Beneath the Great Wave:
Hokusai and Hiroshige
14 March – 15 November 2026
Step into Japan’s floating world and explore the art of Hokusai and Hiroshige, two visionary artists whose images have shaped how we see nature, landscape and everyday life.
Beneath the Great Wave brings together exceptional ukiyo-e prints from Edo-period Japan. Ukiyo-e — meaning “pictures of the floating world” — were colourful woodblock prints that captured scenes of travel, nature and popular culture during a time of peace and creativity in Japan’s history. From towering waves and rushing waterfalls to quiet roads and distant mountains, these works reveal moments of beauty, drama and movement that still feel strikingly modern today.
At the heart of the exhibition is Under the Wave off Kanagawa — widely known as The Great Wave — one of the most recognisable images in the world. More than a masterpiece of Japanese art, it’s become a global icon, continuing to influence fashion, design, film and popular culture across the world.
Alongside this celebrated image, the exhibition explores the wider world of ukiyo-e, tracing stories of artistic ambition and innovation against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Edo Japan.
Whether you’re discovering ukiyo-e for the first time or returning to works you already love, this is an unmissable opportunity to step into the floating world and experience Japanese art that continues to shape how we see the world today.
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Do you prefer to visit during quieter times?
Due to the open-plan nature of the gallery, sound from activities, workshops and events can travel between spaces and may affect noise levels across the building during our opening hours. If you are planning to visit exhibitions, the schedule below highlights event dates and times to help you choose the best time for your visit experience.
Romani Resistance Day celebration event
Saturday 16 May, 1pm - 4pm
An inspiring afternoon of conversation, poetry, performance and creative activities to mark Romani Resistance Day.
School performance and rehearsals
Thursday 21 May, 2pm - 6pm
Chorlton High School as they rehearse for their performance "Elixir of Youth" taking place that evening. Rehearsals and the performance itself will involve singing, dancing, and spoken word.
May half-term family activities
Thursday 28 May & Friday 29 May - 10:30am-1pm
During May half-term, we are holding free family-friendly events at the gallery that embrace noise and creativity, and encourage lively engagement with art for young children.
If you have any further questions about planning your visit, please speak to a member of our visitor experience team via email: whitworth@manchester.ac.uk
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Image: Kanagawa oki nami ura (Under The Great Wave off Kanagawa) [“Great Wave”] Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) On loan from a Private Collection. © 2023 Christie’s Images Limited. (detail)
Exhibition credit: Beneath the Great Wave: Hokusai and Hiroshige is organised by the Whitworth, The University of Manchester.