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Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum: A Gateway to Art in Ueno Park

Explore diverse art exhibitions in Ueno Park's iconic Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, a gateway to artistic discovery since 1926.

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Located in Ueno Park, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, also known as Tokyo Bijutsukan, has been a major art destination in Tokyo since 1926. Hosting a variety of exhibitions, from classical Japanese art to international masterpieces, the museum sees itself as a 'doorway to art', offering something for every visitor.

A brief summary to Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

  • 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-5:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-5:30 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for current exhibition schedules and admission fees, as they vary.
  • Visit on International Museum Day (around May 18) for free admission, but expect larger crowds.
  • Take advantage of the museum's extended hours on Fridays during special exhibitions, when it stays open until 8 PM.
  • Explore Ueno Park's other museums and attractions while you're in the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Ueno Park Exit of Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line), follow the park promenade. Pass the Park Information counter and the National Museum of Western Art on your right. Continue straight, passing Tokyo Bunka Kaikan on your left. You'll see Ueno Zoo in the distance. After passing the police box, a plaza with a fountain will appear on the right. Continue past the plaza, angling slightly to the right. The museum's main entrance will be visible along the promenade. Entry to Ueno Park is free.

  • Public Transport

    From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line (inner track) to Ueno Station. The fare is approximately ¥160-¥200 and the journey takes about 10 minutes. From the Ueno Park Exit, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, take the Tokyo Metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno Station. The subway fare is approximately ¥180-¥210.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Tokyo Station to Ueno Park will cost approximately ¥2,700-¥3,300 and take about 6 minutes. From Ueno Station, it's a short walk to the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. A 5km taxi ride within Ueno Park costs around ¥2620.

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Discover more about Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, nestled in the verdant Ueno Park, stands as a prominent gateway to the world of art in Japan. Established in 1926 as the Tokyo Prefectural Art Museum, it was Japan's first public art museum. The museum adopted its current name in 1943 when Tokyo became a metropolitan prefecture. The museum's architecture, designed by Kunio Maekawa in 1975, is a highlight, harmonizing urban space with the park's natural beauty. While the museum doesn't maintain a permanent collection, it hosts diverse temporary exhibitions of both Japanese and international modern art. These have included retrospectives of renowned artists like Edvard Munch and Tsuguharu Foujita. The museum also showcases local contemporary artists through the annual Ueno Artist Project. The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is more than just a space for viewing art; it's a place for community engagement. The 'Museum Start i-Ueno' program encourages children to engage with art, fostering creativity and cultural appreciation. The museum also provides a café and shop to enrich the visitor experience. Admission to the museum itself is free, though fees apply for special exhibitions.

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