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Last update: 16 July 2021
Announcement of the National Touring Exhibition of Western Art from the NMWA: When Here and Afar Meet: Western Art in Yamagata/ Western Art in Takaoka (Venues: Yamagata Museum of Art and Takaoka Art Museum) 2021.07.16
The National Touring Exhibition of Western Art from the NMWA: When Here and Afar Meet: Western Art in Yamagata/ Western Art in Takaoka will be held at the Yamagata Museum of Art (July 17 (Sat.) - August 27 (Fri.), 2021), and at the Takaoka Art Museum (September 10, (Fri.) - October 24 (Sun.) ,2021).
For details, please click here:
Announcing the Opening of the NMWA Museum Online Shop2021.03.31
The National Museum of Western Art Museum Shop opened its online store today.
Online NMWA Museum Shop:
https://www.nmwatokyo-shop.org
The newly opened NMWA Museum Shop website (Japanese only) features approximately 200 items, from goods based on NMWA collection items to catalogues from previous exhibitions. Items can be shipped anywhere within Japan.
*The NMWA shop in the NMWA Main Building is closed during the current building maintenance closure [October 19, 2020 - Spring 2022 (estimated)].
Announcement of Museum Closure（October 19 (Mon.), 2020 - Spring 2022 (estimated)）2020.09.25
The entire National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo will be closed from October 19 (Mon.), 2020 through the spring of 2022 (estimated) for museum facilities maintenance work.
We apologize for any inconvenience this closure causes and ask for your understanding of this plan.
Museum Closure period:
October 19 (Mon.), 2020 through Spring 2022 (estimated)
* During the museum closure period, all NMWA facilities, including the Museum Shop and the Cafe Suiren, will be closed.
* The Prints Study Room and Research Library may be occasionally open for registered users during the museum closure period. Once the schedule for such usage is confirmed, the schedule will be announced on this NMWA website.
Announcement of Debut Display of a Work2020.07.09
We are delighted to announce that beginning on Tuesday, July 7, 2020, the NMWA will present the following work for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (Main Building, 2nd Floor).
・ Francisco de Zurbarán, St. Dominic, 1626-27, oil on canvas, 201.5 x 135.5 cm, purchased in 2019 (P. 2019-0001).
Francisco de Zurbarán
St. Dominic
1626-27, oil on canvas
The National Museum of Western Art
NMWA Re-opening and Requests to Visitors2020.6.15
The NMWA has been temporarily closed since 29 February(Sat.) to help prevent exposure and halt the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). After taking sufficient preventive measures based on safeguarding guidelines, the museum will re-open to visitors on 18 June (Thurs.).
Exhibition dates have changed to the following:
Permanent Collection Galleries
18 June (Thurs.) - 18 October (Sun.) 2020
Manuscripts from the Naito Collection II: Medieval to Renaissance Prayers and Images
18 June (Thurs.) - 23 August (Sun.) 2020
Masterpieces from The National Gallery, London
18 June (Thurs.) - 18 October (Sun.) 2020
[time-period reservations required, see HERE for details]
Prior to your visit, please read the following information on the measures being taken at the NMWA to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Thank you for your understanding of and cooperation with these new methods and measures.
NMWA Measures to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
- -- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is available at all entrances.
- -- NMWA staff members will wear masks or face shields to protect visitors and staff from infection.
- -- Acrylic shields and other measures are set up at gallery entrances and other staff-facing positions in the museum.
- -- Elevators, handrails and other frequently touched areas are carefully and regularly cleaned and sterilized.
- -- The galleries have appropriate ventilation systems.
- -- All NMWA staff members regularly wash their hands and have temperature checks.
- -- All visitors will have thermography temperature checks upon entrance to the museum. Please be aware than anyone determined to be unwell or have a high temperature will be refused entrance to the museum.
- -- Entry limits will be imposed during crowded times and you may have to wait before entering the galleries.
Requests to Visitors
- -- The NMWA asks you to refrain from visiting our facilities if you meet any of the following criteria. (Please be aware than anyone determined to be unwell or have a high temperature will be refused entrance to the museum.)
- * You have cold symptoms, such as a fever of 37.5 degrees C (100 degrees F) or higher, coughing, sneezes, and/or a runny nose.
- * You are in poor physical condition.
- * In the past 14 days you have seen a doctor or taken medicine because of a fever or other cold symptoms.
- * In the past 14 days you have been in a region or country where there is an increased spread of COVID-19.
- -- If you begin to cough or show any other cold symptoms in the exhibition galleries or other museum areas, our staff may ask you to leave.
- -- Please do not visit the museum in large groups. Group admission tickets will not be issued for the Masterpieces from The National Gallery, London exhibition to prevent possible crowding.
- -- Please wash or sanitize your hands when you enter the museum.
- -- Please practice good "coughing etiquette", such as wearing a mask, and please take other measures to prevent your own infection.
- -- Please limit talking in the galleries to prevent the spread of saliva droplets.
- -- Please observe social distancing, keeping about 1.5 meters away from other visitors.
- -- Please do not bring large items into the galleries.
- -- If you begin to feel unwell while at the museum, please contact a staff member.
- -- An alert will be posted on the NMWA website if a museum visitor or staff member has been confirmed to be infected. Please keep a record of your visit day/time in case such information is needed in such instances.
Exhibition Tickets
- -- Tickets for the Permanent Collection Galleries and Naito Collection exhibition can be purchased at the NMWA ticket office. Date/time reservations not necessary.
- -- To prevent crowding, Permanent Collection Galleries free ticket days and times on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month and after 17:00 on Fridays and Saturdays have been discontinued. Thank you for your understanding.
- -- A date/time reservation ticket is required for the Masterpieces of The National Gallery, London exhibition. These tickets are not available at the museum, please purchase them prior to visiting. Group ticket prices do not apply. See HERE for details.
Other Information
- -- To prevent crowding, audioguide rentals (collection works and museum architecture) have been discontinued.
- -- Café Suiren hours have changed. The cafe is open until 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays and until 17:15 on other days when the museum is open.
- -- The Research Library remains closed and all telephone and email enquiries discontinued until further notice. Further announcements will be made here at a later date regarding future library reopening and reservation system plans.
- -- The Prints Study Room is temporarily closed.
Cancellation of Free Admission Days2020.6.15
After taking sufficient preventive measures based on safeguarding guidelines, the museum will reopen on 18 June (Thurs.). However, to prevent crowding, Permanent Collection Galleries free ticket days and times on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month and after 17:00 on Fridays and Saturdays have been discontinued. Please forgive any inconvenience caused by this change and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Exhibition Cancellation2020.5.26
Due to the ongoing global Covid-19 crisis, the NMWA, Nikkei Inc., NHK and NHK Promotions Inc. hereby announce the cancellation of their Sports in Art exhibition which had been scheduled for display at the NMWA from July 11th to October 18th.
