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Museums

Yokohama Museum of Art

4.2 · 2,695 reviews
Spacious and intellectually stimulating
Yokohama Museum of Art, 横浜美術館 内 3 Chome-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The museum building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange.

2

The grand gallery features a high-ceilinged atrium designed to allow natural light to filter into the central exhibition hall.

3

The permanent collection features significant works by surrealist artist Salvador Dalí and painter Paul Cézanne.

4

The museum acts as the cornerstone venue for the Yokohama Triennale, which utilizes the space for large-scale contemporary installations.

5

The library contains over 110,000 volumes dedicated to art history and contemporary criticism, accessible to the public.

6

The museum's focus on Yokohama-connected artists highlights the city's historical role as Japan's gateway for foreign art and culture.

Overview

The Yokohama Museum of Art is a prominent contemporary art institution located in the Minato Mirai 21 district. Designed by architect Kenzo Tange, the building features a massive, symmetrical facade with a grand central gallery space. The collection emphasizes modern and contemporary art from the late 19th century to the present, with a specific focus on artists associated with Yokohama. It serves as a primary venue for the Yokohama Triennale, an international contemporary art exhibition held every three years. The facility houses over 13,000 items, including extensive holdings of surrealism and dadaist works. The museum complex also incorporates a dedicated art information center and a specialized library for research. Its physical structure is integrated into the larger Landmark Plaza and Queen's Square urban development.

Photo spot

The wide, symmetrical front exterior and the central atrium staircase.

Insider tips

Check the museum's digital archive website before visiting to see if specific collections are currently on display.

Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Mark Is Minatomirai garden area for a complete architectural experience.

Utilize the museum's specialized library if you are conducting in-depth research on 20th-century Japanese art.

What to avoid

Avoid assuming all sections are open; always check the current exhibition schedule, as the museum occasionally closes portions for installation rotations.

Good to know

Closed on Thursdays and during exhibition installation periods; check official calendar for seasonal closures.

Etiquette

Refrain from flash photography and maintain a low volume in the gallery spaces; food and drink are strictly prohibited in exhibition areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid the high volume of weekend visitors from the nearby shopping complexes.
Address
Yokohama Museum of Art, 横浜美術館 内 3 Chome-4-1 Minatomirai, Nishi Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 220-0012, Japan
35.457, 139.631
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsWorks by Salvador Dalí, Paul Cézanne, and prominent Yokohama-based contemporary artists.
Architectural highlightSymmetrical design by Kenzo Tange with a central light-filled atrium.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid the high volume of weekend visitors from the nearby shopping complexes..

The wide, symmetrical front exterior and the central atrium staircase.

Close by you'll find Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama Chinatown, Yokohama Cosmo World.