- 1879
- The Ryuchi-kai is established by the Japanese Imperial family to promote Japan's traditional arts.
- 1880
- The Ryuchi-kai becomes responsible for the Exhibition for the Appreciation of Traditional Art held by the Home Ministry in 1879, and the Ryuchi-kai holds it annually thereafter.
- 1887
- The Ryuchi-kai is given a building belonging to the Imperial Household Agency and allowed to use without charge the land in Ueno Park on which the building stands; there, construction is begun of the exhibition hall. The Ryuchi-kai is reorganized and renamed the Japan Art Association. First patron is Prince Arisugawa Taruhito.
- 1888
- The exhibition hall is completed. The Exhibition for the Appreciation of Traditional Art is renamed the Art Exhibition.
- 1895
- Prince Arisugawa Takehito is named honorary patron.
- 1897
- The Japan Art Association actively undertakes the selection of works for the Japanese exhibition at the 1900 Paris Exposition Universelle.
- 1900
- An annex to the exhibition hall is completed. The Japan Art Association establishes itself as Japan’s central organization for the protection and promotion of fine and decorative arts. The Paris Exposition Universelle is held.
- 1913
- Prince Kuni Kuniyoshi is named honorary patron.
- 1921
- The main museum building is completed with the support of Mitsui and Mitsubishi groups, though mainly with financial help from the Imperial family.
- 1923
- Except for the exhibition hall, the buildings of the Japan Art Association are destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake. A temporary office and warehouses are built.
- 1929
- Prince Takamatsu is named honorary patron.
- 1943
- With the escalation of the war, the Art Exhibition is suspended after its 123rd edition.
- 1947
- Yoshimitsu Tokugawa is appointed chairman of the board. He is busily engaged in restarting the activity of the Japan Art Association and building the new exhibition hall.
- 1950
- Ino Dan is appointed chairman of the board. The Exhibition of Three Schools of Japanese Painting is held from 1949 to the 1960s.
- 1966
- The Tokyo Governor approves plans for the exhibition hall, and construction begins.
- 1968
- The exhibition hall of the museum is completed.
- 1971
- Nobusuke Kishi is appointed chairman of the board; Nobutaka Shikanai is appointed vice-chairman.
- 1972
- The museum is renamed the Ueno Royal Museum. Thereafter, Three Hundred Years of Japanese Art—Momoyama, Edo, and Meiji Periods, Sculpture by Master Painters, Picasso Ceramic, and other art exhibitions are held.
- 1983
- The inaugural Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition is held.
- 1987
- Prince Hitachi is named honorary patron.
- 1988
-
Yasuhiro Nakasone is appointed chairman of the board.
The Praemium Imperiale is established. International advisors are installed with their nomination committees.
- 1989
- Nobutaka Shikanai is appointed chairman of the board. The Awards Ceremony for the first Praemium Imperiale is held.
- 1991
- Ryuzo Sejima is appointed chairman of the board.
- 1993
-
Masterworks from The Museum of Modern Art, New York is held.
- 1997
- The Praemium Imperiale Grant for Young Artists is introduced.
- 2001
-
Masterworks from The Museum of Modern Art, New York (1900–1955) is held.
- 2002
-
Picasso El Nacimiento de un genio Museu Picasso, Barcelona held.
- 2005
-
Alice in Wonderland, the first solo exhibition in Japan by Sigmar Polke, the 2002 Praemium Imperiale laureate in painting, is held.
- 2006
- The Ueno Royal Museum Gallery is completed.
- 2008
- The commemorative events to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Praemium Imperiale are held. Hisashi Hieda is appointed chairman of the board.
- 2013
-
Masterpieces of Arts and Crafts in the Prince Arisugawa and Prince Takamatsu Families — An exhibition to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Japan Art Association is held.
- 2018
- Events commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Praemium Imperiale are held.
