5 things to see and do at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo

Since opening in 1959, the National Museum of Western Art has been known for its showcase of Western art dating from the 14th to the mid-20th century. During its 65-year history, the museum has never hosted a contemporary art exhibition. That, though, will change this year.

‘Does the Future Sleep Here?’ will be NMWA’s first contemporary art exhibition. From March 12 to May 12 2024, you’ll be able to see works from more than 20 artists of all ages who are creating experimental art in Japan.

With its inception, the museum has hoped that its extensive collection of Western art would spark the creativity of a future generation of artists. Therefore this special exhibition will feature contemporary art inspired by NMWA’s permanent collection.

The diverse selection of contemporary art in this showcase will be interspersed with classics from the museum’s main collection, including masterpieces by Monet, Cézanne and Pollock. Here you’ll be able to see how NMWA has inspired a new wave of artists. So don’t miss this groundbreaking exhibition that gives you the opportunity to admire the best of Western art alongside thought-provoking contemporary pieces from today’s talented array of artists.

Dates: March 12 to May 12
Tickets: ¥2,000, university students ¥1,300, high school students ¥1,000, free for junior high school students and younger. Book your tickets online here. Limited number of special tickets are also available – more details here.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm, until 8pm on Fri & Sat, closed on Mon (except March 25, April 29 & 30, May 6) & May 7.

As you walk the galleries of the National Museum of Western Art, you’ll discover its stunning permanent collection. There are paintings and sculptures from the likes of Rubens, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso, just to name a few.

The core of this impressive selection is the Matsukata Collection, which was put together by Kojiro Matsukata, a successful businessman who began collecting art in Europe during the First World War. His aim was to open a museum in Japan, but the economic crash of 1927 forced him to abandon his plan and sell the artworks he stored in Japan. However, around 400 pieces survived under storage at the facilities of the Musée Rodin.

This art collection was seized by the French government as enemy property towards the end of World War II. But in 1959, the collection was returned to Japan and put on display in the then newly created National Museum of Western Art.

Matsukata’s original collection focused on Impressionist paintings and Auguste Rodin's sculptures. Since then, the museum has continued to add new work to the collection, and now it boasts a preeminent selection of Western art that includes masterpieces from the 14th through to the mid-20th century.

Tickets: ¥500, university students ¥250, free for high school students and younger.
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm, until 8pm on Fri & Sat, closed on Mon & May 7.

Before you even step foot in the museum, you’re sure to notice the building’s unique architecture. The National Museum of Western Art was designed by Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, commonly known as Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

Le Corbusier was known for his 'Five Points for a New Architecture' philosophy: pilotis (pillars), a roof garden, an open floor plan, long windows and open facades. Many of these principles can be seen at the museum, which is recognised as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Another of Le Corbusier’s design features, the ‘museum of unlimited growth’, is also evident here. When visiting, you enter through the centre of the museum between supporting pillars, a design feature which allows for greater flexibility when it comes to arranging the exhibition rooms.

The heart of the museum is The Nineteenth Century Hall. This bright and airy space has a triangular skylight that fills the hall with natural light on sunny days. Up on the second floor, the high and low ceilings let you appreciate the contrast between open and closed spaces.

Don’t forget to also spend some time outside the museum, where you’ll find Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Burghers of Calais’ in the spacious forecourt.

No visit to a museum is complete without stopping by the gift shop, and what you’ll find in the National Museum of Western Art is a cut above the usual souvenirs. There’s a wide selection of goods, ranging from stylish merchandise to an extensive collection of art books.

Many of the products are based on the museum’s artworks. You can pick up mugs, coasters, fridge magnets and stationery inspired by masterpieces from Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and many more. There’s also a selection of official prints and miniature sculptures replicating Rodin’s ‘The Thinker’, Bourdelle’s ‘Hercules the Archer’ and the like. These make for ideal souvenirs to remind you of your visit to the museum.

The Book Corner is one of the most impressive sections of the gift shop. It holds around 2,000 titles on various topics, suitable for everyone from children to art researchers. There are also books covering the museum’s architecture, which was the work of famous 20th-century architect Le Corbusier.

Whether you’re looking to take home a memento or pick up a gift for your loved ones, you’re sure to find it here. Better yet, you can start shopping now at the online gift store.

Opening hours: Same as the museum’s operating hours

Admiring art can work up an appetite, so you’ll be relieved to hear that the museum has a place serving meals and refreshments all day long. Café Suiren faces the museum’s central courtyard, making it a bright and airy spot to take a break over a bite to eat.

You’ll be spoilt for choice here at Café Suiren. If you’re hungry, take a look at the course menus or a la carte options. Alternatively, you can simply stop by for coffee and cake if you prefer a lighter fare.

One of the cafe’s standout dishes is the Le Corbusier Plate, inspired by the architect who designed the museum. It features a black baguette open sandwich, which represents Le Corbusier’s design philosophy. This dish also comes with an appetiser, soup, meat sauce fusilli and a drink, all for ¥1,900.

The teatime set, meanwhile, is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can choose from a selection of cakes paired with a drink for ¥1,100. Or, just order a drink and enjoy the leisurely atmosphere. Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available, including beer and an extensive wine list.

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5.30pm (meals 11am-4.45pm, drinks last orders at 5.15pm), Fri & Sat 10am-8pm (meals 11am-7.10pm, drinks last orders at 7.30pm)