We deeply regret disappointing all those who planned to visit the exhibition and greatly appreciate your understanding.
A Message from the Director2020.4.17
Upon this temporary closure of the NMWA, I would like to convey my personal message to all those who visit and generously support our efforts and activities at the NMWA.
I hereby express my heartfelt condolences to all those who have died from the effects of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and my prayers for the speedy recovery of all those infected. And to those in the front line of our hospitals and medical facilities battling this virus, please accept my deepest gratitude and appreciation.
With the safety of all those who come to the NMWA first in mind, the museum administration chose to close all NMWA facilities on 29 February. That closure affected not only the museum's Permanent Collection Galleries, it also meant the postponement of the then imminent opening of the Special Exhibition, Masterpieces from the National Gallery, London and the Prints and Drawings Gallery exhibition Manuscripts from the Naito Collection II: Medieval to Renaissance Prayers and Images. I sincerely apologize to all those who planned to attend these exhibitions. Given our role as an art museum offering opportunities to view and experience art works in person, it was with the deepest regret that we made these unavoidable decisions.
But if we think about it, the art works in our museum were each made over the course of history by artists who lived on, in spite of the plagues, wars and natural disasters of their own times. Those precious art works left the hands of their creators to be cherished and handed down through generations to us today. They have been entrusted to our care. This enduring power of art must surely give people courage and hope in these difficult times.
With my strong belief in this power of art, I offer my prayers for the soonest possible control of the infection risk and look forward to the safe conditions which will allow us to welcome you to the NMWA again.
In the interim, we hope that you will enjoy watching videos of NMWA curater-led Gallery Talks in the Permanent Collection Galleries on Google Arts & Culture. "Curators' Talks on the Collection of NMWA, Part I" focuses on nine works displayed in the Main Building, while "Curators' Talks on the Collection of NMWA, Part II" focuses on nine works displayed in the New Wing, all available in Japanese, Engish, Chinese and Korean versions. Each video contains the curator's explanation of the art works and detailed video footage that fully conveys each work's individual features and appearance. Please take this chance to personally experience and examine art works from your own homes.
We will continue to update this website and our Facebook and Twitter accounts as we add further programs in the future.
Along with the entire NMWA, I look forward to welcoming you once again to the NMWA. Thank you for your continued support of our museum and its programs, and I hope all of you will stay safe and healthy.
MABUCHI Akiko
Director, NMWA
Announcement of the Extension of the Temporary NMWA Closure as Part of Measures to Prevent Exposure and Halt the Spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)2020.3.13
At the request of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the NMWA has been temporarily closed from 29 February (Sat.) to 16 March (Mon.), 2020, to help prevent exposure and halt the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).The government has requested that we continue these measures and so we have decided to continue this temporary closure for the immediate future. Later announcements will be made on this webpage regarding when the museum will reopen.
We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Announcement of Temporary NMWA Closure from 29 February to 16 March, 20202020.3.5
At the request of the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the NMWA will be temporarily closed from 29 February (Sat.) to 16 March (Mon.), 2020, to help prevent exposure and halt the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During this time all events at the museum will be canceled. Later announcements will confirm plans for 17 March (Tues.) and later dates.
We apologize for any inconvenience and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Announcement of the NMWA Special Exhibition Guide App (Free) for the "MASTERPIECES FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON” exhibition.2020.03.02
Please use this QR code to download the exhibition's special app. This will allow you to read the English, Chinese and Korean versions of the every gallery explanatory panel at the Exhibition Space on your mobile device.
This app is used for “The Habsburg Dynasty: "MASTERPIECES FROM THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON” exhibition.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 27 January through Monday 10 February 2020)2019.12.6
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Monday 27 January through Monday 10 February 2020. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo announces the purchase of the ex-Gurlitt Estate work Manet’s Marine, Temps d’orage (Ships at sea in stormy weather), 1873 from Kunstmuseum Bern2019.11.11
In November 2019, the National Museum of Western Art (NMWA), Tokyo, reached an agreement with the Kunstmuseum Bern to purchase Edouard Manet's Marine, Temps d'orage (1873, Ships at Sea in Stormy Weather), a masterpiece once owned by Kojiro Matsukata. This painting formerly in the Matsukata Collection was sold in France during World War II and its whereabouts after that sale long unknown until it made the world news in 2014 when it reappeared as part of the Gurlitt art trove comprising around 1,500 works found in the homes of Cornelius Gurlitt, the son of Nazi-era art dealer Hildebrand Gurlitt.
Following the death of Cornelius Gurlitt in 2014, the Kunstmuseum Bern inherited the painting as part of the Gurlitt estate. The provenance of the work has been investigated by The Gurlitt Provenance Research Project, which aimed to clarify the historic ownership status of artworks in the trove in order to establish whether any of them were Nazi-confiscated property or the loss was due to persecution and, if so, who was the last legal owner. The provenance of the painting can be clearly established through records of sale and the work has been classified as ‘green’ using the provenance research team’s ‘traffic light’ categorisation system meaning the work is ‘proven or highly likely not to be Nazi-looted art’.
The Kunstmuseum Bern has always made clear that it does not want to derive any financial benefit from the inheritance, however the Board of the museum has reserved the right to eventually sell works with clear provenance to cover any financial deficit incurred through the handling of the estate. Following positive discussions with The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, the Board of Kunstmuseum Bern has taken the decision to sell this painting and has pledged to devote any possible surplus from the sale to support further provenance research into the estate.
This work was included in the Matsukata Collection exhibition commemorating the NMWA's 60th anniversary, on display at the NMWA from June 11 through September 23, 2019.
Plans are being made to include this work in the Permanent Collection Galleries display during fiscal 2019.
■References
Gurlitt Art Trove:
http://www.lostart.de/Content/041_KunstfundMuenchen/EN/KunstfundMuenchen.html
Gurlitt Provenance Research:
https://www.kulturgutverluste.de/Webs/EN/ProjectGurlitt/Gurlitt-Provenance-Research/Index.html
Gurlitt Provenance Research Project report on this work (ehem. Lost Art-ID: 532966):
https://www.kulturgutverluste.de/Webs/EN/ProjectGurlitt/Gurlitt-Provenance-Research/OREs/OREsFilter.html?sortOrder=teaserText_text_sort+asc&cl2Categories_PGKat=projekt-gurlitt-kategorie-gruen&oreQueryString=manet#159644
Kunstmuseum Bern:
https://www.kunstmuseumbern.ch/en/service/media/media-releases-2019/08-11-19-gurlitt-sale-of-edouard-manet-2226.html
Please see here for further details.
