Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo

In short

Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo is an art museum built on the site of the former residence and atelier of Iwasaki Chihiro, an artist who continuously painted children. Chihiro spent the last 22 years of her life in this house in Shimo-Shakujii, Nerima Ward. The museum opened in 1977 as the world's first picture book museum. Along with Chihiro's works, visitors can also enjoy works by picture book artists from around the world. It is about a 7-minute walk from Kami-Igusa Station.

• ​Reconstructed Atelier​​: You can see how the workspace looked around 1972, with her drawing desk and bookshelves preserved
• ​Chihiro's Garden​​: A garden planted with the flowers, plants, and trees that Chihiro loved and tended
• ​Chihiro's Favorite Sofa​​: In the exhibition room, you can sit on the sofa that Chihiro used while viewing the artwork

History and Highlights

​Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo​ is an art museum built on the site of the former residence and atelier of the artist ​Iwasaki Chihiro​ (1918–1974). Chihiro spent the last 22 years of her life at this home in Shimo-Shakujii, Nerima Ward, creating numerous works here.

Chihiro began her journey as an artist at the age of 27, the year after World War II ended. She was active in the world of printed art for children, including kamishibai (storytelling picture cards), picture books, illustrated magazines, and textbooks. The theme she continued to paint throughout her life was children. She also left behind the words: "Peace and happiness for all the children of the world."

The museum opened in September 1977, three years after Chihiro's passing, under the name "Chihiro Iwasaki Picture Book Museum." It is said that they only later discovered it was the world's first museum dedicated to picture books. In 1997, it was given its current name, "Chihiro Art Museum Tokyo." In September 2002, it was renewed with a building designed by architect Naito Hiroshi. The areas open to the public were greatly expanded, and the entire facility is barrier-free. In addition to Chihiro's works, the museum also exhibits the works of picture book artists from across the globe.

Viewing and Experiencing Highlights

• ​Reconstructed Atelier​​: The studio where Chihiro painted many pictures and went about her daily life. The atmosphere of around 1972 has been recreated, preserving her cherished belongings, including her drawing desk and bookshelves.
• ​Chihiro's Garden​​: Chihiro loved flowers, grew many flowers, plants, and trees in her garden by herself, and decorated her atelier and dining table with flowers. The garden also served as a source of imagery for her paintings of flowers. Even today, the flowers, plants, and trees that Chihiro loved and tended remain planted here.
• ​Chihiro's Favorite Sofa​​: There is a sofa that Chihiro loved to use in the exhibition room. You can sit on that sofa while viewing the paintings.

Walking Tips

It is about a 7-minute walk from Kami-Igusa Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. The museum aims to be a "First Museum"—the first art museum that children visit in their lives. The center of the artworks is set at a height of 135 centimeters from the floor. This allows adults and children to enjoy the artworks together. There is also a library with about 2,000 domestic and international picture books, and a "Children's Room" where visitors take off their shoes to enter. Finally, spending a relaxing time at the picture book café while looking out at the courtyard is recommended.