'Louvre Museum Exhibition: Louvre No. 9 — Manga, the 9th Art'

July 22-Sept. 25

Mention the Louvre, and most people will think of the "Mona Lisa" hanging in the hushed, historical surroundings. So it may come as a surprise to discover that the museum, famous for its collection of old masterpieces, also has a vested interest in comic books.

This exhibition takes its name from "ninth art," a term often used to describe comic books, known as bande dessinee in France.

Over the past decade, the Louvre has held exhibitions featuring comic strips and graphic novels, and published its own editions of comic books. "Louvre No. 9" showcases the work of renowned French illustrators, including the animator and cartoonist Nicolas de Crecy, as well as manga works by acclaimed Japanese artists such as Daisuke Igarashi and Hirohiko Araki.

Mori Arts Center Gallery; 52F Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Roppongi Stn. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. ¥1,800. 03-5777-8600. After Sept. 25, the exhibition moves to Osaka, Fukuoka and Nagoya. manga-9art.com