Edouard Manet (1832 Paris - 1883 Paris)
Marine, Temps d’orage (Sea in stormy weather), 1873
Oil on canvas, 55 x 72.5 cm
The National Museum of Western Art,Tokyo
Announcement of the NMWA Special Exhibition Guide App (Free) for "The Habsburg Dynasty: 600 Years of Imperial Collections” exhibition2019.10.18
Please use this QR code to download the exhibition's special app. This will allow you to read the English, Chinese and Korean versions of the every gallery explanatory panel at the Exhibition Space on your mobile device.
This app is used for “The Habsburg Dynasty: 600 Years of Imperial Collections” exhibition.
Announcement of the Permanent Collection Galleries Free Admission Day (Tuesday 22 October 2019)2019.10.09
Admission to the Permanent Collection Galleries is free on Tuesday 22 October 2019 on the significant occasion of the "Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the State Hall."
Announcement of The Society for the Study of Japonisme International Symposium 2019 “Japonisme on the Move: Travel, Migration, and Other Movements of People across Places”(Saturday 5 October 2019)2019.09.03
The 2019 edition of the Society for the Study of Japonisme International Symposium will be held in the auditorium at the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo.
With the opening of Japan’s borders in the mid-nineteenth century, diplomats, oyatoi-gaikokujin [foreign advisors for the government], merchants and tourists began to visit the country. Describing in their journals and correspondences the cities, customs, craftsmanship and people they encountered during their journeys, these travelers also brought various craft objects home. At the same time, people moved from Japan to Europe and the United States, too, as businessmen, touring performers, students and migrants, each embodying the Other to the Western eyes. How did these intersecting human flows across the globe inform Japonisme? Shifting our focus to movements of people (from those of things, such as art and craft objects) will allow us to discover new and diverse sets of meanings in Japonisme from modern to contemporary periods.
With ten Japanese/foreign presenters, this symposium seeks to encourage in-depth study and discussion on this Japonisme shaped by travels and movements.
For details, please see the Lectures and Symposium section of this website.
Announcement of the NMWA Special Exhibition Guide App (Free) for the " MATSUKATA COLLECTION” and the “Modern Woman”2019.06.17
The gallery explanatory panels are mostly in Japanese. Please download the exhibition’s special app. This will allow you to read the English, Chinese and Korean versions of the gallery explanatory panels on your mobile device.
This app is used for both the “MATSUKATA COLLECTION” and the “Modern Woman” exhibitions.
The Return of a Donated Artwork Discovered to Be Stolen Property2019.05.21
The NMWA received a single donation of approximately 150 Western illuminated manuscript pages in fiscal 2015. Scientific studies of the works have advanced since their donation thanks to the cooperation of Japanese and overseas scholars. During the course of these investigations one work was identified as an item that had been stolen from its Italian owner. This information led the NMWA to return the artwork to a representative of the Italian Carabinieri at the Embassy of Italy in Japan on April 26, 2019.
The artwork was a leaf cut from the breviary of Ludovico da Romagnano, a bishop of Turin in the 15th century. Until 1990, this leaf was in the Archivio Arcivescovile di Torino. According to media reports, the theft was discovered in August 1990 and the thief captured. The thief and his wife had entered the archives in the guise of volunteers, cut a total of 32 leaves from manuscripts in the collection and then sold them in Italy and other countries.
After the theft, this work appeared in a June 1993 auction in London. A venerable antiquarian bookseller in London was the successful bidder at that auction and eventually the work ended up in the hands of the owner who donated it to the NMWA.
Upon the receipt of the donation of manuscript pages that included this work, a Japanese university professor who specializes in medieval manuscripts was named an NMWA guest researcher in order to carry out the scholarly investigation of the donated works. The professor noted that the work in question might have been in fact stolen from Turin, and asked Associate Professor Pier Luigi Mulas of the Universita di Pavia to investigate further. Mulas' research determined that this work is the 455th folio of the breviary of Ludovico, based on codicological studies examination and the textual context within the breviary.
Mulas reported the results of his investigation to the NMWA, the Archivio Arcivescovile di Torino and the Italian Carabinieri. This led the Carabinieri to initiate their own investigation.
Upon confirmation of these facts the NMWA took steps to return this artwork to its rightful owner, and has now successfully handed the work over to the Carabinieri representative at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo.
Announcement of the Permanent Collection Galleries Free Admission Day (Wednesday 1 May 2019)2019.04.26
Admission to the Permanent Collection Galleries is free on Wednesday 1 May 2019 in celebration of His Majesty the Emperor’s Accession to the Throne.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 20 May ・Monday 3 June 2019) and partial Closure of the Permanent Collection Galleries (Tuesday 4 June ・Monday 17 June 2019)2019.04.26
/hThe entire museum will be closed from Monday 20 May through Monday 3 June 2019 for the re-installation of art works.
Additionally, the following sections of the Permanent Collection Galleries (New Wing) will be closed.
Tuesday 4 June ・Monday 10 June, 2019
r
The entire New Wing will be closed.
Tuesday 11 June ・Monday 17 June, 2019
r
New Wing 2nd Floor will be closed.
-- The entire NMWA is closed on Mondays.
-- The Main Building galleries will be open throughout the New Wing’s partial closure period.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these plans and express our appreciation for your understanding.
Announcement: Extended Opening Hours during Fiscal 20192019.03.29
The NMWA will extend its opening hours for the museum and the Permanent Collection Galleries on the following days:
-- Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays during Golden Week.
-- Fridays and Saturdays from Friday 14 June through Saturday 28 September.
-- Last Friday (Premium Fridays) of every month.
For details, please see the General Information section of this website.
Announcement of the Permanent Collection Galleries Free Admission Day (Sunday 24 February 2019)2019.02.20
Admission to the Permanent Collection Galleries is free on Sunday 24 February 2019, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the emperor's enthronement.
Announcement of the NMWA Special Exhibition Guide App (Free) for the "Le Corbusier and the Age of Purism"2019.02.18
The gallery explanatory panels at the "Le Corbusier and the Age of Purism" are written only in Japanese. Please use this QR code to download the exhibition's special app. This will allow you to read the English, Chinese and Korean versions of the every gallery explanatory panel at the Exhibition Space on your mobile device.
or
By Searching your app store.
Please enter "The National Museum of Western Art"
Using the application in the Exhibition Space
＊This app corresponds to the artwork's number displayed in the Exhibition Space.
Announcement of the NMWA Special Exhibition Guide App (Free) for the "Rubens and the Birth of the Baroque"2018.11.30
The gallery explanatory panels at the "Rubens and the Birth of the Baroque" are written only in Japanese. Please use this QR code to download the exhibition's special app. This will allow you to read the English, Chinese and Korean versions of the every gallery explanatory panel at the Exhibition Space on your mobile device.
or
By Searching your app store.
Please enter "The National Museum of Western Art"
Using the application in the Exhibition Space
＊This app corresponds to the artwork's number displayed in the Exhibition Space.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 21 January through Monday 18 February 2019)2018.11.22
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Monday 21 January through Monday 18 February 2019. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Photography Forbidden in the Permanent Collection Galleries on Saturday 3 November 20182018.11.01
On Japan's national holiday celebrating culture, 3 November, we welcome many visitors every year, and we anticipate many visitors this year as well.
Thus, in order to maintain a favorable viewing environment and ensure the safety of displayed art works, all still and video photography will be forbidden in the permanent Collection Galleries on Saturday 3 November 2018.
As per previous regulations, photography is not permitted in the Special Exhibition Galleries and the "Views of Rome - Transition in Images and Media" in the Prints and Drawings Gallery.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation with these restrictions.
Announcement of Debut Display of a Work2018.10.12
We are delighted to announce that beginning on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, the NMWA will present the following work for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (Main Building, 2nd Floor).
・ Lucas Cranach the Elder, Judith with the Head of Holofernes, c. 1530, oil on panel, 37.2 x 25 cm, purchased in 2018 (P. 2018-0001).
Lucas Cranach the Elder
Judith with the Head of Holofernes
c. 1530, Oil on panel
The National Museum of Western Art
Announcement: Extended Opening Hours during Fiscal 20182018.04.05
The NMWA will extend its opening hours for the museum and the Permanent Collection Galleries on the following days:
-- Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays during Golden Week.
-- Fridays and Saturdays from Friday June 22 throgh Saturday September 29.
-- Last Friday (Premium Fridays) of every month.
For details, please see the General Information section of this website.
Free Wi-Fi is available in the National Museum of Western Art.2018.04.02
Free Wi-Fi is available in the National Museum of Western Art. In order to use this connection, registration of information such as email address is required.
*Communication in this network is not encrypted. Please be aware that third parties may have access to your information.
*This free Wi-Fi service is compatible with the smartphone application Japan Connected-free Wi-Fi.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 29 January through Friday 23 February 2018)2017.11.24
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Monday 29 January through Friday 23 February 2018. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of Debut Display of Works2017.9.29
We are delighted to announce that beginning on Saturday, September 30, 2017, the NMWA will present the following works for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (New Wing, 1st and 2nd Floors).
・Raphaël Collin, Poetry, 1899, Oil on canvas, 217×135cm, P.2015-0012
・Raphaël Collin, Music, 1899, Oil on canvas, 210×135cm, P.2015-0013
・William Adolphe Bouguereau, Music, Oil on canvas, 116×172cm, P.2015-0016
・Berthe Morisot, Femme en noir (Avant le théâtre), 1875, Oil on canvas, 57.3×30.7cm, P.2017-0002
The following two works will also be exhibited in our Permanent Collection Galleries (New Wing, 2nd Floor).
・Claude Monet, Spring, Riverbank of the Epte, 1885, Oil on canvas, 64.7x81.3cm, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (deposit)
・Claude Monet, Wheatstacks, Giverny, Impression of Morning, 1889, 65.1x92.1cm, The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto (deposit)
Raphaël Collin, Poetry
1899, Oil on canvas
P.2015-0012
The National Museum of Western Art
Raphaël Collin, Music
1899, Oil on canvas
P.2015-0013
The National Museum of Western Art
William Adolphe Bouguereau, Music
c. 1855-56, Oil on canvas
P.2015-0016
The National Museum of Western Art
Berthe Morisot, Femme en noir (Avant le théâtre)
1875, Oil on canvas
P.2017-0002
The National Museum of Western Art
Announcement of temporary closure (Tuesday 26 September and Friday 20 October 2017) and Partial Closure of the Permanent Collection Galleries (27 September-Friday 29 September 2017)2017.08.28
The entire museum will be closed on Tuesday 26 September for the re-installation of art works.
The Permanent Collection Galleries in the New Wing will additionally be closed from Wednesday 27 September to Friday 29 September 2017. The Main Building galleries will be open throughout this closure period.
The entire museum will be closed for exhibition preparation on Friday 20 October 2017.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these plans and express our appreciation for your understanding.
Announcement of Debut Display of a Work2017.06.09
We are delighted to announce that beginning on Friday, June 9, 2017, the NMWA will present the following work for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (New Wing, 2nd Floor).
Edgar Degas, Three Dancers in the Wings , c. 1880-85, Oil on canvas, 54.6×64.8 cm, P.2016-0001
Edgar Degas, Three Dancers in the Wings
c. 1880-85, Oil on canvas
P.2016-0001
The National Museum of Western Art
Notice of changes to the admission fees of the Collection Galleries2017.05.12
From Friday, June 9, 2017, the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo will charge the following revised admission fees for its Collection Galleries:
Fee for permanent collection
| Until June 8, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Indiviual | Group (20 persons or more) | |
| Adults | 430yen | 220yen |
| College students | 130yen | 70yen |
| From June 9, 2017 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Indiviual | Group (20 persons or more) | |
| Adults | 500yen | 400yen |
| College students | 250yen | 200yen |
Since the museum’s inclusion on the World Heritage List in July 2016, we have welcomed many more visitors, and to improve viewing and alleviate overcrowding, the evening opening of the Collection Galleries has been extended to include both Friday and Saturday. In addition, for this year’s Golden Week holidays, April 28 (Fri) to 30 (Sun) and May 3 (Wed, national holiday) to 7 (Sun), and on Fridays and Saturdays in July, August and September, the opening hours of the Collection Galleries are extended to 21:00.
Moreover, in addition to the free admission to the Collection Galleries on the second and fourth Saturdays every month, we will also continue the free admission to the Collection Galleries during evening opening hours (17:00 - 20:00) on Saturdays, which was introduced in September last year to celebrate our inclusion on the World Heritage List.
We are also pleased to announce that as an aid to further deepen the understanding of Western art, our curators post images and commentaries about our collections on Google Art & Culture. To see this website, please click here.
To help us offer our visitors these better services, we will change the admission fees for the Collection Galleries as described above, and we would be grateful for your understanding.
The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo is committed to improving our displays and services, and we very much hope you will be able to enjoy our extended opening times and look forward to you visiting us.
