National Museum of Western Art

Overview

The National Museum of Western Art in Ueno Park is housed in a UNESCO World Heritage-listed building designed by Le Corbusier — the only building by the legendary architect in East Asia. It features a superb collection of Western art from the 14th to the 20th century.

Highlights

• Le Corbusier Building: The main building (1959) is one of 17 Le Corbusier works inscribed as a collective UNESCO World Heritage Site. The spiral, piloti-supported design is a masterclass in modernist architecture.
• Matsukata Collection: The core collection assembled by industrialist Kojiro Matsukata in early 20th-century Paris, including works by Monet, Renoir, Rodin, and Rubens.
• Rodin Sculptures: A significant collection of Rodin bronzes, including casts of The Thinker and The Gates of Hell in the forecourt.

Visitor Tips

• Free Saturday Evenings: Free admission on the first and third Saturday of each month.
• Ueno Park: Combine with the nearby Tokyo National Museum, Ueno Zoo, and other Ueno Park institutions.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.