Guida
The Tokyo University of the Arts Museum is a highly academic institution operated by the Tokyo University of the Arts, one of Japan's leading art universities. Centered around two main locations—the Ueno Museum in Ueno Park and the Toride Museum in Toride City, Ibaraki Prefecture—it houses numerous significant materials in the history of Japanese art. The grounds feature a fusion of historic red-brick architecture and modern design, making the architecture itself a piece of art. Visitors can experience a high-quality artistic encounter that reflects the footsteps of those who dedicated themselves to the revival of Japanese art.
The museum's history dates back to the establishment of the Tokyo School of Fine Arts in 1887. Following the educational philosophies of figures like Okakura Tenshin and Ernest Fenollosa, who were instrumental in the revival of Japanese art, the collection of ancient art has been a long-standing tradition. The exhibition spaces have evolved alongside history, such as the red-brick 'Display Hall' built in 1929 and the castle-style 'Masaki Memorial Hall' in 1935. More recently, the Toride Museum was completed in Ibaraki to preserve and disseminate artistic materials, and with the completion of the new 'Toride Storage Building' in 2024, the institution continues its mission of preserving, inheriting, and creating new forms of artistic expression.
The collection is incredibly diverse, with the collection of ancient art being particularly breathtaking. It includes National Treasures such as the 'Eyin Kagyo' and 'Kanzeon-ji Shizai-cho,' as well as Important Cultural Properties like 'Makikaze' by Ogata Korin and the 'Daibutsu statue' by Kaikei. In modern art, the museum holds famous works such as 'Kankan On' by Kano Hogai and 'Salmon' by Takahashi Yuichi. Exhibitions change frequently, featuring themes such as the 'Geidai Collection Exhibition' or special exhibitions reflecting the research achievements of students and faculty.
The exhibition content varies significantly depending on the season and the specific exhibition being held. During the winter, visitors can feel the energy of the next generation through exhibition displays by doctoral and master's students. At the Toride Museum, experiences can even extend beyond the gallery, such as stargazing events utilizing the architecture. Please note that the last admission is at 16:30, so if you plan to visit near the closing time of 17:00, please manage your schedule carefully.
Beyond mere viewing, there are opportunities to touch upon the processes of art and preservation. At the Toride Museum, the 'Visible Storage' concept allows visitors to experience the management and preservation of artistic materials. Furthermore, based on the 'Wall Museum Concept,' the entire space—including walls, floors, and lighting—is designed with artistic intent by faculty members. You can also spend a relaxing time immersed in art while utilizing the museum shop or the cafeteria.
The Ueno Park area, where the museum is located, is a major cultural and artistic hub in Tokyo. Nearby, you will find the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Western Art, and the National Museum of Nature and Science, allowing you to explore a comprehensive range of history, Western art, and science within walking distance. The area is also perfect for strolls through the greenery and ponds of Ueno Park. For a different atmosphere, visiting the Toride Museum in Ibaraki offers a unique experience where architecture and art become one in a vast campus setting.
To protect the artworks, there may be restrictions on photography or certain areas within the museum. Depending on the exhibition, there might be restrictions on the use of smartphones. For clothing, please choose something appropriate for the season and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The basic etiquette is to maintain silence and never touch the exhibits. For accessibility, wheelchair rentals are available.