Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Ultimate Guide 2024
Ueno, located in Taito ward, is famous for its many attractions including the beloved Ueno Zoological Gardens where visitors can meet pandas, numerous art museums, a nature-rich park in the heart of the city, and a vibrant dining district beneath the railway viaducts.
With its convenient location near central Tokyo and a Shinkansen station, Ueno offers excellent access to tourist destinations both within and outside Tokyo. Many visitors combine their trip to Ueno with nearby Asakusa, home to the famous Sensoji Temple with its iconic Kaminarimon gate, just a 5-minute train ride away.
While Ueno is often recognized for its retro townscape lined with izakayas and traditional coffee shops, it's also a significant cultural hub. The area houses various cultural facilities including national art museums, museums, and art galleries within art universities.
Particularly within Ueno Onshi Park, you'll find several distinctive art museums. Today, we'll provide a comprehensive guide to one of the park's most historic institutions - the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM!
TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM: Japan's First Public Art Museum
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM opened in 1926 as Japan's first public art museum. At the time, European countries were promoting their culture through art museums, which inspired Japan to establish its own.
Initially, rather than functioning as an art museum focused on collecting and preserving precious artworks, it primarily served as a gallery space for artists to showcase their works. Today, the museum continues to maintain its reputation as a venue offering various special exhibitions and shows throughout the year.
Opened in 1926: A History of Diverse Exhibitions
Source: Official website
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM has hosted special exhibitions featuring beloved Western artists like Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as showcasing collections from renowned institutions such as the Musée d'Orsay and the British Museum.
The museum has also gained popularity for its unique exhibition concepts not found in other museums, such as collections of traditional Japanese Ukiyoe prints and exhibitions focused on zoo-related artworks.
Striving to Be an "Gateway to Art" Through Art Communication Initiatives
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM promotes initiatives aimed at being a "Gateway to Art" where anyone can easily engage with artistic works. These include creating opportunities for children to experience the joy of art and setting up special viewing days for visitors with disabilities.
The museum also actively organizes projects that encourage art-based communication, such as guided tours of the illuminated museum at night where visitors can share their impressions while exploring.
These activities are conducted in collaboration with nearby art universities and the Ueno Zoo, showcasing the unique characteristics of the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM's location within the culturally rich Ueno Onshi Park.
Three Selected Highlights of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum!
Diverse Exhibition Program with Around 280 Shows Annually
Source: NAVITIME Travel
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM hosts not only special exhibitions featuring renowned artists from Japan and abroad and famous museums worldwide but also numerous graduation exhibitions from high schools and universities, as well as public exhibitions by art organizations.
Many exhibitions showcase uniquely Japanese arts, including Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), one of Japan's representative traditional arts, Shikki (Japanese lacquerware, where tree sap is applied to vessels), and Japanese mountain photography. You're sure to enjoy works that possess a different kind of beauty from famous artists' pieces.
Additionally, some public exhibitions at the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM are free to view, making it perfect for a casual visit during your sightseeing break.
Diverse Collection of Approximately 5,500 Pieces
Source: Official website
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM houses 13 three-dimensional works including sculptures and reliefs, along with 36 calligraphy pieces by artists active in Japan.
The three-dimensional works, most of which are displayed outdoors in the museum's plaza, are particularly noteworthy. Being in a spacious park surrounded by nature allows visitors to experience how the same artwork changes with different weather conditions and times of day.
For example, "Sakasa (Inverted Umbrella)" by famous Japanese sculptor Tatehata Kakuzo expresses rainwater collected in an upturned open umbrella. The artwork becomes even more captivating when it actually rains.
There are many other unique sculptural works with diverse concepts, and the outdoor sculpture guided tours are so popular. Admission is free, so take a stroll and experience the fusion of nature and art.
