The National Museum of Western Art

The National Museum of Western Art

The Tokyo audio-guided tour presents you with the National Museum of Western Art, which gathers works of great European masters, in a building designed by the architect Le Corbusier.

A building signed Le Corbusier

The museum was designed by Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris, known as Le Corbusier, one of the greatest architects of the twentieth century and a precursor of modern architecture, seventeen of whose works are listed as UNESCO world heritage, including this museum. Opened in 1959, it houses more than six thousand sculptures and paintings, from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, signed Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh or Picasso. The collection was born from the bequest of Matsukata Kojiro, a Japanese entrepreneur passionate about European art.

What there is to see

The museum allows one to discover some of the greatest creations of Western art, from the old masters to the impressionists and the moderns. The building itself, a work by Le Corbusier listed by UNESCO, is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. It is a choice stop for lovers of European art, in the heart of Ueno Park.

Practical information

The National Museum of Western Art is in Ueno Park, in Tokyo. It can generally be visited all year round according to hours that may vary depending on the season. It is advisable to check the conditions of access and the prices before the visit. Access is on the level.

Who designed the National Museum of Western Art?

The architect Le Corbusier; the building, opened in 1959, is listed as UNESCO world heritage.

What works does the National Museum of Western Art house?

More than six thousand sculptures and paintings, from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century, including works by Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh and Picasso.