A Message from the Director

On Our 100th Anniversary

The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum is marking its 100th Anniversary. Since our founding as Japan’s first public art museum in 1926, we have had the pleasure of encountering a great many people through art in the course of responding to the art styles of each period.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the visitors who drop by the Museum in daily life, the art groups who for many years have taken it as a place for creating and exhibiting art, and all the parties who have given us their support.

This journey of 100 years was built by the cumulative efforts and passion of the artists, art groups, visitors, and regional people, and the numerous parties involved in our operation. The contribution of each and every one of them is this museum’s irreplaceable asset.

In recent years, true to our basic mission “to be a doorway to art for all people,” we are placing high value on our character as a place where anyone, regardless of age, experience, or expertise, can encounter art, appreciate it, and ponder it. Through art exhibitions, art communication projects, and opportunities for exchange with others, art is opening new possibilities for people’s lifestyle and connection with society.

As we enter this milestone year, we will continue to explore the role of the art museum toward our next 100 years, while attentive to social change and people’s diverse values. As a place of intersection among art creators, supporters, and viewers, we will step into the future aiming to become more open and creative as an art museum. We look forward to your continued support and involvement.

April 2026
TAKAHASHI Akiya, Director
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum