Watarium Art Museum

Watarium Art Museum is a compact contemporary art museum in Jingumae, Shibuya, with exhibitions by Japanese and international artists. Its four-storey building, designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, gives each floor a distinct feel. Look for works such as Yoko Ono’s Chess set and the Fish Aquarium, then browse art books and postcards in the shop. A bookstore occupies the first floor, and a coffee shop is in the basement, making the museum a useful art stop while exploring the Aoyama area.

A contemporary art museum in Jingumae

Watarium is a private museum of contemporary art in Shibuya’s Jingumae district. Its exhibitions bring together Japanese and international artists, with the programme changing over time. Artists whose work has appeared at the museum include Andy Warhol, Nam June Paik, Keith Haring, Yayoi Kusama and Yoshitomo Nara.

The museum’s connection with Keith Haring reaches back to 1983. He held his first solo exhibition in Japan at Galerie Watari, the gallery that preceded Watarium, introducing his work to the Japanese art scene.

A building with art on every level

Swiss architect Mario Botta designed the museum’s four-storey building. Each floor has its own spatial arrangement, so the setting changes as you move through the galleries. The building itself has also been used as a surface for paintings and performances.

Among the works noted inside are Yoko Ono’s Chess set and the Fish Aquarium on the fourth floor. Small stools are available for sitting with the art. The first floor houses a bookstore with art books and designed cards; the basement has a coffee shop and the museum shop, which carries postcards and other goods.