Mori Art Museum: Tokyo’s Premier Contemporary Art Destination

The Mori Art Museum is a contemporary art museum in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo, Japan. The museum was founded by the real estate developer Minoru Mori in 2003 and has since become a cultural landmark in the city. The museum is known for its innovative exhibitions that showcase the work of both established and emerging artists from around the world.

One of the unique features of the Mori Art Museum is its location on the 53rd floor of the Mori Tower, which gives you visitors with stunning views of the city. The museum’s exhibitions cover a wide range of contemporary art forms, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and performance art. The museum also hosts educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours.

With its innovative exhibitions, stunning views, and commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of contemporary art, the museum has established itself as one of the most exciting cultural institutions in Tokyo and beyond.

History

The Mori Art Museum was founded by real estate developer Minoru Mori in 2003. Located in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower in Tokyo, the museum is a significant landmark in the city’s art scene. It’s stated mission is to showcase contemporary art from around the world and to promote cultural exchange between Japan and other countries.

Since its opening, the Museum has hosted numerous exhibitions featuring works by both established and up-and-coming artists. Some of the most notable exhibitions include “Ai Weiwei: According to What?” in 2012, “Lee Mingwei and His Relations” in 2014, and “Sunshower: Contemporary Art from Southeast Asia 1980s to Now” in 2017.

The Museum has also collaborated with other institutions to bring unique exhibitions to Tokyo. In 2018, the museum partnered with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea to present “The Weight of Lightness: Ink Art at M+,” which showcased contemporary ink art from China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Over the years, the Mori Art Museum has become a destination for art enthusiasts visiting Tokyo. With its impressive collection of contemporary art, stunning views of the city, and commitment to promoting cultural exchange, the museum continues to be a significant player in the global art scene.

Exhibitions and Collections

The stylish museum is known for its impressive collection of modern art, which includes works in genres such as fashion, architecture, design, photography, and video. The museum’s permanent collection, known as the MAM Collection, features works by both Japanese and international artists.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions showcase the work of both established and emerging artists from around the world. You can expect to see a wide range of art forms, from paintings and sculptures to installations and multimedia pieces.

One of the museum’s most popular exhibitions is the Roppongi Crossing series, which takes place every three years and showcases the work of young Japanese artists. The most recent exhibition, Roppongi Crossing 2022: Coming & Going, ran from December 1, 2022, to March 26, 2023, and featured the work of over 25 artists.

Another recent exhibition was Heatherwick Studio: Building Soulfulness, which ran from March 17 to June 4, 2023. This exhibition focused on the work of British designer Thomas Heatherwick and included a number of his most iconic projects, such as the Vessel in New York City and the UK Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo.

Architecture and Design

The Mori Art Museum is not only known for its contemporary art exhibits, but also for its stunning architecture and design. The museum is in the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, a 54-story skyscraper designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates and completed in 2003.

The tower’s design is meant to represent a “city within a city,” with a mix of commercial, residential, and cultural spaces. The Mori Art Museum is on the 53rd floor and offers visitors breathtaking views of the city. The museum’s interior was designed by the renowned interior designer Ryu Kosaka, who created a space that complements the artworks on display.

One of the most unique features of the museum is the “Sun and Moon Room,” a circular room with a glass floor that lets you look down at the city below. The room is named after the artwork by the Japanese artist Mariko Mori, which is displayed in the center of the room. The room is also used for special events and functions.

Visitor Information

The Mori Art Museum should be on your to-do-list for art lovers and enthusiasts visiting Tokyo. Located on the 53rd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, the museum offers stunning sweeping views of the city skyline while showcasing contemporary art from around the world.

The museum is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 10pm, with the last entry at 9:30pm. On Tuesdays, the museum is open from 10am to 5pm, with the last entry at 4:30pm. The museum is closed on select Tuesdays and during the New Year holiday period.

Admission fees vary depending on the exhibitions and events being held at the museum. Adult tickets cost 1,800 yen, while university and high school students can enter for 1,200 yen. Children from the age of 4 up to junior high school students can enter for 600 yen. Group discounts are also available.

You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the museum ticket counter on the day of your visit. purchase tickets in advance to avoid long queues during peak hours.

In addition to the Mori Art Museum, you can also access the Tokyo City View observation deck and the Mori Arts Center Gallery on the 52nd floor of the Roppongi Hills Mori Tower. Additional entrance fees are required for these attractions. You can also take advantage of museum discounts for observation deck visitors.

Impact and Significance

The Mori Art Museum has become an important cultural institution in Tokyo and a significant center for contemporary art in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region. The museum’s mission to decode individual cultural backgrounds and to position emerging trends within a broader global context has led to a diverse range of exhibitions and programs that have attracted both local and international visitors.

One of the most significant impacts of the Mori Art Museum has been its role in promoting contemporary Asian art. The museum has organized major exhibitions that have showcased the work of leading contemporary artists from Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian countries. These exhibitions have helped to raise the profile of Asian art in the global art world and have contributed to the growing recognition of the region’s cultural significance.

The Mori Art Museum has also played an important role in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and other countries. The museum has organized exhibitions featuring the work of international artists, and has collaborated with museums and cultural institutions around the world to bring Japanese art and culture to a wider audience.

In addition to its exhibitions, the Mori Art Museum has also developed a wide range of educational programs and initiatives that have helped to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds. These programs include guided tours, workshops, lectures, and other activities that provide visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the art and culture of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region.

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