National Museum of Western Art Tokyo
Tokyo's premier museum for Western art, featuring masterpieces from Impressionism to early 20th century, housed in a Le Corbusier architectural marvel...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, open late
National Museum of Western Art Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, open late

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tokyo's premier museum for Western art, featuring masterpieces from Impressionism to early 20th century, housed in a Le Corbusier architectural marvel.
"A must-visit for art lovers, blending iconic Western masterpieces with breathtaking modernist architecture."
🎯 Download the Museum App
Enhance your visit with the app's Bluetooth tracker for artwork info. :iphone:
🎟️ Walk-in Tickets Often Easy
Tickets usually available on arrival, but expect queues for new exhibits. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Masterpieces of Impressionism
Permanent Collection
Gaze upon iconic works by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh, bringing the vibrant world of Impressionism to life.

Le Corbusier's Architectural Gem
Museum Building
Admire the striking modernist architecture of the museum itself, designed by the renowned Le Corbusier.

Modern & Contemporary Art
Special Exhibition Halls
Explore rotating exhibitions featuring influential modern and contemporary artists from Japan and abroad.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Enhance Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Download the Museum App
Enhance your visit with the app's Bluetooth tracker for artwork info. :iphone:
🎟️ Walk-in Tickets Often Easy
Tickets usually available on arrival, but expect queues for new exhibits. :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the extensive collections. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ English Materials Vary
Some exhibits have limited English; the app can help bridge the gap. :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Download the Museum App
Enhance your visit with the app's Bluetooth tracker for artwork info. :iphone:
🎟️ Walk-in Tickets Often Easy
Tickets usually available on arrival, but expect queues for new exhibits. :admission_tickets:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking to see the extensive collections. :athletic_shoe:
🗣️ English Materials Vary
Some exhibits have limited English; the app can help bridge the gap. :speech_balloon:
☔ Great Rainy Day Option
Perfect indoor activity when the weather isn't cooperating. :umbrella:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Museum of Western Art Tokyo for its stunning collection of Western masterpieces, especially Impressionist works, and its architecturally significant Le Corbusier building. While some note limited English information for certain exhibits, the museum's app and the overall artistic experience are highly regarded.
"One of my favorite places to visit whenever I'm in Tokyo! There was a Picasso exhibit when I last visited so it was great to drop by.
Note: All photos shown were taken in areas where photography is allowed."
Mara
"A relatively small but compelling permanent collection, and only ¥500. They almost always have great exhibitions too. They have a not insignificant amount of Impressionist paintings and a bunch of Rodin sculptures."
Kellan Fabjance
"Fabulous Le Corbusier designed gallery with stunning permanent collection.
Lots of great European masters Monet and Cezanne in particular.
Paid extra to see the exhibition from San Diego gallery. Queued to buy ticket maybe buy online first."
Ben Hills-Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away. Alternatively, several subway lines also stop at Ueno Station.
While there isn't dedicated parking for the museum, there are several public parking lots near Ueno Park. However, using public transportation is highly recommended due to potential traffic and parking fees.
Yes, taxis are a convenient option. You can direct your driver to the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo, or Ueno Park. It's a good choice if you're coming from a location not directly served by train lines.
From Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express train directly to Ueno Station. This is a comfortable and efficient way to reach the museum area.
Yes, Keisei Ueno Station is also very close and serves the Keisei Line, which can be convenient depending on your starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices vary depending on the exhibition. General admission for the permanent collection is typically around ¥500, while special exhibitions can range from ¥1,000 to ¥2,000. Check the official website for current pricing.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the museum's ticket counter. However, for popular special exhibitions, it's advisable to book in advance online to avoid long queues.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter or check the museum's website for details.
The museum is generally open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. On Fridays, it often stays open until 8:00 PM. It is typically closed on Mondays and certain holidays.
For the permanent collection, advance booking is usually not necessary. However, for highly anticipated special exhibitions, booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended to secure your entry and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, and Degas. The museum also houses significant works by Picasso and other European masters. The building itself, designed by Le Corbusier, is also a major highlight.
While the collection focuses on Western art, the museum can be engaging for older children interested in art history. The museum app has features that can help make the visit more interactive for younger visitors.
To fully appreciate the permanent collection and any special exhibitions, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you're a serious art enthusiast, you might want to allocate half a day.
Guided tours are sometimes available, especially for special exhibitions. Check the museum's schedule upon arrival or on their website for details.
Photography is generally allowed in the permanent collection galleries for personal use, but without flash. However, restrictions may apply to special exhibitions, so always check the signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum has a cafe where you can enjoy light meals, snacks, and beverages. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit.
Ueno Park and the surrounding area offer a wide variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more formal restaurants. You can find everything from ramen and sushi to international cuisine.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. However, there are designated areas within Ueno Park where you can enjoy a picnic.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually permitted in the permanent collection galleries, but without flash. Always look for signs indicating specific restrictions, especially for temporary exhibitions.
The exterior of the Le Corbusier-designed building offers striking architectural shots. Inside, the well-lit galleries with the artworks themselves provide ample photographic opportunities.
Tripods and selfie sticks are typically not allowed inside the museum to ensure the safety of the artworks and the comfort of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more relaxed visit, aim for weekday mornings or Friday evenings to avoid the busiest times. Pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated picnic areas within Ueno Park before or after your museum exploration. This can help keep energy levels up for little ones.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on food, consider packing your own lunch or snacks to enjoy in Ueno Park, as dining options within the museum or immediately nearby can add up. Utilizing Tokyo's efficient public transportation system, like the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, is also the most cost-effective way to reach the museum.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Aficionados
Take advantage of the museum's app to delve deeper into the context and history of the artworks. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or on Friday evenings to have a more contemplative experience without the hustle and bustle. The architectural significance of the Le Corbusier building itself is also a major draw for those interested in design and modernist history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Le Corbusier's Design
Le Corbusier's vision was to create a space where art could be displayed in a dynamic and evolving environment. The main exhibition hall is a testament to this, with its open-plan layout and adjustable lighting. The building's integration with its surroundings in Ueno Park is also noteworthy, offering glimpses of nature through its strategically placed windows. Visiting the NMWA is a dual experience: appreciating the Western art within and marveling at the architectural genius that houses it.
Exploring the Collection: From Impressionism to Modern Masters
Beyond Impressionism, the museum's holdings include significant works by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso. You'll find a curated selection that highlights key developments in European art, from early modernism to avant-garde movements. While the collection primarily focuses on pre-20th-century Western art, the museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that broaden its scope to include contemporary artists and diverse artistic expressions.
Navigating the Museum: Tips for a Smooth Visit
When it comes to tickets, while walk-in purchases are usually possible, new or highly anticipated exhibitions can lead to considerable queues. Redditors suggest that visiting on a Friday evening, when the museum stays open later, can be a strategic move to avoid the peak crowds. Comfortable footwear is also a must, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking to explore the extensive galleries.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit