Shiseido Gallery: A Century of Art in Ginza

The Shiseido Gallery, opened in 1919 by Shinzō Fukuhara, the first president of Shiseido, stands as a testament to the company's commitment to 'discovering and creating new beauty'. It's recognized as the oldest art gallery still in operation in Japan, having showcased over 3,100 exhibitions. Many artists who debuted here have significantly impacted Japanese art history. Since the 1990s, the gallery has focused on contemporary art, making it accessible to beginners. In 2001, it moved to the basement of the Tokyo Ginza Shiseido Building. The gallery's space features a 5-meter-high atrium, one of Ginza's largest, attracting artists with its creative possibilities. The gallery hosts four to five exhibitions annually, including the shiseido art egg series, which supports emerging young artists. Admission is free, providing a relaxed environment to appreciate contemporary art. The Shiseido Gallery has faced closures due to earthquakes, war, and renovations, but has remained dedicated to its cause. The gallery can be accessed via a staircase next to the building or an elevator from the main entrance. The building itself, with its red exterior, was designed by Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill.