Tokyo National Museum

Detail

The Tokyo National Museum is the oldest museum in Japan, founded in 1872. Located in Ueno Park in Taito City, Tokyo, it houses and exhibits an extensive collection centered on Japanese and Asian art and archaeology. Its collection totals approximately 120,000 items, including 89 National Treasures and 653 Important Cultural Properties (as of April 2025), making it one of Japan’s foremost repositories of cultural assets in both quality and quantity.

History and Mission of the Museum

The origins of the Tokyo National Museum date back to an exhibition held in 1872 at Taiseiden Hall of Yushima Seido in Tokyo. This was the first exposition organized by the Japanese government, and it is regarded as the starting point of the museum’s activities. Over the past 150 years, the museum has worked to preserve and pass on Japan’s history and culture through the collection, research, and restoration of cultural properties.

These achievements are made accessible to the public through permanent and special exhibitions, and the museum also plays a major role in education and research.

Exhibition Structure and Facilities

The Tokyo National Museum has six main exhibition buildings, each with its own theme and role, allowing visitors to experience art and history from multiple perspectives.

Main Building (Japanese Gallery)

This exhibition building presents the development of Japanese art by period and genre. It opened in 1938 and is known as a representative example of the “Imperial Crown Style,” designed by architect Jin Watanabe. It was designated an Important Cultural Property in 2001. The second floor displays works chronologically, while the first floor presents them by genre.

Heiseikan

Opened in 1999, this building houses the Archaeological Gallery introducing Japanese archaeological artifacts, as well as special exhibition rooms, an auditorium, a lounge, and other facilities on the first floor. The second floor is used exclusively for special exhibitions.

Toyokan (Asian Gallery)

Opened in 1968, this building was designed by architect Yoshirō Taniguchi. It exhibits a wide range of Asian art, crafts, and archaeological materials from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast Asia, India, the Western Regions, Egypt, and other areas. On the basement floor is the TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater, where visitors can enjoy immersive visual experiences.

Horyuji Treasure Gallery

This gallery houses about 300 treasures that were dedicated to the Imperial Household from Horyuji Temple in Nara in 1878, some of which are on display. The current building was designed by architect Yoshio Taniguchi and completed in 1999, and it also includes a restaurant on the first floor.

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Built in 1928 in accordance with the will of Western-style painter Seiki Kuroda, this building was designed by Shinichiro Okada. Kuroda’s works are displayed in the Kuroda Memorial Room and the Special Room during special public openings held several times a year. Admission is free.

Hyokeikan

Opened in 1909 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Taisho, this facility was designed by Tokuma Katayama. It is distinguished by its beautiful Neo-Baroque architecture and is currently used as a venue for special exhibitions and events.

TNM Collection Exhibition and Rotating Displays

The Tokyo National Museum presents its permanent collection through the “TNM Collection Exhibition.” Approximately 3,000 works are on display at all times, featuring a diverse range of cultural properties selected from the museum’s own collection and deposited works.

Exhibits are rotated in one gallery or another almost every week, with around 400 changes made annually. It is a museum beloved by repeat visitors, as there is always something new to discover no matter how many times you come.

Educational and Outreach Activities, and the Museum’s Appeal

In addition to exhibitions, the Tokyo National Museum offers a wide variety of educational and outreach activities, including lectures, workshops, research presentations, and performances. It serves as a bridge bringing specialized knowledge to the general public and provides opportunities to engage with culture.

The museum grounds also include a Japanese garden, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage in fall. It is also an inviting place to quietly escape the bustle of the city between art-viewing sessions.