National Museum of Western Art

National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art is located in Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo, and officially opened to the public in June 1959. It is Japan's only museum dedicated exclusively to the display of Western artworks and the country’s sole national institution dedicated to the development of Western art. It is committed to providing the Japanese people with a place to appreciate and learn about Western art, and through continuous efforts and advocacy, has amassed a collection of over 4,500 pieces of various Western artworks.

The main building of the National Museum of Western Art was designed by the renowned French architect Le Corbusier, and its construction was supervised and carried out by his disciples: Kunio Maekawa, Junzo Sakakura, and Takamasa Yoshizaka. In 1998, it was selected as one of Japan’s “100 Best Public Buildings.” At its inception, the museum primarily featured Western Impressionist paintings and sculptures from the early 19th century to the early 20th century, collected by Matsukata Kojiro. Now, in its permanent exhibition halls, visitors have the opportunity to view Western works ranging from the Renaissance period up to the early 20th century, including many masterpieces such as Rubens’ painting "The Abundance," Renoir’s "Dancer in Algerian Costume," and works by Impressionist painters like Monet and Gauguin.

National Museum of Western Art

Reason to visit: Japan’s only national institution dedicated to the development of Western art

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Tokyo Metropolis [Tokyo Metropolis]

City where the attraction is located: Taito [Taitō]