Art & Design
The National Art Center, Tokyo 国立新美術館
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
A world-class exhibition space that's visually striking inside and out
The National Art Center, Tokyo, is Japan's fifth national art museum. The National Art Center, Tokyo, opened in 2007 and is one of the country's most important art spaces. A variety of exhibitions are held here, making use of one of the largest exhibition spaces in the country (14,000 m2). The gallery works under three major policies:
Exhibitions: The NACT presents a large variety of art expressions and offers fresh perspectives on artistic creativity.
Information Collection and Dissemination: The NACT connects people and art through the gathering and sharing of information and resources.
Education and Public Programs: The NACT serves as a site of participation, interaction, and creativity.
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
Don't Miss
- Fine French dining with a view at Brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musee
- The extensive third-floor Art Library, exclusively devoted to art
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
How to Get There
The nearest stations to The National Art Center, Tokyo, are Nogizaka or Roppongi subway stations.
Take the Chiyoda Line to Nogizaka Station and leave through exit 6 for direct access. Alternatively, take either the Hibiya or Oedo Line to Roppongi Station and walk about five minutes.
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
Quick Facts
The space houses three cafes and a restaurant
There are 14,000 square meters of exhibition space
The National Art Center, Tokyo, has temporary exhibitions across various genres
The museum is closed on Tuesdays
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
An impressive building
Since opening in 2007, this stunning structure designed by Kisho Kurokawa has been considered one of Tokyo's most impressive and flexible art spaces. On first approaching, visitors admire the light-filled atrium at the entrance, formed by glass and steel waves.
©The National Art Center, Tokyo
Built on the old campus grounds of the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, the museum is one of the most celebrated designs of Kurokawa's final years. Kurokawa was a renowned architect and an exponent of the Metabolism movement. He designed many other art galleries, and his work also includes prominent structures outside of Japan.
A transformative concept
Unlike most other national art museums and galleries, The National Art Center, Tokyo has no permanent exhibition. Rather than hosting one major permanent collection, the gallery is adaptable, transforming its rooms to host a number of rotating art exhibitions simultaneously as well as public events like artist talks and workshops.
Because there's nothing permanent, make sure to explore all three floors fully, as what's there now may not be on display the next time you visit. The special exhibition spaces host regularly changing exhibitions. Previous exhibitions have included works from avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, animation director Makoto Shinkai, and architect Tadao Ando.
Art Triangle Roppongi
The National Art Center, Tokyo, is part of “Art Triangle Roppongi," along with Mori Art Museum and Suntory Museum of Art. These three museum spaces in the district which can sometimes be visited at discounted rates if you retain your ticket from one museum and show it when entering the next. This affordable scheme lends for a day of art and culture, perfect before a Roppongi night out.
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