The YAYOI KUSAMA Museum in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is devoted to the artist’s paintings, sculptures and installations. Its five-storey white building presents a changing selection, from early paintings to more recent work, with Kusama’s nets, polka dots and pumpkins recurring throughout. Look for an immersive mirrored room and, when included in the exhibition, a pumpkin sculpture on the rooftop. The compact galleries make this a focused visit; book a timed ticket ahead, since entry tickets are not sold at the door.
A museum dedicated to Kusama
Opened in Shinjuku in 2017, the YAYOI KUSAMA Museum was founded by Yayoi Kusama and is run by the Yayoi Kusama Foundation. It is devoted to her work and related materials, with exhibitions that bring together pieces from different periods of her career. The selection changes, so the works on view vary between visits.
Kusama is known for vivid colours, repeated patterns and motifs such as dots, nets and pumpkins. Her practice spans painting, sculpture and immersive installations. The museum provides a place to encounter these different forms together, rather than seeing only a single work or one kind of art.
Paintings, sculptures and installations
The galleries can include early paintings from the 1950s as well as later works. Seeing pieces from different stages side by side gives you a sense of how Kusama’s visual language developed. Her repeated patterns appear in paintings and sculptural works, while installations place the visitor inside an environment shaped by her art.
An immersive mirrored room is among the works associated with the museum, though the exhibition changes and the exact works on view can differ. The building is described as five storeys, with exhibition spaces arranged through its compact interior. Take time to read the accompanying texts, which give context for Kusama’s work and creative process.
The rooftop and photography
The rooftop space can hold a large installation, including a reflective tiled pumpkin sculpture. It also provides a chance to step outside after visiting the galleries. The pumpkin motif is one of Kusama’s most recognisable subjects, and the rooftop work offers a different setting from the paintings and installations indoors.
Photography is limited to certain areas of the museum. The rooftop is one designated place for pictures; the mirrored elevator and polka-dot-covered washrooms have also been identified as photo spots. Check the signs and follow the museum’s rules in each space.
Planning your visit
The museum is at 107 Bentencho in Shinjuku City. It is open from Thursday through Sunday and closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Entry is by advance reservation, and tickets are not sold at the door, so arrange your visit before travelling to the museum. Arriving before your ticket time helps you be ready for entry.
The compact scale makes the visit suited to people who want a concentrated look at Kusama’s art. If you are especially interested in her career, allow time for the wall texts and book section as well as the galleries. Since the exhibitions change, check the museum’s official website for information about what is currently on view before you go.
Häufige Fragen
Do I need to book tickets for the YAYOI KUSAMA Museum?
Yes. Reserve in advance; tickets are not sold at the door.
Can you take photos inside the museum?
Photography is allowed only in designated areas. The rooftop is one of them, and the museum also has photo spots in the mirrored elevator and polka-dot washrooms.
Which days is the museum open?
It is open Thursday through Sunday and closed Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
Does the exhibition change?
Yes. The museum presents changing selections of Kusama’s work, so what is on view can differ between visits.
