PRISON BY NIGHT : Light & Echoes
This winter, Nara Prison Museum will hold its very first night event: “PRISON BY NIGHT : Light & Echoes”.
Featuring evening illumination that highlights the beauty of this Important Cultural Property, the event incorporates light, video, and sound installations across the preservation wing—home to 48 single cells—and the outdoor plaza. Event-exclusive cafe menu items will also be available.
Experience an unprecedented night museum that unlocks the architectural beauty and history of the former Nara Prison—spanning over 100 years—from a fresh perspective through modern artistic direction.
3 Experience Highlights
The Former Nara Prison transforms completely at night. Allow yourself to be guided through three experiential phases, immersing you in a special winter moment where history and emotion intersect.
Special nighttime illumination highlights the contours of the Meiji-era modern architecture, the rich texture of the red brick, and the dramatic shadows. Immerse yourself in the striking power and architectural beauty shaped by over a century of history.
Set in the preservation wing with a 60-meter corridor featuring 48 individual cells. Immersive three-dimensional art blending light, video, and sound is projected onto the red brick walls, long hallways, and heavy cell doors. Silently reflect on the history carved into this venue and surrender to deep immersion.
Since its opening, the museum has hosted the “Prison Postcard Project,” inviting visitors to mail their thoughts in special postboxes. For this event, a projection art installation will display a selection of the over 5,000 messages received so far as “letters of light” across the red brick walls. Engage with the stories linked by these words, surrender to the atmosphere, or gently observe with a warm drink in hand. Spend your night just as you wish.
Inspired by “Zenzai” (sweet red bean soup), a winter favorite once popular at the former Nara Prison, this limited-edition beverage is available exclusively during PRISON BY NIGHT.
Dec 4, 2026 – Jan 31, 2027
*Exclusion dates: Jan 12–14
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Last admission at 8:00 pm
Adults: 2,000 yen
Age 15-22: 1,000 yen
Age 6-14: 500 yen
Age 5 and Under: Free
Accessible Admission: 1,000 yen
Advance reservation recommended.
*Please book using the button below.
*Guests staying at HOSHINOYA Nara Prison do not need a reservation.
Direct bus service is available during the event period.
For more details, check here.
Click here for Accessible Admission.
At Nara Prison Museum, Mr. Taku Satoh of TSDO serves as Art Director. For this event, media artist Seiichi Hishikawa will handle the night-only spatial design and visual experience. Through design and artistic expression by these leading Japanese creators, we aim to further evolve the concept of “An Eternal Question Posed by an Iconic Prison.”
Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Department of Design, and completed the master’s program at the same graduate school. His major activities include package design for “Lotte Xylitol Gum” and “Meiji Oishii Gyunyu,” poster graphics, branding for products and facilities, and corporate CI. He serves as General Supervisor for NHK Educational TV’s “Design Ah!” and “Design Ah! neo,” Director and President of 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, and has planned and hosted numerous exhibitions. He serves as President of Kyoto University of the Arts. Recipient of the Mainichi Design Award, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s Art Encouragement Prize, and the Medal with Purple Ribbon, among others.
Began his career in the music industry, subsequently expanding into cross-genre creative activities including directing corporate brand videos, stage direction for fashion brands, and spatial design for art museums. In 2022, he began creating media craft art. Incorporating unique expressive techniques based on Japanese craftsmanship, he creates three-dimensional visual works that harmonize with light and space. Awards: Recipient of numerous domestic and international awards including Cannes Lions, D&AD, New York ADC, and iF Design Award. Exhibited and received a Special Mention at the Venice Biennale, among others.
Please note that media coverage and filming may take place during the event. Photos and footage may be featured on TV, in newspapers, or online.
Commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.
