Maman is Louise Bourgeois’s monumental spider sculpture at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo, where it has become a local landmark among the development’s public artworks. Its spiny legs and the egg sac beneath its body reward a closer look. The sculpture’s imposing scale sits alongside delicate details, giving the work a striking presence in its surroundings. Visit for a brief outdoor art stop, or pair it with a walk around Roppongi Hills and nearby Mohri Garden.
A landmark at Roppongi Hills
Louise Bourgeois’s outdoor sculpture Maman is one of the public artworks at Roppongi Hills. The French-born artist lived from 1911 to 2010, and her work spanned seven decades. The giant spider has become a local landmark within the development.
Roppongi Hills also has Mohri Garden, an Edo-style strolling garden. The garden and the nearby sculpture give you two different kinds of outdoor stop in the same area.
Look beneath the spider
Maman’s large, spiny form creates an imposing outline, but the details reward a closer look. Take time to notice the egg sac beneath the spider, an element that can be missed if you only view the sculpture from a distance.
Perguntas frequentes
Who made Maman?
Maman was made by French-born artist Louise Bourgeois, who lived from 1911 to 2010.
Where can I see Maman in Tokyo?
The sculpture is at Roppongi Hills, at 6 Chome-10-1 Roppongi, Minato City.
What detail should I look for?
Look beneath the spider for its egg sac, as well as the spiny detail of its legs.
