The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (MOT) is in Koto City, at the north end of Kiba Park. Its exhibitions range across Japanese and international contemporary art, including painting, sculpture, fashion, architecture and design. The tall, airy building is part of the visit, with a spacious entrance and distinctive columns. Check what is on before you go: special exhibitions change, and some have timed entry. Leave room for the basement art library, where you can browse art and design books.
A museum for contemporary art
The Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo opened in 1995 to promote contemporary art and strengthen the foundations of art and culture. Its focus includes postwar Japanese art, alongside work from overseas. The programme brings together collection displays and special exhibitions, so the art on view changes over time.
The museum presents more than paintings. Its exhibitions have included sculpture, fashion, architecture and design, with themes and artists that shift from one visit to the next. Special exhibitions may focus on a single artist or take a broader approach; past shows have included retrospectives such as one devoted to Kenjiro Okazaki. Check the current programme when planning, since exhibitions and admission arrangements vary.
The building and the galleries
Architect Takahiko Yanagisawa designed the museum. At the entrance, triangular pillars and a wall punctuated by round openings create changing patterns of sunlight. The tall ceilings give the interior an open feel, and the building’s architecture is a point of interest alongside the art.
Plan your route around the exhibitions on view. The museum has hosted several special exhibitions at once, and some use timed entry. If you want to see more than one, check their schedules before setting off and allow enough time for each. A combined ticket has been available for multiple exhibitions, though ticket options and prices depend on the current programme.
Photography is not permitted in some exhibitions. Check the signs and follow the rules in each gallery. English descriptions are available for many works, which can help you follow the themes as you move through the displays.
The art library
The basement art library holds a large collection of books and materials related to art, including exhibition catalogues. It gives visitors a chance to explore art and design publications beyond the works in the galleries. If books are part of your visit, leave time to browse rather than treating the library as a quick stop.
MOT is at 4 Chome-1-1 Miyoshi in Koto City, at the north end of Kiba Park. Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station is about a nine-minute walk away via exit B2. The museum is closed on Mondays according to its regular schedule; check its website for current exhibitions, ticket details and any schedule changes before travelling.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo?
It is at 4 Chome-1-1 Miyoshi, Koto City, at the north end of Kiba Park. Kiyosumi-shirakawa Station is about a nine-minute walk away via exit B2.
What kind of art can you see at MOT?
Exhibitions cover contemporary art from Japan and overseas, including painting, sculpture, fashion, architecture and design. The programme changes, so check what is on before your visit.
Does the museum have an art library?
Yes. The basement art library holds art-related books, materials and exhibition catalogues for browsing.
Can you take photos inside the museum?
Photography rules depend on the exhibition. Some shows do not allow photographs, so check the signs in each gallery.
