Maison Hermès Le Forum is a small contemporary art gallery on the eighth floor of the Maison Hermès building in Ginza, Tokyo. Its changing exhibitions include artists from Japan and abroad, and admission is free. The building, designed by Renzo Piano and completed in 2001, is worth noticing too: its glass-block exterior filters daylight into the interior and glows from within after dark. Use the separate entrance around the side of the building to reach the gallery; a few rooms make for a compact art stop between other Ginza sights.
The building in Ginza
Maison Hermès opened in 2001 in a tower designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. Its exterior is made from square glass blocks, which admit daylight and give the building a distinct appearance along Harumi-dori. After dark, light from inside shines through the façade.
The design has been likened to a Japanese lantern. Its glass surface is also a striking subject for photographs, whether you focus on the building itself or include it as a backdrop. The gallery is on the eighth floor.
The gallery and its exhibitions
Le Forum is Maison Hermès’ contemporary art space. It presents changing exhibitions, including solo shows, with work by artists from Japan and other countries. The gallery is compact, with several rooms to explore, and admission is free.
The character of each visit depends on the exhibition. Installations can include sound and sculpture, so take time to look and listen in each room. Staff can provide a pamphlet to help explain the works on display. Check the Maison Hermès website for the current programme if you have a particular artist or exhibition in mind.
Finding the gallery entrance
The gallery has a separate entrance around the side of the building, rather than through the Hermès shop. Staff can point you towards the gallery lift. If you see a line outside, it may be for the shop, not the exhibition space.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is Maison Hermès Le Forum free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the gallery exhibitions is free.
Where is Maison Hermès Le Forum?
It is on the eighth floor of the Maison Hermès building in Ginza, Tokyo.
How long should I spend at the gallery?
About an hour is enough for a visit.
How do you get to the gallery?
Use the separate entrance around the side of the building and take the gallery lift. You do not need to go through the Hermès shop.