The Symbol of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum! Inoue Bukichi's "Light and Shadow"
Source: Official website
As you enter the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM gates, you're greeted by a massive silver sphere called "my sky hole 85-2: light and shadow" created by Japanese sculptor Inoue Bukichi. This unique work features a diagonal hole penetrating from top to bottom, creating changing patterns of sunlight throughout the day.
The sphere's mirror-like surface reflects the surrounding scenery, allowing visitors to enjoy vivid reflections of the sky and greenery. It's also recommended to take commemorative photos capturing yourself, the museum building, and the artwork together.
Architecture by Kunio Maekawa, a Master of Japanese Modernist Architecture
Source: Official website
The current TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM building was designed by renowned architect Kunio Maekawa and constructed in 1975. After undergoing renovation work to address aging issues, it reopened in 2012.
The museum is divided into three blocks: special exhibitions, public exhibitions, and cultural activities, with a lobby and courtyard at its center. A distinctive feature of Maekawa's architecture is the use of building-enclosed plazas as spaces for people to rest and meet. Indeed, the museum's lobby features a lounge where anyone can rest for free, along with cafes and museum shops.
After renovation, while preserving Maekawa's beloved architectural design, the museum was equipped with universal design features such as multi-purpose restrooms, making it accessible to all visitors.
Architecture Tours Are Held on the Third Saturday of Odd-Numbered Months
The TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM offers building tours, hoping visitors will appreciate not only the exhibitions but also the museum's architecture, which was designed to make art accessible to everyone.
These guided tours are conducted with members of a community-building through art project, sharing the building's history, design, and the architect's vision. It's perfect for those who want to experience art-based communication firsthand.
What exhibitions are held at the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM?
Here are select popular exhibitions.
De Chirico Exhibition
Source: Official website
The "Giorgio De Chirico: Metaphysical Journey" exhibition displayed approximately 110 works from his early period around 1910 to his later years, organized by themes such as Italian piazzas and mannequins.
The exhibition showcased not only De Chirico's signature "metaphysical paintings" but also his sculptures and ballet costume designs, featuring art pieces gathered from around the world, captivating numerous visitors.
The exhibition's theme song was performed by world-renowned Japanese pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii, playing a masterpiece by Claude Debussy, who had connections with De Chirico.
This exceptional collaboration exemplifies the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM's unique approach to making art accessible to diverse audiences.
Joan Miró Exhibition to be Held from March to July 2025
Source: Official website
In 2025, the "Miró Exhibition (Miró Ten)" will showcase representative works from the early to late periods of Joan Miró, an artist who excelled in various artistic fields including painting and sculpture.
Joan Miró is famous for creating works that incorporate local Spanish landscapes, including farm sheds and familiar animals such as chickens and rabbits.
Interestingly, he also had connections with Japan, incorporating traditional Japanese art forms like Ukiyoe in his work backgrounds. During his lifetime, he collaborated with Japanese poets, and his works can still be found throughout Japan today, indicating a deep relationship with the country.
This special exhibition at the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM will offer visitors a comprehensive experience of Miró's artistry, made possible by this public museum's deep connection with the artist.
"From Monet to America" Impressionist Exhibition
Source: Official website
Impressionist works, highly popular among Japanese people, have been frequently exhibited at the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM.
"Frontiers of Impressionism: Paintings from the Worcester Art Museum" features both French Impressionist works and American Impressionist paintings that developed after the movement crossed from Paris to America.
This is a rare opportunity to see many Impressionist paintings making their first journey to Japan from the Worcester Art Museum, which has extensively collected Impressionist works.
American Impressionist works, represented by Frederick Childe Hassam, showcase a different worldview from European pieces, featuring vast natural landscapes and diverse color palettes.
Even Impressionism enthusiasts will undoubtedly discover new aspects of the movement beyond the familiar European masterpieces.
Okamoto Taro Exhibition
Source: Official website
"Okamoto Taro: A Retrospective" brings together representative works by Okamoto Taro, a popular Japanese artist known for his distinctive, high-impact works across multiple genres.
