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This museum presents Western art from the late Medieval period through to the early 20th Century and French modern sculpture. The NMWA was established in 1959 around the core Matsukata Collection as a museum specializing in Western art. The main building, designed by the French architect Le Corbusier, displays pre-18th century paintings, whereas the New Wing displays 19th to early 20th century French paintings. The NMWA drawing collection centers on works by 18th to 19th century French artists and the prints collection features works ranging from the 15th century through to the early 20th century. Thematically arranged exhibitions of a selection of these collections are held regularly in one of the gallery spaces in the New Wing. 

Emulation and Admiration: Two Stories of Collecting European Art European Master Paintings from San Diego Museum of Art and the National Museum of Western Art