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The National Art Center, Tokyo: A Museum Without Walls

Explore diverse art exhibitions in a stunning architectural space. The National Art Center, Tokyo: Where art comes alive.

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The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT), is a unique art museum in Roppongi, known for its stunning architecture and dynamic, temporary exhibitions. Unlike traditional museums, it doesn't have a permanent collection, offering a fresh and engaging experience with each visit.

A brief summary to The National Art Center, Tokyo

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Check the NACT's official website for current and upcoming exhibitions to plan your visit around specific interests.
  • Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed viewing experience.
  • Take advantage of the free admission to explore the Art Library, cafes, and museum shop.
  • Utilize the audio guides and explanatory texts available via QR codes for select exhibitions.
  • Consider visiting other museums in the Roppongi area, such as the Mori Art Museum and Suntory Museum of Art, for a discounted rate with a ticket from any of the participating museums.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The National Art Center, Tokyo, is easily accessible via public transportation. The most direct route is via the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line to Nogizaka Station; take Exit 6 for direct access to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Hibiya or Oedo Lines to Roppongi Station, from which it is a 5-minute walk. Subway fares typically range from ¥170-¥210 depending on the distance. Consider purchasing a Tokyo Subway Ticket for unlimited rides on Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines if you plan to visit multiple locations in a day.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Tokyo and offer a convenient way to reach the National Art Center. A taxi ride from JR Harajuku or Shibuya Station takes approximately 10 minutes. From Roppongi Station, a taxi to the NACT will only take about 4 minutes. The base fare for taxis in Tokyo is around ¥710 for the first kilometer, with additional charges based on distance. Expect to pay between ¥2,600 and ¥3,900 for a taxi from central Tokyo.

  • Walking

    From Roppongi Station, the National Art Center is approximately a 5-minute walk. Exit Roppongi Station via Exit 4a (Hibiya Line) or Exit 7 (Oedo Line) and follow the signs. The walk is straightforward and allows you to take in the sights of the Roppongi district. There are no tolls or special access fees for walking to the museum.

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Discover more about The National Art Center, Tokyo

The National Art Center, Tokyo (NACT), is a groundbreaking art institution distinguished by its lack of a permanent collection. Instead, it thrives as a dynamic venue for temporary exhibitions, showcasing a diverse range of art forms from classical to contemporary, manga, fashion, and design. This innovative approach ensures that each visit offers a unique and engaging experience, with collaborations from various museums, cultural institutions, and private organizations worldwide. The NACT's architecture, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, is a marvel in itself, featuring a wavelike glass facade that soars 22 meters high and stretches 160 meters long. The building embodies Kurokawa's concept of an 'Art Center surrounded by green spaces,' seamlessly blending with the adjacent Aoyama Cemetery and Aoyama Park. The interior boasts a vast exhibition space of 14,000 square meters, making it one of the largest in Japan. The building also includes an Art Library, an auditorium, lecture rooms, a restaurant, cafes and a museum shop. Since its opening in 2007, the NACT has been committed to contributing to culture through art, fostering mutual understanding and coexistence. It achieves this mission by presenting a wide array of artistic expressions, providing opportunities for visitors to acquire knowledge and encounter diverse values. The NACT also organizes various educational programs such as lectures, artist talks and symposiums which are held in conjunction with exhibitions. Entry to the building is free, allowing access to the restaurant, cafes, art library and museum shops. However, separate tickets are required for special and artist associations' exhibitions.

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