With 116,000 visitors and queues enlivening the historic center’s streets on the final weekends, the “HOKUSAI” exhibition at Palazzo Blu closed on Sunday, February 23, writing an unforgettable chapter in Pisa’s cultural history. A triumph that exceeded all expectations, confirming Palazzo Blu’s ability to transform art into a mass phenomenon, attracting not only enthusiasts but also new audiences. Averaging over 1,300 daily entries, the exhibition dedicated to Japanese master Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) marked the highest visitor peak since the museum’s founding in 2007. Key figures include:
- 18% young visitors and families, signaling renewed interest in Eastern art among new generations.
- 6.5% international visitors, an increase compared to previous exhibitions, showcasing Hokusai’s global appeal.
- 40% of tickets sold online, reflecting the effectiveness of the digital campaign promoted by the City of Pisa.
Curated by Rossella Menegazzo, professor of East Asian Art History at the University of Milan, the exhibition brought together over 150 works, including woodblock prints, paintings, and silographs, from the collections of Genoa’s Chiossone Museum, Venice’s Oriental Art Museum, and prestigious private Italian and Japanese lenders. The journey explored Hokusai’s eclecticism, father of ukiyo-e (“pictures of the Floating World”), highlighting not only his iconic masterpieces – like “The Great Wave” – but also the work of disciples and family members, including his daughter Oi, a talented artist often overshadowed by her father’s genius.
A dedicated section focused on Hokusai’s influence on 19th-century European art, drawing parallels between his works and those of Monet, Van Gogh, and Klimt, alongside contemporary artists reinterpreting his style through digital mediums. «This success stems from a decade-long synergy», stated Simone Todorow di San Giorgio, CEO of MondoMostre, recalling iconic exhibitions of recent years: from Dalí to Modigliani, through Escher and Toulouse-Lautrec. Crucial support came from the Pisa Foundation and the City of Pisa, which transformed the city into an open-air gallery with posters and installations inspired by the artworks.
Cosimo Bracci Torsi, president of Palazzo Blu, emphasized: «Hokusai has become a cross-cultural symbol. His art speaks of nature, spirituality, and the pursuit of perfection—universal themes that united visitors of all ages and backgrounds». Beyond traditional tours, the exhibition offered school workshops, Japanese-language tours, and augmented reality to “step into” the artworks. The “Hokusai for Families” initiative engaged over 3,000 participants with intergenerational activities, making art accessible and fun. With nearly one million visitors in ten years, Palazzo Blu solidifies its role as an international cultural hub. The next challenge? «Bringing exhibitions to Pisa that blend tradition and innovation, keeping the dialogue between Italy and the world alive», teased Bracci Torsi. Meanwhile, Hokusai’s legacy leaves a tangible mark: part of the proceeds will fund restorations at the Chiossone Museum.
«Art is an unstoppable wave: it lifts us, overwhelms us, and changes us».
#HokusaiPisa2025 #PalazzoBlu #UkiyoeInTheHeart
