Rambling mindlessly around Tokyo in random directions took me to Ueno Park, where I stumbled upon an interesting-looking brick-faced building. Upon closer inspection, I learned that it was the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. Despite my novice knowledge of art, I welcomed the serendipitous chance for some artsy-fartsy exploration and hurriedly walked in.

Japan / Fine Arts / Museums

Dose of Art and Architecture at Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum | Japan

By Marky Ramone Go • June 2020

The Modernist Vision of Mayekawa Kunio

Prior to stepping inside, I had already noticed the arresting architectural details of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. I later learned that the building was designed by the firm of Mayekawa Kunio—Japan's renowned modern architect—and was completed in 1975.

Commenting on the design elements of the museum, literature and cultural critic Shuichi Kato wrote about Kunio's design: "Tokyo streets have no order. Kunio Maekawa has consistently tried to produce small urban spaces in this chaotic context, through his arrangement of plural building volumes on the site."

"The courtyards and voids within the building’s walls perform not only as passageways but as open spaces to breathe, relax, meet people, and talk. His buildings, this is to say, contain harmonious urban spaces on a reduced scale."

A Doorway to Masterpieces

Calling itself the "doorway to art," the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum featured not only art pieces from Japan but also showcased world-renowned masterpieces.

Visual Feast of Colors and Strokes

From room to room, I lavished my eyes on a visual feast of popping artworks ranging across almost all painting methods, from realism, painterly, and impressionism, to abstract, surrealism, and pop art. There was something about the myriad of brush strokes depicting imagery with a variety of colors that was deeply soothing to the mind.

If it had not been for the hunger I was feeling, I would have stayed inside the museum a little longer. Deciding I should start searching for a place to have my late lunch, I walked out the door of the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum craving food, but with a mind and soul completely nourished by art.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Profile

Location Ueno Park, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan.

Architectural Origin Designed by the renowned Japanese modernist architect Mayekawa Kunio and completed in 1975.

Design Philosophy Incorporates multiple building volumes and open brick courtyards to create harmonious urban spaces away from chaotic city streets.

Cultural Role Acts as a "doorway to art," featuring extensive public galleries showcasing both domestic and world-renowned masterpieces.

Filed Under:

Tokyo, Japan Architecture Museums