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Exploring the Masterpieces: Popular Art Museums in Ueno

Exploring the Masterpieces: Popular Art Museums in Ueno

Last updated: 5 March 2020

Tokyo's Ueno district is a cultural oasis that beckons art enthusiasts from around the world. With its lush green parks, historic temples, and an array of renowned museums, Ueno offers a captivating journey through the realms of creativity and imagination. In this article, we will embark on an artistic voyage through some of the most distinguished art museums that grace this vibrant neighborhood.

1. The National Museum of Western Art

1. The National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art stands as a singular institution in its dedication to an extensive array of Western art. At its core lies the illustrious Matsukata Collection, a remarkable assemblage of French art predominantly consisting of Impressionist paintings and the sculptures of Rodin. Notably, the museum's architectural grandeur holds its own allure alongside the artistic treasures it houses. Designed by the esteemed 20th-century French architect, Le Corbusier, the main building attained the prestigious status of an Important Cultural Property (architecture) in 2007.

Within the museum's permanent collection, visitors can marvel at approximately 5,500 artworks, encompassing Western paintings spanning from the late medieval period to the early 20th century. Furthermore, modern French sculptures, including the masterpieces of Rodin, adorn the museum's halls year-round, enhancing the overall artistic experience.

  • The National Museum of Western Art
    • Address Ueno Park 7-7, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
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    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      1 minute on foot
    • Phone Number 03-5777-8600

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

2. Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Inaugurated in 1926, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum holds the distinction of being Japan's inaugural public museum. Situated within Ueno Park, a mere seven-minute stroll from the park exit of JR Ueno Station, this cultural gem finds itself amidst a vibrant enclave that includes a zoo, a historical museum, a science museum, and a cluster of other art institutions.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts nearly 300 exhibitions, encompassing a diverse array of showcases, from meticulously curated exhibitions to collaborations with art organizations, as well as presentations featuring works contributed by the general public. Special exhibitions offer the opportunity to savor renowned artworks from Japan and around the globe. As part of its commitment to fostering art appreciation, the museum actively engages in Art Communication Programs, which encompass workshops and diverse programs, inviting art enthusiasts of all ages to partake in its offerings.

Positioning itself as a gateway to the world of art, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum welcomes visitors with a broad spectrum of interests. Within the museum's premises, you'll discover not only cozy cafes and eateries for relaxation but also the architectural masterpiece crafted by the illustrious Japanese modernist architect, Kunio Maekawa, adding an architectural allure to the overall experience.

  • Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
    • Address 8-36, Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
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    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      7 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3823-6921

3. The Ueno Royal Museum

3. The Ueno Royal Museum

Nestled within the scenic Ueno Park, the Ueno Royal Museum first welcomed visitors in April 1972 under the auspices of the Japan Art Association. This cultural haven embraces a diverse spectrum of artworks, including pieces designated as Important Cultural Properties. While the museum does not maintain a permanent collection, it consistently hosts imaginative exhibitions, exemplified by the annual modern art exhibition known as VOCA, proudly sponsored by the institution. Additionally, it regularly features publicly-sponsored exhibitions such as the Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition and the Japanese Nature Painting Exhibition.

To enhance the visitor experience, the museum provides a delightful café within its premises, allowing patrons to savor seasonal vistas through expansive windows. Moreover, a museum shop is on hand, offering a selection of original merchandise for art enthusiasts to peruse and acquire.

  • The Ueno Royal Museum
    • Address 1-2, Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-0007
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    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      3 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-3833-4191

4. Yumeji Takehisa Museum

4. Yumeji Takehisa Museum

The Yumeji Takehisa Museum serves as a tribute to the prolific Japanese artist of the Taisho period, Yumeji Takehisa. Established in November 1990 through the vision of attorney Takumi Kano, this institution is a repository for approximately 3,300 artifacts, encompassing a rich array of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting), oil paintings, original drawings, print works, written works authored by Takehisa, personal belongings, and associated documents.

From this extensive collection, a rotating selection of 200 to 250 pieces is thoughtfully curated for regular display, offering visitors a dynamic glimpse into Takehisa's artistic journey. Within the museum's premises, visitors can explore the museum shop, which offers postcards and posters, as well as indulge in a visit to the Yumeji Café Minatoya.

Adjacent to the Yayoi Museum within the same precincts, a day spent in this artistic haven allows for an immersive appreciation of the creative world of these remarkable artists.

5. Yayoi Museum

5. Yayoi Museum

Established in June 1984 by the legal expert Takumi Kano, the Yayoi Museum offers a captivating journey into the world of art. Nestled within its walls is a remarkable collection comprising a total of 27,000 artworks. This treasure trove includes approximately 3,000 pieces by Takabatake Kasho, a prominent figure in the art realm who left an indelible mark from the late Meiji period (1868 - 1912) to the postwar era. The collection also features works and materials from other illustrators who were contemporaries of Takabatake.

The museum's 3rd-floor permanent exhibition space features a rotating theme, showcasing 50 distinctive pieces by Takabatake at different intervals. On the first and second floors, visitors can explore exhibitions centered around the theme of publication art, encompassing illustrations, magazines, manga, and magazine supplements created by illustrators active from the late Meiji period to the postwar era.

Adding to the allure of the Yayoi Museum is its proximity to the "Takehisa Yumeji Museum" within the same building. This unique arrangement allows visitors to enjoy the offerings of two museums in a single visit, making it an exceptionally appealing destination for art enthusiasts.

6. The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts

6. The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts

The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk away from both the Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station and Nezu Station on the Chiyoda Subway Line, offers multiple transportation options for visitors. Those preferring the Taito-ku Circulation Bus can also easily access the University Art Museum-Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music.

This museum, leveraging its position within an esteemed art university, was established to harness the rich artistic heritage of its surroundings. Its impressive collection comprises approximately 29,000 pieces, boasting 22 National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. This makes it one of Japan's premier repositories of artistic treasures. Among these, numerous works crafted by renowned artists who graduated from the university hold immense historical and educational significance in understanding the evolution of Japanese modern art.

Periodically, select portions of the collection are unveiled to the public through the Geidai Collection exhibition, held once or twice a year. Additionally, the museum hosts various rotating displays throughout the year, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of art.

Within the main building, guests can find amenities such as a cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and a store catering to art enthusiasts by offering painting supplies. Furthermore, visitors can explore the Chinretsukan Gallery and Masaki Memorial Gallery, both open to the public during exhibitions. (Please note that all these facilities, including the main building, may be temporarily closed outside of exhibition periods.)

  • The University Art Museum, Tokyo University of the Arts
    • Address 12-8, Uenokouen, Taitou-ku, Tokyo, 110-8714
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    • Nearest Station Ueno Station (Hokkaido Shinkansen Line / Tohoku Shinkansen Line / Akita Shinkansen Line / Yamagata Shinkansen Line / Joetsu Shinkansen Line / Hokuriku Shinkansen Line / JR Keihin-Tohoku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Tohoku Main Line / JR Utsunomiya Line / JR Takasaki Line / JR Joban Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Tokyo Metro Ginza Line / Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
      10 minutes on foot
    • Phone Number 03-5777-8600
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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