This new museum near Shibuya’s hip Miyashita Park is home to a collection that’s an extremely satisfying romp through a who’s who of international modern art, with a special focus on young Japanese artists bursting onto the world stage. An especially nice place to spend some time when it’s hot or rainy.
But not only is the art fun to look at and intellectually challenging, the curation is outstanding. The museum unfolds over six spacious floors (B1-5), with artworks from the collection grouped in thought-provoking themes. Each room showcases the pieces with plenty of room to appreciate them…
but they’re also chosen to bring out the best in each other.
Some works get a small gallery to themselves…
while others compare and contrast in both message and style.
Every school of modern painting is represented, from surreal dreamscapes…
to abstract landscapes…
Artists whose work can be recognized at a glance…
are joined by pieces that at first you’re not sure if life is imitating art or the other way around.
And one of the most interesting things about this museum is it’s staffed by technology. You must buy a ticket (and choose your entry time) online in advance, then the door staff checks your code when you arrive and hands you a postcard with a QR code on it. Show the card to the smartphone QR reader mounted next to each gallery door to unlock the wonders beyond.
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Ueshima Museum
Open: Every day except closed Mondays
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Admission: Adults, ¥1500
Tickets: Buy your tickets and reserve your entry time here before arriving.
Check the current and future exhibitions on the Ueshima Museum website
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And here are the other places I take my friends when they come to town
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Jonelle Patrick writes novels set in Japan, produces the monthly e-magazine Japanagram, and blogs at Only In Japan and The Tokyo Guide I Wish I’d Had
Jonelle Patrick writes about Japan 