Yokohama Museum of Art 横浜美術館

One of the largest art museums in Japan, the Kenzo-Tange designed Yokohama Museum of Art comprises seven galleries, an atelier and a library with more than 110,000 books on art. Located in a prime area of the Minato Mirai district , it is a must-visit place to view the finest in contemporary art displayed in both the museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The Yokohama Museum of Art is easily accessible by train from Tokyo or central Yokohama.

The museum is a three-minute walk from Minatomirai Station on the Minatomirai Line and 10 minutes from Sakuragicho Station on the Keihin-Tohoku, Negishi, and subway lines. For those visiting from Tokyo, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Minatomirai Station from Shibuya on the Tokyu Toyoko Line.

The collection's focus is on modern and contemporary art from the late-19th century onward. This is fitting, as Yokohama was a centre of exchange between East and West, from the port of Yokohama to the rest of the world and from the rest of the world to Yokohama.

One piece of particular noteworthiness is "Commodore Perry Coming Ashore at Yokohama" by Peter B. W. Heine. as it depicts a critical event that helped determine the course of Japan's history.

Along with Western paintings, works are loosely grouped into six other categories: Western-style paintings by Japanese artists, Japanese-style nihonga paintings, prints, photographs and moving images, sculpture, and crafts.

Throughout the year the gallery also hosts a number of temporary exhibits featuring works by some of Japan's and the world's most prestigious artists. It is also one of the main venues for the Yokohama Triennale, which is held every three years. Check the museum website for all the details on upcoming shows.