I had the opportunity to go to the grand opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Koto ward and right at Kiba Park.
The history of the museum dates back as far back in 1926 when the Tokyo Prefectural Art Museum first opened at Ueno Park. Activities of the institution were inherited by the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (which is still in Ueno Park) and they collected approximately 3,000 art works which were passed on to the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Opened back in 1995, the museum carries collections such as Andy Warhol’s “Marilyn Monroe” (1967), Roy Lichtenstein’s “Girl with Hair Ribbon” (1965) and Yoshioka Tokujin’s “Honey-Pop” and “Water Block” (2002) and more.
The museum prides itself is their MOT Collection focuses on pioneering works that created the innovative trends in different periods. And their goal is to collect the works on a regular basis and preserve them for future generations.
And when I went, the museum had been closed for awhile due to renovations, so I went to the museum’s grand reopening.
Before I discuss the museum, there are a few things I need to mention.
The museum is not the most accessible if you are coming from a JR Line. I highly recommend taking a bus that takes you to the location, otherwise, you are in for a long walk.
Of course, google maps suggested Kinshicho Station but the walk to the museum was farther than expected. I joined others who were going to the museum, including a pregnant mother and as we walked, we were surprised to see the walk going past a half hour (with that being said, it was freezing cold outside when we went).
If I had to do it again, I would have taken the bus to the location as the bus stop is right directly in front of planned on taking the metro via Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Kiyosumi-shirakawa station.
The museum is closed on Mondays and opens at 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Special exhibitions around around Y1200 for adults, Y850 for college students and Y600 for high school students. Young children are free.
Collection exhibitions are cheaper and are Y500 for adults, Y400 for college students and Y250 for high school students. Children are free.
The museum has a Museum Shop NADiff which sells many goods such as books and MOT items and more.
Upstairs, the museum has a sandwich cafe and for families, and downstairs, there is a restaurant called 100 Spoons which is beneficial for families and children, so there is a place to eat at the museum if you are hungry.
And the last piece of information, photos are not allowed inside the exhibition.
There was one part of the exhibit in which people were taking photos on grand opening. Not sure if it was allowed but it was the only room where people had cameras. But this is the only interior from the exhibit area that I was able to get photos.
With that being said, from what I saw, there was a lot of wonderful artwork to see. But while I’m glad to come out and support the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo for its grand reopening. The place became too pack to the point where I couldn’t really see or appreciate art like I usually do.
For those who know me or have read my blog about museums and art, when it comes to art, I’m one of those types that can stay a long time just admiring the artwork, how it was painted and I like to take my time to appreciate one’s work of art.
When it’s packed, especially for the day of grand reopening, you are limited to only seconds or a few minutes because there are many other people who want to look at the art as well.
For the most part, this was the most crowded museum I have been to, but it was grand opening day, so I’m sure it’s probably not as bad now as it was on that very day.
But with that being said, I would go to this museum again in a heartbeat and appreciate the art that this museum has to offer.
