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Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Popular A quiet place for contemplation
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, 5 Chome-21-9 Shirokanedai, Minato City, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
Photos
Interesting facts
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The name 'Teien' translates to 'garden,' highlighting the significance of the 20,000-square-meter grounds.
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Prince Asaka, who lived here, was an amateur of the arts and spent time in Paris, which heavily influenced the home's Art Deco aesthetic.
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The iconic glass front door features relief sculptures by French designer René Lalique.
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During World War II, the house served as the official residence of the Japanese Prime Minister for a brief period.
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The mansion's interior uses rare materials like macassar ebony and marble, reflecting the lavish tastes of the 1930s Japanese imperial family.
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The Japanese-style garden contains a historic teahouse named 'Kōka-sō' which dates back to the estate's early residential period.
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The site was designated a National Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2015.
Overview
The Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is housed in the former 1933 residence of Prince Yasuhiko Asaka, a masterpiece of Art Deco architecture. The structure was designed by Henri Rapin and G.L. Gélan, featuring interior decor by René Lalique and Raymond Subes. It operates as a contemporary art museum, frequently hosting rotating exhibitions within the historical rooms. The site includes both a Western-style garden with a lawn and a traditional Japanese garden with a tea house. The main building retains much of its original decor, including stained glass doors and cast-aluminum radiators. It is located in Minato City, situated within a gated estate that offers a contrast to the surrounding urban density. The museum complex also includes a modern annex gallery built for larger-scale displays.
Photo spot
The central lawn area offers a full perspective of the mansion's rear Art Deco facade and terraces.
Insider tips
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Walk the garden paths separately from the mansion tour to fully appreciate the landscape design.
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Check the museum's official exhibition calendar before visiting, as the galleries close between shows.
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Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds in the narrow interior hallways of the historical mansion.
What to avoid
Attempting to visit during the transition periods between exhibition rotations, as the main museum building may be closed.
Good to know
Closed on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month and during exhibition installation periods.
Etiquette
Visitors must remove footwear before entering the historic mansion and wear provided slippers; photography rules for the mansion interior change depending on the specific exhibition.
Plan your visit
- Key exhibits
- Art Deco interior design, historic mansion architecture, contemporary art exhibitions
Frequently asked
How long should I spend at Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum?
Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit is Mid-spring or late autumn to view the Japanese garden's cherry blossoms or changing maple leaves..
What's the best photo spot?
The central lawn area offers a full perspective of the mansion's rear Art Deco facade and terraces.
What else is nearby?
Close by you'll find Tokyo Tower, Yebisu Brewery Tokyo, Shibuya Sky.