Notice of extension of the museum and gallery opening hours2017.05.12
From April, the museum and gallery opening hours will be extended as follows:
Gallery opening hours
Permanent Collection: 9:30 - 17:30
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:30 - 20:00
Extended opening hours: 9:30 - 21:00
*Admission ends 30 mins. before closing time
| Dates of extended opening hours（9:30 - 21:00） | |
|---|---|
| April | 28(Fri.), 29(Sat.), 30(Sun.) |
| May | 3(Wed.), 4(Thu.), 5(Fri.), 6(Sat.), 7(Sun.) |
| July (Fridays and Saturdays） |
1(Sat.), 7(Fri.), 8(Sat.), 14(Fri.), 15(Sat.), 21(Fri.), 22(Sat.), 28(Fri.), 29(Sat.) |
| August (Fridays and Saturdays） |
4(Fri.), 5(Sat.), 11(Fri.), 12(Sat.), 18(Fri.), 19(Sat.), 25(Fri.), 26(Sat.) |
| September (Fridays and Saturdays） |
1(Fri.), 2(Sat.), 8(Fri.), 9(Sat.), 15(Fri.), 16(Sat.), 22(Fri.), 23(Sat.), 29(Fri.), 30(Sat.) |
Special Exhibition: 9:30 ・17:30
/
・Théodore Chassériau : Parfum exotique: 9:30 ・20:00 (Fridays)
・Arcimboldo: Nature into Art: 9:30 ・20:00 (Fridays and Saturdays)
* The days of the week for the extended gallery opening hours vary depending on the Special Exhibition.
*Admission ends 30 mins. before closing time
Museum opening hours: 9:30 - 17:30
Fridays and Saturdays: 9:30-21:00
*June 2 and 3: 9:30 - 20:00
Days with extended opening hours: 9:30 - 22:00
* The opening hours of the museum shop and other facilities (excluding Café Suiren) are the same as the gallery opening hours.
Café Suiren
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:15 Fridays and Saturdays: 10:00 - 21:00
(Dining: 11:00 - 16:30 Fridays and Saturdays: 11:00 - 20:10)
(Café: 10:00 - 17:00 Fridays and Saturdays: 11:00 - 20:30)
Days with extended opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00
(Dining: 11:00 - 21:10)
(Café: 10:00 - 21:30)
Special closure: Tuesday, May 30 to Thursday, June 8
Partial Closure of the Permanent Collection Galleries (Monday 29 May ・Thursday 8 June, 2017)2017.02.24
4The following sections of the Permanent Collection Galleries (New Wing) will be closed for re-installation of art works.
Monday 29 May ・Thursday 1 June, 2017
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New Wing 2nd Floor will be closed.
Friday 2 June ・Thursday 8 June, 2017
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The entire New Wing will be closed.
-- The entire NMWA is closed on Mondays.
-- The Main Building galleries will be open throughout this closure period.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these plans and express our appreciation for your understanding.
Extended Saturday Hours for Permanent Collection Galleries (starting Saturday 3 September, 2016)2016.08.25
Starting in September 2016, the NMWA Permanent Collection Galleries will be open until 20:00 (entrance closes at 19:30) on both Friday and Saturday evenings. Previously Friday has been the only extended hours day every week.
In commemoration of the Main Building being added to the Register of World Heritage Sites, Permanent Collection Galleries entrance will be free of charge from 17:00 ・20:00 on Saturday evenings from September 2016 through March 2017.
pWe look forward to welcoming you to the museum during these extended hours.
＊Please be aware that the Special Exhibition Galleries will close at 17:30, as usual, on Saturdays during this period. Entrance closes at 17:00.
Museum Shop and Restaurant Hours during Extended Opening Hours
＊Museum Shop: 9:30 ・20:00
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＊Café Suiren: 10:00 ・19:45 (Full menu 11:00 ・19:00, last order 19:30)
Photography Forbidden in the Permanent Collection Galleries on Free Admission Days (starting Saturday 23 July, 2016)2016.07.22
On July 17, 2016, UNESCO designated 17 works by the French architect Le Corbusier, including the NMWA Main Building, as World Heritage sites under the designation “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement”. This announcement has meant a greatly increased number of visitors to the NMWA and we can anticipate that even more will visit the museum in the months to come.
Thus in order to maintain a favorable viewing environment and ensure the safety of displayed art works, all still and video photography will be forbidden in the Permanent Collection Galleries on Free Admission Days, specifically the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Saturday 20 August, 2016 and Japan’s national holiday celebrating culture, Thursday 3 November, 2016.
Photography is also forbidden in all Special Exhibition galleries, and the “Le Corbusier and the Museum of Unlimited Growth” in the Prints and Drawings Gallery.
We greatly appreciate your cooperation with these restrictions.
Announcement of Permanent Collection Galleries Free Admission Days and Extended Viewing Hours2016.07.22
On July 17, 2016, UNESCO designated 17 works by the French architect Le Corbusier, including the NMWA Main Building, as World Heritage sites. To commemorate this designation, all Permanent Collection Galleries will be open free of charge on August 20 (Sat.). Given the recent increase in visitors to the NMWA, the museum will also hold extended opening hours on Fridays in August, with the galleries open until 20:30 and entrance closing at 20:00.
We hope that everyone will enjoy these opportunities to visit the World Heritage-designated Main Building and see the NMWA's many masterpieces.
Saturday 20 August, 2016 Free admission to Permanent Collection Galleries
Friday 5 August, Friday 12 August, Friday 19 August, Friday 26 August, 2016
Museum is open from 9:30 ・20:30 (entrance closes at 20:00)
Museum Shop and Restaurant Hours during Extended Opening Hours
＊Museum Shop: 9:30 ・20:30
b
＊Café Suiren: 10:00 ・19:45 (Full menu 11:00 ・19:00, last order 19:30)
Inspection of all items brought into the museum Wednesday 25 May ・Friday 27 May 20162016.05.20
4Given the Ise-Shima Summit of world leaders being held on Thursday26 May ・Friday 27 May 2016, the Metropolitan Police Department has issued guidelines for all public facilities to strengthen anti-terrorist security measures.
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In response, the NMWA, its staff members and affiliates have increased their vigilance and are working to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors to the NMWA. We ask for your assistance and cooperation with these efforts.
Inspection of all items brought into the museum Wednesday 25 May ・Friday 27 May 2016
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As a heightened security measure during the Ise-Shima Summit event, all items brought to the NMWA by visitors will be subject to inspection for the three days between Wednesday 25 May and Friday 27 May 2016.
Visitors will not be allowed to bring large items or liquids (such as water bottles, PET bottles, etc.) into the NMWA. Large items must be checked at the special Cloakroom set up in the NMWA Forecourt. Liquids must either be consumed or discarded prior to entry.
