1860

Founder, Nezu Kaichirō (Sr.) was born in Yamanashi.

1896

Kaichirō moved his base to Tokyo

1906

Bought land in Aoyama (current location of the museum). Purchased a famous "Writing Box known as Hana-no-Shirakawa" at an auction of Hirase family collection.

1938

Began publication of the museum collection named Seizanso seisho, completed in 1943.

1940

Kaichirō passed away in January at the age of 80. According to his will, Nezu Museum Foundation was established in November by his son, Kaichirō Jr.

1941

The first exhibition was held at Nezu's residence in November.

1944

Museum suspended exhibitions due to intensifying war. Collection was evacuated to the suburb.

1945

Nezu's residence and garden was burned down in an air raid.

1946

Kaichirō Jr. restarted the exhibitions at a temporary building.

1954

New exhibition hall was completed.

1959

Kaichirō Jr. inaugurated as Museum Director.

1981

Kaichirō Jr. was shifted to Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the museum.

1990

New exhibition hall was completed.

2000

Nezu Kōichi, son of Kaichirō Jr., inaugurated as Museum Director.

2002

Kaichirō Jr. passed away. Kōichi took the position of Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

2006

Museum decided to close for a large-scale renovation.

2009

Reopened the new museum building