Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum is a red-brick art museum in Tokyo’s Marunouchi district, at 2 Chome-6-2 Marunouchi. The building recreates Mitsubishi’s first Western-style office in the area, designed by British architect Josiah Conder and completed in 1894. Inside, temporary exhibitions focus on modern art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; there is no permanent display, so check what is showing before you go. The restored architecture and garden courtyard are also part of the visit.
A red-brick office rebuilt as a museum
The museum occupies a reconstruction of Mitsubishi Ichigokan, originally completed in 1894. Designed by British architect Josiah Conder, it was the first Western-style office building in Marunouchi and housed, among other functions, Mitsubishi’s banking division. The original building was demolished in 1968; the museum’s version was carefully rebuilt to reproduce its architectural details. The museum opened in 2010. Its red-brick exterior stands among Marunouchi’s modern glass buildings, and the garden courtyard provides another view of the historic structure. The entrance is accessed through the garden.
Rotating exhibitions of modern art
There is no permanent exhibition. The museum presents special exhibitions focused on modern art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with displays changing throughout the year. Past subjects have included Art Nouveau and Art Deco fashion, Aubrey Beardsley, and works by artists such as Renoir and Cézanne. The range and subject depend on the exhibition in progress, so check the museum’s website before planning a visit. Exhibition labels are not always translated into English. Some visitors have used a phone translation app, and photography rules can differ between exhibitions and gallery areas. Check the signs before taking pictures.
Notice the details of the building
The restored building is a substantial part of the experience, from its red-brick facade to its interior finishes. Visitors interested in architecture can spend time looking at the building and its grounds as well as the artwork. The museum also has an Archive Room with a 1:40-scale model of the original Mitsubishi Ichigokan. The museum is in Marunouchi, close to Tokyo Station. Its location among newer office buildings makes the contrast with Conder’s Western-style design easy to see on arrival.
Häufige Fragen
Does Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum have a permanent collection on display?
No. The museum holds temporary exhibitions, so check the website to see what is showing during your visit.
What kind of art does the museum show?
Its exhibitions focus on modern art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Past exhibitions have included Art Nouveau and Art Deco fashion, Aubrey Beardsley, Renoir and Cézanne.
Can you take photos inside Mitsubishi Ichigokan Museum?
Photography has been allowed in some parts of certain exhibitions, but rules can vary. Check the gallery signs before taking pictures.
Are the exhibition displays translated into English?
Some exhibition descriptions may not be available in English. A phone translation app may help with the text.