We can anticipate some crowding due to this added procedure and it might take longer than usual to enter the NMWA. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation with these special circumstances and procedures.
If you see something that is suspicious, or see a person acting suspiciously, please notify an NMWA staff member. Please remember the three basic rules regarding suspicious items -- “do not touch it”, “do not breathe near it”, and “do not move it.”
No Photography Permitted in Permanent Collection Galleries2016.04.28
As the final weeks of the NMWA’s current Caravaggio exhibition approach, we anticipate even larger audiences, and as a result, crowding not only in the Special Exhibition Wing but also in the Permanent Collection Galleries.
Hence, effective immediately, photography is forbidden in the Permanent Collection Galleries, in order to both enhance the viewing atmosphere and ensure the safety of the displayed art works. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
As per previous regulations, photography is not permitted in the Special Exhibition Galleries.
Announcement of Debut Display of Works2016.03.18
We are delighted to announce that beginning on March 19, 2016 the NMWA will present the following works for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (Main Building, 2nd Floor).
- Evaristo Baschenis, A Still Life with Musical Instruments, Late 1660s, Oil on canvas, 98 x 145 cm, P.2015-0002
- Angelica Kauffman, Hector Upbraiding Paris for his Retreat from Battle, 1770s, Oil on canvas, 81.4 x 112.1 cm, P.2015-0003
The NMWA’s 2015 purchase acquisitions also included The Capture of Christ by Bartolomeo Manfredi (c. 1613-15, Oil on canvas, 120 x 174 cm, P.2015-0001). This painting is already on view in the Special Exhibition galleries in the exhibition Caravaggio and His Time: Friends, Rivals and Enemies (through June 12).
Evaristo Baschenis
A Still Life with Musical Instruments
Late 1660s
Oil on canvas
The National Museum of Western Art
Angelica Kauffman
Hector Upbraiding Paris for his Retreat from Battle
1770s
Oil on canvas
The National Museum of Western Art
Bartolomeo Manfredi
The Capture of Christ
c. 1613-15
Oil on canvas
The National Museum of Western Art
Announcement of temporary open (28 March, 2 May and 18 July 2016)2016.03.18
The National Museum of Western Art will be open on Monday 28 March, Monday 2 May and Monday 18 July 2016.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 8 July 2016)2016.03.18
The entire museum will be closed on Monday 8 July 2016 for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
NMWA launches New Publications Repository2016.01.22
The National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo (NMWA) is pleased to announce the launch of an online Publications Repository, which offers free online access to scholarly publications of the NMWA. Powered by a SaaS type IR cloud service "JAIRO Cloud", developed by the National Institute of Informatics (Tokyo), this online database provides a new platform for the storage and dissemination of scholarly work of the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo community.
Announcement of temporary closure (Tuesday 12 January through Monday 29 February 2016) and Permanent Collection Temporary Closure (Tuesday 1 March through Friday 18 March 2016)2016.01.12
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Tuesday 12 January through Monday 29 February 2016.
The Permanent Collection Galleries in the Main Building and New Wing will be closed for facilities maintenance from Tuesday 1 March to Friday 18 March 2016. Visitors to the Caravaggio exhibition during this period will each be given one ticket for free admission (limited time access) to the Permanent Collection Galleries. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these plans and express our appreciation for your understanding.
International Symposium“Modern Art and Japonisme in the North” (Saturday 31 October 2015)2015.09.24
Plese see here for further details. (PDF File, about 780KB）
Announcement of Debut Display of Works2015.04.24
We are delighted to announce that beginning on April 27, 2015 the NMWA will present the following work for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (Main Building, 2nd Floor).
- Andrea Del Sarto, The Madonna and Child, c. 1516, Oil on panel, 89x66.6cm, Purchased in 2014, P.2014-0001.
Andrea Del Sarto
The Madonna and Child
c. 1516, Oil on panel
The National Museum of Western Art
Announcement of temporary open (Monday 30 March 2015)2015.03.13
The National Museum of Western Art will be open on Monday 30 March.
Announcement of Debut Display of Works2015.03.13
We are delighted to announce that beginning on March 17, 2015 the NMWA will present the following works for the first time in our Permanent Collection Galleries (Main Building, 2nd Floor).
- Attributed to Johannes Vermeer, Saint Praxedis, 1655, Oil on canvas, 101.6 x 82.6cm, On deposit, DEP. 2014-0001.
- Juan van der Hamen y Leon, Still Life with a Basket of Fruit and Game Fowl, c. 1621, Oil on canvas, 75.4 x 144.5 cm, Purchased in 2014, P. 2014-0002.
- Domenico Puligo, Portrait of a Lady as Saint Catherine of Alexandria, 1520s, Oil on panel, 76.8 x 55.2 cm, Donated in 2014, P. 2014-0003.
The NMWA’s 2014 purchase acquisitions also included Madonna and Child by Andrea del Sarto (c. 1516, Oil on panel, 89 x 66.6 cm, P2014-0001). We are currently preparing a new frame suited to this important painting. We will make a separate announcement of its first public display in the near future.
Attributed to Johannes Vermeer
Saint Praxedis
1655 Oil on canvas
Private Collection（deposit to the NMWA）
Juan van der Hamen y Leon
Still Life with a Basket of Fruit and Game Fowl
c. 1621 Oil on canvas
The National Museum of Western Art
Domenico Puligo
Portrait of a Lady as Saint Catherine of Alexandria
1520s Oil on panel
The National Museum of Western Art
Announcement of temporary closure (Tuesday 13 January through Monday 2 March 2015) and Permanent Collection Temporary Closure (Tuesday 3 March through Monday 16 March 2015)2014.12.26
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Tuesday 13 January through Monday 2 March 2015.
The Permanent Collection Galleries in the Main Building and New Wing will be closed for facilities maintenance from Tuesday 3 March to Monday 16 March 2015. Visitors to the Guercino exhibition during this period will each be given one ticket for free admission (limited time access) to the Permanent Collection Galleries. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by these plans and express our appreciation for your understanding.
Announcement of temporary open (Monday 31 March 2014)2014.03.20
The National Museum of Western Art will be open on Monday 31 March.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 10 March through Monday 24 March 2014)2014.02.28
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Monday 10 March 2014 through Monday 24 March 2014. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Revised Admission Fees (Effective 1 April 2014)2014.01.17
In line with the increase in consumption tax on Tuesday 1 April 2014, Permanent Collection admission ticket prices will increase. Plese see here for further details.
