Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo’s National Museum of Western Art is a unique venue in Japan dedicated exclusively to Western artists. His important collection, including works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso, allows us to discover centuries of European art history. Its building designed by Le Corbusier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also a major work to discover during a visit to the Ueno district.
A museum dedicated to Western art in Japan
National Museum of Western Art occupies a special place in the Japanese cultural landscape.
Founded in 1959, it is the only Japanese national museum entirely dedicated to Western arts. Its collection covers a long period from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century.
The museum presents mainly European paintings and sculptures, with works from major artistic movements. Visitors can discover major artists such as Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir, Paul Cézanne, Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso or Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
The Matsukata collection, the origin of the museum
The history of the museum is related to the collection of Matsukata Kojiro, a Japanese entrepreneur passionate about Western art.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Matsukata acquired many works in Europe to create a large collection accessible to the Japanese public. During World War II, a significant part of this collection was seized by the French government.
After the war, France agreed to return the works provided that a dedicated building was built in Japan to preserve and display them.
This decision gave rise to the Tokyo National Museum of Western Art.
The building designed by Le Corbusier
The architecture of the museum is one of its main attractions.
The main building was designed by Le Corbusier, a major figure in modern 20th century architecture.
Its design is based on the architectural principles developed by Le Corbusier: geometric volumes, circulation thought around works and use of natural light.
In 2016, the building was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of Le Corbusier’s architectural work, which was recognized for its influence on modern architecture.
For lovers of architecture, the visit to the museum is therefore of dual interest: discover the works exhibited while observing a historic building.
The great works and artists to discover
The museum’s collections allow us to explore centuries of European artistic creation.
Impressionism lovers can admire works by Monet and Renoir, with their work on the light, landscapes and scenes of everyday life.
Van Gogh’s works bear witness to the evolution of painting towards more expressive forms, while Cézanne’s pieces announce the artistic transformations of the early twentieth century.
The collection also includes sculptures, including several works by Auguste Rodin, some of which are visible in the museum’s exterior spaces.
The sculpture garden and Rodin
Before even entering the galleries, visitors can discover an outdoor space hosting several sculptures.
The works of Auguste Rodin occupy an important place in this garden, allowing to observe some rooms in an open environment.
This part of the museum is particularly pleasant on fine days and offers an interesting break before or after visiting the rooms.
A visit easily combined with the Ueno Park
The National Museum of Western Art is located in one of Tokyo’s richest cultural districts.
Within walking distance are the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Nature and Science, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and the Ueno Zoo.
It is therefore possible to organise a full day around the museums and green areas of the Ueno Park.
The museum visit usually takes one to two hours depending on the interest in collections.
Practical information to visit the museum
The museum is accessible from JR Ueno Train Station, park side, about a minute walk away.
It is also accessible from Keisei Ueno Train Station in a few minutes’ walk.
Schedules may vary depending on the exhibitions, including extended openings on Fridays and Saturdays. Temporary exhibitions may have different prices.
The Tokyo National Museum of Western Art offers a different experience from other museums in Ueno Park by offering a look at European art in a Japanese setting. Between the masterpieces exhibited, the history of the Matsukata collection and the remarkable architecture of Le Corbusier, it is a major cultural step for art lovers during a stay in Tokyo.
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The museum is located in the Ueno Park in Tokyo, near the JR Ueno station
The museum opened in 1959 to host the Matsukata collection and present Western art in Japan
The museum presents works by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh and Picasso.
The building was designed by Le Corbusier and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
A visit usually takes one to two hours depending on the exhibitions visited
No, he also presents sculptures and works by Auguste Rodin
Yes, the National Museum of Western Art owns works by European artists like Van Gogh according to the exhibitions presented
The museum is accessible in about a minute walk from the exit park side of the train station in Ueno
Ueno Park, Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo are nearby
Yes, its building designed by Le Corbusier is a major example of modern architecture
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