The Kofukuji National Treasure Museum was built in 1959 to provide a location to house the Buddhism works of art belonging to Kofukuji Temple from the Asuka, Nara, Heian, Kamakura, and Muromachi period. Originally a dining room area which was destroyed in the early Meiji period, the museum was then remodeled in 2010 with LED lights and most statues can be viewed without glass barriers. Many of these priceless pieces are designated National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. They include Buddhist statues, artifacts, books, gilt bronze lanterns, historical documents, paintings, temple bells and ritual implements. Works by Kokei, Unkei, Jokei can be seen in the museum. The exhibits have explanations in both English and Japanese. Special exhibitions are held at least three times a year.
