Designed by Henri Rapin in an art-deco style, and later turned over to the auspices of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, this pre-war mansion was built in the mid-1930s for Prince Asaka. Apart from the temporary exhibits, the house itself is worthy of a visit to admire the lovely Lalique pieces, both glass and window work. The manicured grounds are favored by picnickers. Temporary exhibits are eclectic. For example, one exhibit featured artwork produced by Japanese-Americans while incarcerated in the United States during the Second World War.
Established in 1980, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art presents the personal collection of Ota Seizo V's collection of Ukiyo-e art works. Driven by his passion for Ukiyo-e art, which was recognized and adored worldwide, Seizo kept collecting these art works. The collections amount to more than 12000 pieces, and are all displayed in rotation within the museum.
As one of the four National Museums of Tokyo, the National Museum of Modern Art has art galleries in its main building in Kitanomaru Koen, near the Imperial Palace, and in Kyobashi. The museum aims at promoting modern Japanese art in and beyond Japan—primary activities include collecting and preserving artworks and films of the 20th century, conducting surveys and research on art, and organizing exhibitions throughout the year. Other initiatives consist of arranging art lectures on specific themes, holding gallery talks and publishing exhibition catalogs. Check the website for more information.
Located in a nostalgic area of Tokyo, the collection is housed in the former residence of Fumio Asakura (1883-1964). In 1948, Asakura was awarded the Order of Culture. In government-backed shows, he often won prizes. Animals, figures and portraits executed in plaster and bronze give the visitor an historical overview of Japan's contribution to Western-style sculpture. The garden which is dominated by a pond is delightful, as there is something enchanting blooming throughout the year.
More of an exhibition hall than a museum, the National Art Center, Tokyo devotes over 14,000 square meters to beautiful artworks. The Center specializes in an ever-changing array of temporary exhibitions that concentrate on the diversity of modern and classical art. Kashiwa SATÔ, designer of the Center's theme, says the facility's focus is to promote "new, more open relationships between people and art". Other than the wondrous art installations on display, the monolithic structure itself is a real eye-grabber. With a curved, stained glass aperture, it is bound to captivate even from a distance. Overall, if you are an art connoisseur, then National Art Center is well worth your time.
The Suginami Animation Museum is the first museum which promotes the culture of Japaneses anime and entertains every generation with educational and interactive exhibits. Here you can learn a lot about anime, such as the history of anime, the principle of animation, the process of production, and the experience of creating brief anime. They also hold screenings, 4 titles per a day following the schedule.