
Best Museums & Art Galleries in Ōta-ku, Japan
1. Mori Art Museum
A contemporary art museum located in Roppongi Hills offering a unique spiral-shaped design by architect Toyo Ito.
- Uniquely-designed Building: Spiral-shaped architecture and a glass facade are distinctive features.
- Focus on Contemporary Art: The museum's collection primarily focuses on works from the late 20th century to the present.
- Rooftop Observatory: Enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo from the rooftop observatory, open during exhibitions.
2. National Art Center, Tokyo
A versatile exhibition space in Roppongi showcasing both Japanese and international art.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The center hosts a variety of exhibitions on rotating basis, featuring works from renowned artists.
- Modular Design: Its modular design allows for quick transformation to accommodate different exhibition needs.
- Spacious Exhibition Halls: The center boasts large, column-free galleries perfect for displaying large-scale artworks.
3. Ota Memorial Art Museum
A museum dedicated to the works of painter Shunso Ota, located in Kokubunji. It features a beautiful traditional Japanese garden.
- Tribute to Shunso Ota: The museum is dedicated to the works of a renowned Nihonga (traditional Japanese painting) artist.
- Traditional Garden: Stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese garden, inspired by Ota's paintings.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions related to Nihonga and other East Asian art.
4. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
A comprehensive art museum in Ueno Park featuring Japanese, Asian, and Western art.
- Comprehensive Collection: The museum's collection includes a wide range of works from various periods and cultures.
- Artist Salons: The museum offers special salon-style exhibitions, displaying artworks in intimate settings.
- Educational Programs: Various educational programs are available for visitors to learn about different art forms and techniques.
5. Kawasaki City Museum
A museum in Kawasaki showcasing local history, art, and culture, including works by Kawasaki-born artist Yayoi Kusama.
- Local History Exhibits: Explore the city's rich history through exhibits featuring artifacts and documents.
- Yayoi Kusama Gallery: A dedicated gallery showcasing works by contemporary artist Yayoi Kusama, born in Kawasaki.
- Interactive Experiences: The museum offers interactive experiences, such as workshops and guided tours.
6. Roppongi Hills Mori Tower Gallery
A contemporary art gallery located in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Sky Deck Views: The gallery offers stunning views of Tokyo from the 52nd to 54th floors.
- Artist Commissions: The gallery collaborates with artists to create site-specific installations and commissions.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The gallery hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing works from international contemporary artists.
7. Kawasaki City Museum of Foreign Art and Archaeology
A museum in Kawasaki focusing on foreign art and archaeology, with a particular emphasis on the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece.
- Foreign Civilization Exhibits: Explore the intricate artifacts from ancient civilizations like Egypt and Greece.
- Egyptian Mummy: View the museum's mummified human remains, believed to be over 3,000 years old.
- Archaeology Workshops: The museum offers workshops and events, such as pottery-making classes.
8. Museum of Western Art (Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Western Art)
A museum in Ueno Park dedicated to Western art, with a focus on European painting from the 14th to 20th centuries.
- European Painting Collection: The museum's collection features works by prominent European artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Gauguin.
- Rare Artifacts Exhibits: Explore rare artifacts from Europe, including medieval armor, porcelain, and stained glass.
- Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs and workshops to help visitors understand Western art history.
9. Museum of Yebisu Garden Place
A museum located in the Yebisu Garden Place complex showcasing contemporary Japanese and international art.
- Contemporary Art Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary art.
- Artist Studios: The museum features artist studios where visitors can observe artists at work.
- Architecture Tour: Tour the historic buildings of Yebisu Garden Place and learn about their architectural significance.
10. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT)
A contemporary art museum in Harajuku featuring rotating exhibitions and an extensive library.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing works from contemporary artists.
- Extensive Library: Visitors can access the museum's extensive library, filled with books and resources on contemporary art.
- Artist Residency Program: The museum offers artist residency programs, providing artists with a space to create and exhibit their work.
11. Ota Memorial Museum of Art
A museum in Kokubunji showcasing the works of Shunso Ota and other modern artists, as well as a beautiful traditional Japanese garden.
- Modern Art Collection: The museum's collection features works by modern Japanese artists such as Tsugouharu Foujita and Chikudo Kano.
- Traditional Japanese Garden: Stroll through the beautiful traditional Japanese garden, designed with teahouses and a pond.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing works by modern artists from around the world.
12. Kawasaki City Museum of Modern Art
A museum in Kawasaki dedicated to modern and contemporary art, with a focus on works by Japanese artists.
- Japanese Art Collection: The museum's collection features works by prominent Japanese artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jiro Yoshihara, and Kazuo Shiraga.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing works from emerging artists as well.
- Artist Talks and Workshops: The museum offers talks by contemporary artists and workshops for visitors to create their own artworks.
13. Roppongi Art Night (RAN)
A bi-annual event in Roppongi showcasing contemporary art installations and performances throughout the night.
- Art Installations: View a variety of large-scale art installations created specifically for this event.
- Performance Art: Enjoy performances by dancers, musicians, and other artists throughout the night.
- Nighttime Experience: Experience art in a unique way as you explore Roppongi after dark.
14. Suntory Museum of Art
A museum located in Tokyo Midtown showcasing Asian and Western art, with a focus on ceramics and glass.
- Asian & Western Art Collection: The museum's collection features works by artists from Asia and the West, with a focus on ceramics and glass.
- Temporary Exhibitions: The museum hosts temporary exhibitions showcasing different themes related to Asian and Western art.
- Artist Talks and Workshops: The museum offers talks by artists, workshops, and special events related to ceramics and glass art.
15. Museum of the Ota Memorial Foundation for Arts and Sciences
A museum in Kokubunji showcasing a diverse collection of Asian art, science, and technology.
- Asian Art Collection: The museum's collection features works by artists from various parts of Asia.
- Science & Technology Exhibits: Explore exhibits showcasing historical scientific instruments and cutting-edge technology.
- Artist Talks and Workshops: The museum offers talks by artists, workshops, and special events related to Asian art and culture.