The National Art Center, Tokyo is one of the Japanese government’s major art museums. Opened in 2007, the museum boasts nearly 48,000 square metres of floor space, making it one of the largest gallery venues in Japan.
Unlike traditional museums, the centre does not maintain a permanent collection. Instead, it hosts a rotating program of temporary and travelling exhibitions throughout the year, many of which focus on twentieth-century painting and modern art.
The art centre also plays an important educational role, featuring an extensive library with a vast collection of art-related materials.
The building itself is architecturally striking, featuring a sweeping, wave-like glass façade. It was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the same architect behind the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Shimbashi — one of Tokyo’s more unusual and often debated landmarks.
In addition to its exhibitions, the museum is frequently used as a venue for major corporate events. It also houses a well-regarded museum shop, Souvenir from Tokyo, along with a selection of cafes and restaurants, including the French brasserie Paul Bocuse Le Musée.
Visitor Information:
The National Art Center is normally open from 10:00am to 6:00pm but closes at 8:00pm on Fridays and Saturdays, but is typically closed on Tuesdays and various other days of the year.
Admission fees are determined depending on the current exhibition.
Access:
It is conveniently located at Exit 6 of Nogizaka Station on Tokyo Metro’s Chiyoda Line (Station C-05), just a short walk west of the Tokyo Midtown complex.
Official Website:
https://www.nact.jp/english/
