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The National Museum of Western Art

Explore Western art masterpieces in a Le Corbusier-designed UNESCO World Heritage building in Tokyo's Ueno Park. Collection includes Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh.

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Located in Ueno Park, Tokyo, the National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) is Japan's premier public art gallery specializing in Western art. The museum was established in 1959 and its core collection is based on the Matsukata Collection, featuring Impressionist paintings and sculptures. The main building, designed by Le Corbusier, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

A brief summary to The National Museum of Western Art

  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on the second Sunday of the month for Kawasaki Free Sunday, offering free admission to the Permanent Collection Galleries.
  • Take advantage of the audio guides available in English, Chinese, and Korean for a more immersive experience.
  • Check the museum's website for information on special exhibitions and events.
  • Enjoy a serene walk in the front garden, which features sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
  • Combine your visit with other attractions in Ueno Park, such as the Tokyo National Museum and Ueno Zoo.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Ueno Station's Park Exit, the National Museum of Western Art is a short 3-minute walk. Upon exiting the station, proceed straight towards Ueno Park. You'll find the museum near the park entrance. Look for the distinctive Le Corbusier building. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Ueno Subway Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza and Hibiya lines), the museum is a 6-minute walk. After exiting the station, walk towards Ueno Park. Follow signs to the National Museum of Western Art. Alternatively, from Keisei Ueno Station, it is a 7-minute walk. A single subway fare in Tokyo costs approximately ¥170-¥320 depending on the distance [https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2018.html]. No other costs are involved.

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Discover more about The National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) stands as a beacon of Western artistic tradition in the heart of Tokyo's Ueno Park. Established in 1959, the museum's foundation lies in the remarkable Matsukata Collection, which showcases Impressionist masterpieces and Rodin sculptures. Industrialist Kōjirō Matsukata amassed the collection between 1920 and 1923 with the vision of creating a museum dedicated to Western art in Japan. The museum's main building is an architectural marvel designed by the renowned Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier. It is his only built project in the Far East. The building is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement”. The NMWA's collection has grown since its opening and now includes over 5,500 works from the Medieval period through the early 20th century. Visitors can explore paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints by European masters such as Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Picasso, and Pollock. The NMWA hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, displaying works on loan from both private collections and public museums. The museum also engages in research, restoration, and educational activities to promote Western art. A museum shop offers art reproductions, postcards, and books.

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