The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

In short

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo is Japan's first national art museum, located in Kitanomaru Park near the Imperial Palace. Opened in 1952 (Showa 27), it houses nearly 14,000 works of modern and contemporary art, allowing visitors to trace the path of Japanese art from the late 19th century to the present day.

• ​MOMAT Collection​​: The museum's collection exhibition, where around 200 works are displayed during each exhibition period under changing themes and perspectives.
• ​Important Cultural Properties​​: The collection includes 18 Important Cultural Properties, such as Yokoyama Taikan's Metempsychosis and Kishida Ryusei's Road, Embankment and Wall (Sketch of Kiridoshi).
• ​A Room with a View​​: From the observation lounge on the top floor, you can look out over the Imperial Palace and the skyscrapers of Marunouchi.

History and Highlights

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo is an art museum located inside Kitanomaru Park, close to the Imperial Palace. It opened in December 1952 as Japan's first national art museum.

The building in Kitanomaru Park was completed in 1969 (Showa 44). Designed by Taniguchi Yoshiro's architectural firm, it was donated by the private sector upon completion. Subsequent expansions and renovations preserved the exterior, which had become part of the local scenery, while expanding the special exhibition and collection galleries and adding new facilities, such as a restaurant.

The collection consists of nearly 14,000 works of modern and contemporary art. Among them are 18 Important Cultural Properties, including Yokoyama Taikan's Metempsychosis, Kishida Ryusei's Road, Embankment and Wall (Sketch of Kiridoshi), Uemura Shoen's Mother and Child, Kawai Gyokudo's Departing Spring, and Yorozu Tetsugoro's Nude Beauty. Kishida Ryusei's Portrait of Reiko (Portrait of Reiko at Five Years Old) and Ota Chou's Women Looking at the Stars are also part of the museum's collection.

Highlights of Appreciation and Experience

• ​MOMAT Collection​​: This is the collection exhibition. With changing themes and perspectives, approximately 200 works are displayed during each exhibition period. Visitors can trace the entire flow of Japanese art from the late 19th century to the present.
• ​Special Exhibitions​​: In addition to the collection exhibition, special exhibitions featuring solo shows of renowned artists or introducing domestic and international works based on specific themes are held three to four times a year.
• ​A Room with a View​​: An observation lounge on the top floor. The landscape unfolding outside the windows can be appreciated just like a work of art, offering a panoramic view of the Imperial Palace and the Marunouchi skyline.

Tips for Strolling

The nearest station is Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, about a 3-minute walk from Exit 1b. Walking from Tokyo Station while viewing the Imperial Palace is also recommended.

The museum sits beside the moats and stone walls of the Imperial Palace, allowing visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall. The collection is rotated four to five times a year. Since favorite works may not always be on display, it is best to visit with the expectation of discovering different works each time.

After finishing your visit, head to the surrounding Kitanomaru Park. Chidorigafuchi Greenway is also located about 670 meters to the west.