the significance of this upcoming Japanese exhibition.
Key Takeaways
- Girl with a Pearl Earring will be displayed at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka.
- The painting's travel is due to temporary closure of the Mauritshuis for renovations.
- This is the painting's first international loan since its 2012-2014 world tour.
- The exhibition is organized by Asahi Shimbun, a major Japanese media organization.
- Funds raised will support Mauritshuis building projects and an education center.
A Rare International Journey for a Masterpiece
The Girl with a Pearl Earring, created around 1665, is one of only 37 known works by Johannes Vermeer. Its status as the Mauritshuis's most celebrated exhibit means it rarely leaves the museum's walls. The last time the painting traveled internationally was during a major world tour from 2012 to 2014, when the Mauritshuis was also closed for extensive building renovations.
During that tour, the masterpiece visited Tokyo and Kobe in Japan, before moving to the Frick Collection in New York. The exhibition drew an impressive 2.2 million visitors and played a crucial role in funding the Mauritshuis's previous renovation projects.
Painting Details
- Artist: Johannes Vermeer
- Approximate Date: 1665
- Known Works by Vermeer: Only 37 exist
- Last International Tour: 2012-2014
Why the Painting Travels Now
The Mauritshuis confirmed that the current loan to Osaka is directly linked to an upcoming closure for building alterations. These works are scheduled from August 24 to September 20. The museum emphasized that lending its star attraction is a decision made only when absolutely necessary.
"Girl with a Pearl Earring is one of the most famous paintings in the world, and is a key reason for many people to visit the Mauritshuis," a museum statement explained. "It is therefore loaned to other institutions only in highly exceptional circumstances."
In 2023, the painting made a brief trip within the Netherlands for a significant Johannes Vermeer retrospective at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. However, its upcoming visit to Japan marks its first international journey in over a decade.
Collaboration with Asahi Shimbun
The exhibition in Osaka will be organized by the Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan's largest media organizations. This is not the first collaboration between the Mauritshuis and Asahi Shimbun; the media group also sponsored the successful 2012-2014 touring exhibition.
The partnership between the Mauritshuis and Asahi Shimbun is set to continue for the next four years, indicating a sustained relationship between the Dutch museum and the Japanese media giant.
Martine Gosselink, the general director of the Mauritshuis, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration. "The Asahi Shimbun organizes several exhibitions each year with museums around the world," she stated. "We are highly honored to be able to work with the media organization on the presentation in Osaka in 2026."
Asahi Shimbun's Role
Asahi Shimbun is a prominent Japanese media organization. They frequently partner with international museums to host major art exhibitions in Japan. Their involvement helps facilitate the logistics and promotion of such high-profile events.
Funding Future Museum Projects
The revenue generated from this loan will directly contribute to the Mauritshuis's ongoing and future projects. This includes funding the current building alterations. It will also support the refurbishment and operation of a nearby building on Korte Vijverberg, which the museum acquired in December 2025.
The museum is actively fundraising to establish a new Mauritshuis Education Centre within this new building by 2028. The funds from the Osaka exhibition will be vital in achieving these long-term goals.
The Dutch ambassador to Japan, Gilles Beschoor Plug, highlighted the exclusivity of the painting's travels on social media. He posted on X, stating: "The Girl with the Pearl Earring almost never travels. And if she does, only to very special places. Such as #Osaka."
Japanese Interest in Vermeer
Martine Gosselink further noted the strong connection between the Japanese public and Vermeer's masterpiece. "The Mauritshuis welcomes thousands of Japanese tourists every year who love Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring," she said.
This upcoming exhibition provides a unique opportunity for Japanese art enthusiasts to experience the painting firsthand. Gosselink suggested this could be a rare chance for many. "The Girl’s trip to Japan is a unique opportunity for us to share her with the Japanese public, perhaps for the very last time," she concluded.
- The Mauritshuis is undergoing structural changes.
- A new building on Korte Vijverberg is being prepared.
- An Education Centre is planned for 2028.
- Japanese tourists show consistent interest in the painting.
The journey of the Girl with a Pearl Earring to Osaka underscores the painting's global appeal and the Mauritshuis's strategic efforts to maintain its facilities and educational programs. Art lovers in Japan will have a rare moment to connect with this celebrated piece of art history.