The museum is noted for its collection of Buddhist art, including images, sculpture, and altar articles.

The museum houses and displays works of art belonging to temples and shrines in the Nara area.

Noted especially for the decorative ornamentation around its West Entrance, it is an example of middle Meiji-period European architecture.

The exhibit cases on both sides the passageway contain models and illustrations explaining the construction of Buddhist sculpture.

The area serves as a rest and relaxation place for museum visitors and the general public.

The Japanese tea ceremony house " Hassoan (八窓庵) " in the inner garden of the Nara National Museum was originally built on the grounds of Daijo-in, a sub-temple of Kōfuku-ji Temple.

Inside, the ceiling is partially covered with rush, while other areas reveal the finished underside of the roof.

Restorers specializing in the conservation of sculptures, paintings, and ancient texts work out of the institution.