The Yayoi Kusama Museum, in Shinjuku, is a contemporary art museum dedicated to the work of the avant-garde artist, Yayoi Kusama.
The museum, which opened in 2017, is run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation and aims to promote and spread Kusama’s art to contribute to the development of art as a whole.
The museum is a five-floor building designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kume Sekkei, and it exhibits Kusama’s works and related materials. The museum’s exhibitions are known for their immersive and interactive nature, with visitors often being able to participate in the art installations themselves.
The museum’s popularity has led to high demand for tickets, with tickets often selling out within minutes of going on sale.
Exhibitions and Installations
The museum features a rotating selection of exhibitions and installations that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Kusama’s unique and captivating art.
One of the most popular installations at the museum is the Infinity Room, which features a seemingly endless array of mirrors and LED lights. You can step inside the room and experience the sensation of being surrounded by an infinite expanse of space.
Another notable installation is the Obliteration Room, which invites visitors to add their own colorful stickers to a stark white room. Over time, the room is transformed into a vibrant and chaotic explosion of color.
In addition to these installations, the museum also hosts exhibitions that showcase Kusama’s paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Some of the past exhibitions have included “My Eternal Soul,” which featured a collection of Kusama’s recent paintings, and “Pumpkins,” which showcased Kusama’s iconic pumpkin sculptures.
Overall, the Yayoi Kusama Museum should be on your to-do-list for art lovers and fans of Kusama’s work. You can explore the museum’s exhibitions and installations to gain a deeper understanding of Kusama’s art and creative vision.
Tickets and Reservations
If you’re planning a visit to the Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo, Note that all tickets must be purchased in advance online. Entry is timed and only valid for a specific 90-minute time slot. Here’s what you need to know about tickets and reservations:
Admission Charges
The admission charges for the Yayoi Kusama Museum are as follows:
| Category | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 1,100 |
| Children aged 6 – 18 | 600 |
| Children under age 6 | Free of charge |
Booking and Reservation
There are two ways to book tickets to the Yayoi Kusama Museum:
- Official website: Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the museum. You need to select the date and time of your visit and purchase the ticket online. You will receive an e-ticket by email, which you need to show at the museum entrance.
- Third-party websites: You can also book tickets to the museum through third-party websites. These websites offer additional services such as guided tours, transportation, and translation services. However, check the authenticity of these websites before making a purchase.
Booking Service Fee
If you book tickets through the official website of the museum, there is no booking service fee. However, if you book tickets through a third-party website, there may be a booking service fee per group. For example, one popular third-party website charges a fee of 2,800 JPY per group.
Overall, it is important to plan ahead and book your tickets to the Yayoi Kusama Museum in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
How to Get to the Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is in Shinjuku, Tokyo, making it easy to get to. Here are some options for getting to the museum:
Subway
The nearest subway station to the Yayoi Kusama Museum is Waseda Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. From there, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Oedo Line to Ushigomeyanagicho Station and walk for about 15-20 minutes.
Train
The closest train station to the museum is Shin-Okubo Station on the JR Yamanote Line. From there, you can take a bus or walk for about 30 minutes to reach the museum.
Bus
There are bus stops near the museum, including the Bentencho stop on the Toei Bus route 61 and the Waseda-dori stop on the Toei Bus route 63. Both routes stop at Shinjuku Station, making it easy to connect to other parts of Tokyo.
check the bus schedules in advance, as they may vary depending on the day of the week and time of day.
Tips for Visiting the Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a popular attraction in Tokyo, known for its unique and colorful exhibitions. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Book your tickets well in advance: The museum limits its intake to avoid overcrowding, and you are only allowed to stay for 90 minutes. The only way to get tickets is to book online over two months in advance.
- Arrive early: The museum opens at 11 am, but arrive at least 30 minutes early to avoid long lines.
- Bring a camera: Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, so make sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the colorful and unique exhibits.
- Follow the rules: The museum has rules and guidelines for visitors, including no food or drink, no touching the exhibits, and no running or loud noises. Make sure to follow these rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.
History of the Yayoi Kusama Museum
The Yayoi Kusama Museum was founded in 2017 by the avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama and is run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation. The museum is dedicated to promoting and exhibiting Kusama’s artwork and related materials to contribute to the development of art as a whole.
The museum is in the Shinjuku Ward, in the western suburbs of Tokyo, Japan. The five-floor building was designed by the Japanese architecture firm Kume Sekkei and is a creative masterpiece in itself. The asymmetrical window panes that decorate the rounded exterior of the building glow with the bright light from inside, making it a sight to behold.
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is a contemporary art museum that is solely dedicated to the work of the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. The museum is home to some of Kusama’s most famous works, including her “infinity room” series, which has become an Instagram sensation.
The museum also includes the premiere of her latest series of hexagonal mirrored rooms, which were first presented at her solo exhibition in New York in the latter half of the 1960s. Additionally, the museum features a film and related materials that consist of video recordings of happenings and other events.
The Sum Up
The Yayoi Kusama Museum in Tokyo is a unique and inspiring destination for art lovers and enthusiasts. The museum showcases the works of Yayoi Kusama, a renowned Japanese artist who is known for her colorful and vibrant pieces that explore themes of infinity, self-obliteration, and the relationship between the self and the universe.
Visitors to the museum can witness the breadth of Kusama’s vivid brush strokes, as the museum has set aside a space to present her brand-new works. The museum continues to pursue its mission of honoring Yayoi Kusama’s brilliant accomplishments by showcasing her work to Japan and to the rest of the world.
The Yayoi Kusama Museum is in the Waseda/Kagurazaka area of Tokyo and is easy to get to. The museum is open from Thursday to Sunday and National Holidays from 11am-5pm, and check the museum’s website for updated information on hours and admission fees.
Overall, the Yayoi Kusama Museum should be on your to do-list for anyone interested in contemporary art and Japanese culture. The museum’s unique architecture and interior design, combined with Kusama’s colorful and thought-provoking works, offer a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors.