Announcement of temporary closure (Friday 6 December)2013.09.27
The entire museum will be closed on Friday 6 December for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Thursday 5 September)2013.07.19
The entire museum will be closed on Thursday 5 September for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 24 June 2013 through Monday 8 July)2013.05.24
The entire museum will be closed from Monday 24 June 2013 through Monday 8 July for the building inspections. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Friday 1 March)2013.02.15
The entire museum will be closed on Friday 1 March 2013 for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 4 February 2013 through Monday 11 February)2013.01.28
The entire museum will be closed from Monday 4 February 2013 through Monday 11 February for the building inspections. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 29 October 2012 through Friday 2 November)2012.07.13
The entire museum will be closed from Monday 29 October 2012 through Friday 2 November for the building inspections. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Tuesday 12 June)2012.04.27
The entire museum will be closed on Tuesday 12 June 2012 for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Touch the Museum now available on Android devices2012.06.08
Announcement of temporary closure (Tuesday 12 June)2012.04.27
The entire museum will be closed on Tuesday 12 June 2012 for exhibition preparation. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Monday 13 February through Monday 20 February 2012)2012.02.10
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time: Monday 13 February 2012 through Monday 20 February 2012
Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure (Friday 11 March 2011）2011.03.04
The entire museum will be closed on Friday 11 March 2011 for exhibition preparation and building inspections. Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated. →Calendar
Announcement of temporary closure（Monday 14 February through Monday 21 February 2011）2010.11.19
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time:
Monday 14 February 2011 through Monday 21 February 2011
Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure（Monday 4 October 2010 through Thursday 12 October 2010）2010.6.17
Due to the maintenance of our museum, the entire wings are closed during the following period of time:
Monday 4 October 2010 through Thursday 12 October 2010
Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure（Friday 25 June 2010）2010.6.17
The entire museum will be closed on Friday 25 June 2010 for exhibition preparation and building inspections.
Please forgive us any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Advance tickets for the “Capolavori del Museo di Capodimonte” are now available (from March 1 through June 25 )2010.3.15
“ Napoli,la Bellezza e la Corte ・Capolavori del Museo di Capodimonte, dal Rinascimento al Barocco” will be held from June 26 through September 26. The advanced tickets are available (started selling at the Museum's Information Desk).
<For further information about tickets, please visit Exhibitions Site (in Japanese)
Change in Lecture Programming:
The Brian Clark Lecture scheduled for 23 February (Tues.) has been canceled. Libby Horner's lecture will proceed as scheduled. 2010.2.4
Regarding the Brian Clark Lecture scheduled for 23 February (Tues.) in conjunction with Exhibition of Frank Brangwyn, unfortunately Mr. Clark's plans have changed and he will not be traveling to Japan at this time. We greatly regret any inconvenience caused by this cancellation. The lecture scheduled for 23 February (Tues.) Libby Horner will begin at 13:00. The lecture is scheduled to end at 14:30.
For further information about "Lectures/Symposium", please click here.
Temporary closure due to investigations related to the NMWA’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status2009.12.13
Entire Museum
The entire museum will be closed to the public for the following periods due to investigations related to the NMWA’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Monday 4 January 2010 through Friday 8 January 2010
Monday 15 February 2010 through Friday 19 February 2010
Permanent Collection Galleries
The Permanent Collection Galleries located in the Main Building will be closed during the following period due to investigations related to the NMWA’s nomination for UNESCO World Heritage status.
The Permanent Collection Galleries located in the New Wing will be open during this period.
Saturday 9 January 2010 through Sunday 14 February 2010
Please forgive any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Notice: Admission will be free of charge from January 9 through February 14, 2010, both in appreciation of the public support of the activities involved in the registration of the NMWA Main Building on the UNESCO World Heritage list and in commemoration of the museum’s 50th Anniversary.
Advance tickets for the “Exhibition of Frank Brangwyn” are now available2009.12.1
“Exhibition of Frank Brangwyn” will be held from February 23 through May 30. The advanced tickets are available (started selling at the Museum’s Information Desk).
For further information about tickets, please visit Exhibitions Site http://fb2010.jp (in Japanese)
Temporary Closures due to UNESCO World Heritage-Related Investigations2009.10.21
Entire Museum
The entire museum will be closed to the public for the following periods due to UNESCO World Heritage-related investigations.
Monday 4 January 2010 through Friday 8 January 2010
Monday 15 February 2010 through Friday 19 February 2010
Permanent Collection Galleries
Permanent Collection Galleries in the Main Building will be closed during the following time period due to UNESCO World Heritage-related investigations. Permanent Collection Galleries in the New Wing will be open during this period.
Saturday 9 January 2010 through Sunday 14 February 2010
Please forgive any inconvenience caused by this closure. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Announcement of temporary closure2009.6.25
Due to preparation of exhibition and interior maintenance, The entire museum is closed during the following period of time:
Monday 31 August 2009 through Thursday 3 September 2009
Friday 18 September 2009
Your understanding of this matter would be appreciated.
Advance tickets for the “L’eredita dell’Impero romano” exhibition are now available2009.6.25
“L’eredita dell’Impero romano”exhibition will be held from September 19 through December13. The advanced tickets are available (started selling at the Museum’s Information Desk).
For further information about tickets, please visit Exhibitions Site http://roma2009.jp (in Japanese)
Lecture cancellation notice: The Saturday 13 June lecture by Kazuyo Sejima has been canceled.2009.6.11
The Saturday 13 June lecture by Kazuyo Sejima, related to the exibition "Le Corbusier and the National Museum of Western Art," has been canceled due to the lecturer's circumstances."
Louvre Museum exhibition: extended hours during Golden Week holiday period and final days of the exhibition2009.4.24
Due to the exhibition’s popularity, the museum will extend its hours as follows:
Tuesday 28 April to Sunday 10 May
Closes at 19:00 (No admission after 18:30)
Friday 1 May and Friday 8 May closes at 20:00 (No admission after 19:30)
The museum will be open throughout the above period.
Thursday 4 June to Sunday 14 June
Closes at 19:00 (No admission after 18:30)
Friday 5 June and Friday 12 June closes at 20:00 (No admission after 19:30)
The museum closes all day on Monday 8 June
A preliminary and limited offer of TOUCH THE MUSEUMβ -viewing of the permanent collection aided by images and sound 2009.1.30
TOUCH THE MUSEUM is an audio and visual guide using iPod Touch devices to enjoy the permanent collection of the National Museum of Western Art. Prior to the official start of TOUCH THE MUSEUM in the next fiscal year. the museum will run the program for a limited period of six days from 10 February 2009 through 15 February 2009.
Please see here for further details. (PDF File 600KB) (in Japanese)
Announcement of temporary closure2009.1.15
The entire museum will be closed on February 27, 2009 (Friday) for exhibition preparation and building inspections.
