National Museum of Western Art

Museum

Prefecture

Tokyo

Type

Museum

N/A

0 reviews

¥500

Entry Fee

English Staff Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Designed by Le Corbusier and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, the National Museum of Western Art in Ueno houses an outstanding collection of Western art from the medieval period to the 20th century, including works by Monet, Renoir, Rodin, and Rubens.

The National Museum of Western Art is the only building in Japan designed by the pioneering modernist architect Le Corbusier, and in 2016 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of seventeen of his works listed across seven countries. Standing in Ueno Park, it was built in 1959 to house the Matsukata Collection — the European paintings and sculptures amassed by businessman Kojiro Matsukata in the early 20th century, returned to Japan from France after the war. Inside, the spiralling 'museum of unlimited growth' layout leads visitors through an outstanding survey of Western art from the medieval period to the 20th century, with works by Monet, Renoir, Rubens, and Pollock among many others. The open forecourt is a free highlight in its own right, displaying Rodin bronzes including casts of The Thinker, The Gates of Hell, and The Burghers of Calais. Entry to the permanent collection is an affordable ¥500, and the museum sits within Ueno Park's remarkable cluster of museums, making it easy to combine with the Tokyo National Museum or the science museum next door.

Location

Prefecture: Tokyo

Address: Tokyo, Japan

Nearest Station: Ueno Station (JR / Tokyo Metro)

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Accepted

Food Options: A museum cafe serves light meals and drinks. Ueno Park and the nearby Ameyoko market area have extensive dining options.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the National Museum of Western Art?

From JR Ueno Station's Park Exit (公園口), walk 1 minute through Ueno Park — the museum is the curving concrete-and-stone building immediately on your right. From Tokyo Metro Ueno Station, exit 7 then 5-minute walk through the park. Open 9:30–17:30 (until 20:00 Fridays/Saturdays); closed Mondays. Adult ¥500, university student ¥250, under 18 free.

Why is the building a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The building, completed in 1959, is one of 17 architectural works by Le Corbusier (the French-Swiss modernist) inscribed together as a transnational World Heritage Site in 2016. It's the only Le Corbusier building in Asia. Designed using his trademark 'Modulor' proportional system and 'pilotis' (raised columns), the museum exemplifies modernist principles. The Forecourt with Rodin's 'The Thinker' and 'Gates of Hell' is free to view without a ticket.

What's in the collection?

Around 6,000 works of Western art from medieval to 20th century. The core is the Matsukata Collection (industrialist Kojiro Matsukata's private collection acquired 1916–1923 in Paris). Highlights: Monet's 'Water Lilies' series, Renoir's 'Algerian Woman', Van Gogh's 'Roses', Manet, Cezanne, Pollock, Rodin's bronzes, and a strong selection of Italian Renaissance works. Allow 90–120 minutes. Audio guide ¥520 (English available).

What else can I combine with this museum?

All within Ueno Park (5–10 min walks): Tokyo National Museum (¥1,000, Japan's largest), Ueno Zoo (¥600, pandas), National Museum of Nature and Science (¥630), Shitamachi Museum, and the historic Kiyomizu Kannon-do temple. The Ameyoko shopping street (10 min walk south of station) has affordable street food and the Yamashiroya toy emporium. A full Ueno cultural day costs ¥2,500–3,500 in entries plus food.