National Museum of Western Art

Overview

The National Museum of Western Art, opened in 1959, is located in Ueno Park. The building was designed by Le Corbusier, a master of modern architecture. Le Corbusier, a leading figure in the Modern Movement, left behind innovative buildings around the world. The National Museum of Western Art is known as one of Le Corbusier's masterpieces, and its unique architectural style makes a strong impression on visitors. The building features a modern design with exposed concrete, and the interior features a spacious atrium where light and shadow blend beautifully. The museum's architecture is based on Le Corbusier's "Modulor," an anthropometric system based on human proportions and the Golden Ratio. The Modulor aimed to create a more comfortable architectural space for humans. At the National Museum of Western Art, the design based on the Modulor has created a beautiful and functional space where architectural space and the human body are in harmony. The museum houses a wide range of works, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs representing the history of Western art, such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Cubism. You can appreciate masterpieces such as Monet's "Water Lilies" and Renoir's "Luncheon of the Boating Party," as well as significant works from Western art history, including Van Gogh's "Cypress Trees" and Picasso's "Guernica." These works showcase the diversity of Western art and richly express human creativity. Special exhibitions feature valuable works borrowed from museums in Japan and abroad, focusing on specific themes. These exhibitions stimulate intellectual curiosity and deepen understanding of Western art by introducing new aspects and themes. The National Museum of Western Art is a valuable place where you can not only appreciate masterpieces of Western art but also experience the architectural beauty of Le Corbusier.