Okamoto's works, characterized by vivid colors and bold designs, always convey powerful messages. He is particularly famous for works that reflect his war experiences, expressing the cruelty of war and strong desires for peace.
This experiential exhibition introduces not only the essence of Okamoto's art but also his life story, presenting a complete picture of the artist.
His message-laden works provide an opportunity for people of all generations to experience communication through art.
Access and Basic Information for TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM
- Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access:
[JR] 7-minute walk from Ueno Station Park Exit
[Tokyo Metro] 10-minute walk from Exit 7, Ueno Station
[Keisei Electric Railway] 10-minute walk from Keisei Ueno Station
- Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) *Open until 20:00 on Fridays during special exhibitions
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Mondays
- Phone: 03-3823-6921
- Official Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/index.html
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tokyometropolitanartmuseum/
There Are Many Attractive Museums Besides the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM in Ueno Park
TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Source: Official website
The TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM, established in 1872, is Japan's oldest museum. It exhibits various materials related to Japanese art history, culture, and daily life, including pottery (Doki) made thousands of years ago, Ukiyoe (traditional Japanese woodblock prints), Kofun (ancient burial mounds for high-ranking individuals), and historical currency.
At the TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM, visitors can view numerous artworks and artifacts designated as important cultural heritage by the government, as well as ancient everyday items excavated from historical sites. The museum buildings themselves are historical architecture, allowing visitors to learn about Japanese history comprehensively.
- Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 9:30-17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
Friday-Saturday 9:30-20:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
*Hours may vary depending on exhibitions
- Closed: Mondays, New Year's holidays, and other irregular closures
- Phone: 050-5541-8600
- Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tnm_ir_en/
National Museum of Nature and Science
Source: Wikipedia
The National Museum of Nature and Science, opened in 1877, is the country's only comprehensive national science museum. It features exhibits on environmental changes, biological evolution, and animals living in Japan's seasonal nature.
The museum is characterized by its many three-dimensional exhibits, including models, making it enjoyable for both adults and children. The floor displaying approximately 400 taxidermied animals is particularly impressive – I found myself stopping to admire it. With English information guides available, international visitors can enjoy the museum with ease.
- Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
*Extended to 18:00 during summer
- Closed: Mondays, December 28-January 1, and other irregular closures
- Phone: 050-5541-8600
- Official Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/index.php
The Ueno Royal Museum
Source: Google Maps
The Ueno Royal Museum, established in 1972, is a museum operated by a historic art organization. Located in the same cultural district as the TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM, it hosts unique exhibitions including contemporary art shows featuring young artists and open competitions to discover promising next-generation artists.
The museum also organizes diverse exhibitions such as the Vermeer exhibition (Making the Difference: Vermeer and Dutch Art) featuring world-renowned artists, and popular manga exhibitions showcasing both domestic and international works. If you're interested in experiencing various genres of art, this museum is definitely worth visiting.
- Address: 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: 10:00-17:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing) *Hours may vary depending on exhibitions
- Closed: Irregular holidays *Varies by exhibition
- Phone: 03-3833-4191
- Official Website: https://www.ueno-mori.org/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uenomorimuseum/
The National Museum of Western Art
Source: Official website
The National Museum of Western Art, opened in 1959, is a museum specializing in Western art. The museum houses approximately 6,000 pieces ranging from Gothic art to contemporary works, with a particular focus on Impressionist masterpieces by artists such as Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum organizes unique special exhibitions exploring Western art in depth. As an Impressionism enthusiast, I frequently visit the museum to see these special exhibitions. Art lovers interested in Western art should definitely add this to their itinerary.
- Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday 9:30-17:30 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
Friday-Saturday 9:30-20:00 (Last admission 30 minutes before closing)
- Closed: Mondays, New Year's holidays, and other irregular holidays
- Phone: 050-5541-8600
- Official Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/jp/
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmwatokyo/
