The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The museum was established in 1952, marking the first time a Japanese national institution was dedicated to modern art.

2. 2

   The collection includes over 13,000 items, ranging from significant paintings by Japanese masters to international modern works.

3. 3

   The museum holds a significant number of 'Important Cultural Properties,' including works by artists like Yokoyama Taikan and Tsuchida Bakusen.

4. 4

   The building features a specialized 'Room with a View' on the top floor, designed to provide a panoramic outlook over the Imperial Palace grounds.

5. 5

   The museum operates a specialized Art Library that houses one of the most extensive archives of documents on modern Japanese art in the country.

Overview

The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) is the first national art museum in Japan, focusing on a comprehensive collection of modern Japanese art from the Meiji period to the present. The collection features an extensive range of Western-style and traditional Nihonga paintings, prints, sculptures, and photography. It houses a permanent exhibition titled 'MOMAT Collection' which rotates pieces to highlight different themes and art historical contexts. The museum occupies a building designed by Yoshiro Taniguchi, known for its modernist architecture. It also hosts special temporary exhibitions featuring both domestic and international contemporary artists. The museum is located within Kitanomaru Park, placing it in proximity to the Imperial Palace. It maintains a large archive of documentary materials related to 20th-century Japanese art.

Insider tips

• Allocate time to visit the 'Room with a View' on the top floor for the best architectural perspective of the palace area.

• Check the museum website for the specific theme of the rotating 'MOMAT Collection' before your visit, as it changes multiple times a year.

• Use the audio guide app to access detailed narratives about key pieces in the permanent gallery.