Vermeer’s Iconic Painting to Travel to Japan in Rare Loan

The Mauritshuis museum in The Hague has announced that it will lend its renowned painting, *Girl with a Pearl Earring*, to the Nakanoshima Museum of Art in Osaka, Japan, during a period of renovations from August 24 to September 20, 2026. This loan marks a significant event as it is one of the rare occasions the painting, created around 1665 by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer, will leave the Netherlands since its last international tour from 2012 to 2014.

Mauritshuis moving Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to Japan in rare loanVermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring on a trip to Japan.Vermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition

The exhibition at the Nakanoshima Museum will run from August 21 to September 27, 2026. The loan is facilitated by a partnership with Asahi Shimbun, one of Japan's largest media organizations, which has collaborated with the Mauritshuis on various projects since the museum's major renovations between 2012 and 2014. Martine Gosselink, general director of the Mauritshuis, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “We are highly honoured to be able to work with the media organization on the presentation in Osaka in 2026.”

Girl with a Pearl Earring travels to Japan while Mauritshuis is ClosedVermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ will head to Japan this summer in rare loanVermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring on a trip to Japan.

The *Girl with a Pearl Earring* is a major draw for the Mauritshuis, attracting thousands of visitors annually. Gosselink noted that this trip to Japan represents a unique opportunity to share the painting with the Japanese public, potentially for the last time.

Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ will head to Japan this summer in rare loanGirl with a Pearl Earring travels to Japan while Mauritshuis is ClosedVermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition

The painting has a storied history of international exhibitions. It was last displayed in Japan during a world tour that included stops in Tokyo and Kobe, which attracted over 2.2 million visitors. This previous tour significantly contributed to funding the Mauritshuis's renovations. The upcoming exhibition in Osaka is expected to similarly support the museum's ongoing renovation efforts and the establishment of an Education Centre at a newly acquired building, set to open in 2028.

Vermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition

While the loan is celebrated, some critics highlight the rarity of the painting's travels, suggesting that such iconic works should remain in their home institutions. The Dutch ambassador to Japan, Gilles Beschoor Plug, remarked on the exceptional nature of the loan, stating, “The Girl with the Pearl Earring almost never moves. But when it does, it goes to special places, like Osaka.”

Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ will head to Japan this summer in rare loan

The Mauritshuis has reiterated that loans of *Girl with a Pearl Earring* are made only under exceptional circumstances. Gosselink's statements reflect the museum's commitment to sharing this masterpiece while also ensuring that the funds raised from the loan will aid in the museum's renovations and future projects.

Vermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition

• “For the Mauritshuis, 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.” — Martine Gosselink, General Director, Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis moving Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring to Japan in rare loan

• “The Girl with the Pearl Earring almost never moves. But when it does, it goes to special places, like Osaka.” — Gilles Beschoor Plug, Dutch Ambassador to Japan

Vermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition

This exhibition not only highlights the cultural exchange between the Netherlands and Japan but also underscores the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote art on an international scale.

Vermeer’s Masterpiece Travels to Japan: Rare Summer Exhibition