Architectural Guide

Grand Reopening

The museum building was showing signs of deterioration, some 36 years having passed since its completion in 1975. Therefore, from March 2010 to February 2012, the museum underwent a major project of renovation. The project entailed preserving the existing building and refurbishing the museum in its entirety. This included upgrades of all equipment, the introduction of universal design, improving the quality of the art appreciation spaces, and enhancing the convenience of users.

Grand Reopening

The Museum’s outer appearance, preserved for future generations.

Grand Reopening・ライトアップ

The Exhibition Room, reconstructed at ground level.

The renovation’s major aims were as follows:

◆ Comprehensive renovation while preserving the existing building

To preserve the existing building and keep its appearance intact for future generations.

◆ Refurbishment as a new center for cultural dissemination

To become a new Tokyo “symbol” and new center for cultural dissemination to Japan and the world. In this role, to foster an environment for creating culture and provide diverse opportunities for contact with art.

◆ Expanded amenities and enhanced charm as an art museum

To introduce universal design and expanded restaurant and museum shop facilities, and thereby create spaces that offer visitors the joy and fun of an involvement in art and culture.

◆ Upgrades of all equipment and environmental load reduction

To completely upgrade the building’s equipment, introducing low-energy devices to the greatest degree possible.

In accord with these aims, the ground-level portion of the Exhibition Room was newly reconstructed, and in the Central Wing, a floor level was added and spaces were expanded. The new floor level features a restaurant with a fine view, and in the expanded space of the lobby floor, a bright, well-lighted “Museum Shop” with a broad front has been placed.

PAGE TOP