SOMPO Museum of Art

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum building features a rare cylindrical architecture designed to minimize wind resistance and create unique interior gallery spaces.

2. 2

   The signature Van Gogh 'Sunflowers' painting was purchased at a Christie's auction in 1987 for approximately $39.9 million.

3. 3

   The museum houses a significant collection of works by Seiji Togo, a Japanese artist known for his distinctively slender, stylized female portraits.

4. 4

   The structure was specifically engineered with high-tech seismic isolation systems to protect its valuable paintings during earthquakes.

5. 5

   The museum frequently hosts exchange exhibitions, collaborating with major international galleries like the Musée d'Orsay.

6. 6

   Its current facility, opened in 2020, replaced an older gallery space that was located on the 42nd floor of the neighboring Sompo Japan headquarters.

Overview

The SOMPO Museum of Art is uniquely recognized for housing Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers, the only work from the series permanently exhibited in Asia. Located in a distinctively curved, modern architectural structure in Shinjuku, the museum serves as a hub for both Japanese and European fine art. The collection originated from the corporate art holdings of the Sompo Japan insurance company, formerly known as the Seiji Togo Memorial Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art. The facility spans multiple floors, offering rotating special exhibitions alongside its permanent collection highlights. It is a premier destination for post-impressionist works in Tokyo.

Insider tips

• Check the official website for current special exhibition themes before arriving, as the gallery focus changes several times a year.

• Utilize the museum's audio guide if available, as it provides deep context for the provenance of the European masters on display.

• Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid school groups and local tourist crowds.