About the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is a national art museum dedicated to collecting, researching, and exhibiting modern art from postwar Japan. Since its founding, it has collected and exhibited a wide range of modern and contemporary Japanese art, and is known for its diverse range of genres, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, design, and video. With a balanced display of works by both historical and contemporary artists, both domestic and international, the museum is known as a place where you can systematically learn about Japanese art history.

The museum combines special exhibitions, feature exhibitions, permanent exhibitions, and exhibitions of collections, and each exhibition has a clear theme that makes it worth seeing. There is also a museum shop and cafe, so you can take a break and choose souvenirs between viewing art.

Highlights

• Permanent Collection: A systematic introduction to modern Japanese art (from the Meiji era onwards to postwar and contemporary times). You can see masterpieces by important artists, including Western and Japanese paintings, sculptures, and prints.
• Special exhibitions: Special exhibitions that delve into domestic and international artists and themes are held regularly, and popular works and rare collections are often on display.
• Contemporary art and video exhibitions: Recent forms of expression such as video works and installations are actively featured (the composition of the exhibition room varies depending on the exhibition).
• Curator's commentary and gallery talks: You can gain a deeper understanding through events held during the exhibition (see the official website for event information).
• Museum Shop and Cafe: A shop selling exhibition catalogs, merchandise, and art-related books, as well as a cafe where you can have a light meal or take a break.

Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)

• Nearest station: Takebashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. A few minutes' walk (depending on the exit).
• Other access points: Subway (walking distance from Otemachi, Kudanshita, and Takebashi), Toei bus, etc. Located in Kitanomaru Park (within Kitanomaru Park) near the Imperial Palace, you can easily walk there.
• By car: Parking is limited in the area, so we recommend using public transportation. If you use a nearby paid parking lot, be aware that it may fill up during busy times.
• Check the location: Please check the opening hours and entrance location on the official website or map before visiting (the locations of entrances and exhibition rooms may change due to renovations, etc.).

Estimated stay (estimated time required)

• Permanent exhibition only: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Viewing the exhibition thoroughly: 1.5 to 3 hours (depending on the size of the exhibition and the level of crowds)
• If you include use of the museum shop and cafe: +30 minutes to 1 hour
• If you plan to participate in multiple projects or events, we recommend a half-day estimate.

Nearby spots

• Kitanomaru Park: The museum is located in or near Kitanomaru Park, where you can enjoy strolling and viewing seasonal flowers (such as cherry blossoms).
• Nippon Budokan: A large concert and event venue within walking distance.
• Imperial Palace Outer Gardens and Imperial Palace East Gardens: Enjoy historical scenery and stroll through the gardens. These are easy to combine as part of a sightseeing route.
• Takebashi/Otemachi area: An office district with plenty of restaurants and cafes. Convenient for a meal after an exhibition.

Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)

• Crowds: Special exhibitions, popular exhibitions, weekends, and holidays tend to be crowded. If you have the option to reserve tickets in advance, we recommend using the online reservation service.
• Photography and recording: Each exhibition has its own rules regarding photography and recording within the exhibition rooms. Please follow the signs and official information in the exhibition room regarding whether photography is permitted (in many exhibition rooms, photography or the use of flash or tripods is prohibited).
• Eating and drinking: Eating and drinking is prohibited inside the exhibition rooms. Please use the cafe or designated rest areas.
• Belongings/luggage: Large suitcases and other items may not be allowed into the exhibition rooms. It is safer to use the cloakroom or coin lockers (inside the museum or nearby) for coats and large luggage.
• Clothing and Accessibility: The museum is currently working to make itself barrier-free, but depending on the configuration of the exhibition rooms, there may be steps or narrow passageways. Please check in advance if you will be using a stroller or wheelchair.
• Seasonal Note: The surrounding parks and tourist areas will be busier during spring (cherry blossom season), Golden Week, and the New Year holidays. It is recommended to plan your visit with plenty of time to spare.
• Manners: Please do not touch the exhibits, keep your mobile phone on silent mode, and be considerate of other visitors.

Finally: Exhibition content, opening hours, admission fees, and ticket sales methods (such as specified date and time) are subject to change at any time. Please be sure to check the latest information on the official website of the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo before visiting.