The museum will open on Jan. 2 (Fri.) 20092008.12.19
For this coming New Year holiday period, the museum will be closed from Dec. 28 (Sun.) through Jan. 1 (Thurs.) and open from Jan. 2 (Fri.) (Hours on Jan. 2 will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
We will provide New Year gifts for some of the first to arrive. Please come and enjoy our exhibitions.
Announcement of TV broadcasting2008.12.19
A TV program focusing on the museum’s core collection, the Matsukata Collection, and the collector Kojiro Matsukata will be featured.
“Jonetsujin (passionate person) Kojiro Matsukata, the man who collected the world's masterpieces”
Jan. 18 (Sun.), 2009
15:00-16:25
Production by Yomiuri Telecasting Corporation (NTV network nationwide)
In Japanese language
2008 X'mas Lunch menu is available from cafCafé Suiren.2008.12.9
For further details, please click here. (PDF File370KB)
Advance tickets for the “LES REVOLUTIONS DE L’AGE CLASSIQUE : LA PEINTURE EUROPEENNE DU XVIIeme SIECLE DANS LES COLLECTIONS DU MUSEE DU LOUVRE” exhibition are now available2008.12.3
“LES REVOLUTIONS DE L’AGE CLASSIQUE : LA PEINTURE EUROPEENNE DU XVIIeme SIECLE DANS LES COLLECTIONS DU MUSEE DU LOUVRE”exhibition will be held from February28 through June14. The advanced tickets are available (started selling at the Museum’s Information Desk on Wednesday, December3).
For further information about tickets, please visit Exhibitions Site www.ntv.co.jp/louvre (in Japanese)
Announcement of closure of permanent exhibition galleries2008.11.21
Due to renovation of the New Wing and interior maintenance, the permanent collection galleries are closed during the following period of time:
New Wing closed from September 2007 through May 10 (Sun.) 2009.
All Permanent Collection Galleries closed from May 11 (Mon.) through June 3 (Weds) 2009.
Your understanding of this matter would be appreciated.
NMWA Collection Database launched2008.8.18
NMWA have launched an online catalogue of the collection on the web site. The database covers the paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, decorative arts and books in the collection, including some "on deposit" items. Works of art can be searched by keyword, artist name, object title and collection number.
Displayed works can also be traced from their position in the gallery as noted on the Permanent Collection map of the galleries.
Announcing a new column, "MOTTO SIRITAI! The Museum of Western Art." 2008.6.9
<bijutsukann.com> Web site is featuring a new regular column, "MOTTO SIRITAI! The Museum of Western Art." (The site is all in Japanese.). Click here to go to the site.
Information on Lecture-Concert "Corot's Musical Tastes"2008.5.8
For further details, please click here.
Announcement of temporary closure2008.4.18
The entire museum will be closed on June 13, 2008 (Friday) for exhibition preparation and building inspections.
OPEN museum official partner EPSON inaugurated OPEN museum site2008.3.13
EPSON, the official partner of the National Museum of Western Art inaugurated OPEN museum site in EPSON site.
(Is now finished.)
Advance tickets for the “Corot” exhibition are now available2008.3.13
"Corot souvenirs et variations" exhibition will be held from June 14 through August 31. The advanced tickets are available (started selling on Monday, March 10). In addition, valuable pair tickets are also available.
For further information about tickets, please visit http://www.corot2008.jp/ (in Japanese)
"Le Corbusier's architecture and urban planning" as a UNESCO World Heritage site2008.1.17
The Japanese government announced on Monday, January 7, 2008, its decision to nominate the main building of the National Museum of Western Art for inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The nomination for the building, designed by French architect Le Corbusier, is part of a nomination made by the governments of France and other countries for a number of Le Corbusier's architectural assets. Japan's nomination is based on the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will decide whether to inscribe the museum building on the World Heritage List through its sessions and investigations after it receives the nomination.
Background
French government is the main force behind the nomination of "Le Corbusier's architecture and urban planning." All of the nominated works, which are located throughout the world, would be registered as a single entry. Le Corbusier (1887-1965) is known as a master of modern architecture.
Future events
- The French government plans to submit its nominating form of seven participating countries to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre by February 1, 2008.
- The International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) will conduct a field survey during summer and autumn 2008.
- The UNESCO World Heritage Committee will decide whether to inscribe the museum building on the World Heritage List at its 33rd session to be held around July 2009.
The museum's "Main Building" designated as an Important National Property.2007.12.26
For further details, please click here. (PDF file about160KB)(Japanese only).
The museum’s “Main Building” registered on the tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage2007.9.14
The French Government and The Foundation Le Corbusier are working together to register architectural works by Le Corbusier as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
We are very happy that the main building of the National Museum of Western Art has been included in the tentative World Heritage list. There will still be difficult times ahead until an official nomination is issue, followed by the World Heritage registration. We appreciate the efforts of all people who continue to love and support the museum. We will continue to work hard to make the museum available not just to the public in Japan but also to people throughout the world.
Masanori Aoyagi,
Director
The National Museum of Western Art
For further details on the Main Building, please click here.
Announcement of partially closure of permanent collection galleries 2007.8.22
The permanent collection galleries are partially closed through March 2009 (scheduled) due to renovation work for the new wing. The main building will remain open.
We apologize for the inconvenience.
First national museum that collaborates with private corporations2007.7.25
The National Museum of Western Art (Director: Masanori Aoyagi) has decided to implement "OPEN museum" project. The museum received a three-year sponsorship from Seiko Epson Corporation (President: Seiji Hanaoka) and Epson Sales Japan Corporation (President: Seiichi Hirano).
Information on permanent collection programs2007.6.7
The National Museum of Western Art showcases artwork of a particular theme each time that it holds for "Fun with Collection". From children to adults, the museum offers opportunities to appreciate artwork in various ways. The aim is for visitors to enjoy and understand artwork that's much accessible to everyone. (For further details of the programs, please check here)
Information on family program "Saturday Arts"2007.5.14
Saturday Arts (Doyo Bijutsu) is an experimental program in which participants can enjoy appreciating paintings and sculptures of the museum. Advanced booking is required. For further information, please check here.
Information from Prints Study Room2005.10.25
For academic research and study of Western art history, the museum allows the viewing of prints and drawing works in its Prints Study Room for the following people:
- Staff members of museums and art museums
- Personnel of universities or research institutes
- Postgraduate students
- Those approved by the museum director
Viewing hours are 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Friday of every month.
Viewing is free of charge but only by advance reservation.
Those who would like to use the facility, please make reservations one day in advance via e-mail 
or by phone at 03-3828-5131. Your personal ID will be required to enter the room.