The National Museum of Western Art (国立西洋美術館, Kokuritsu Seiyō Bijutsukan, lit. "National Western Art Museum", NMWA) was established to preserve and exhibit the Matsukata Collection—a treasure of art centered on Impressionist paintings and Rodin sculptures. Among the highlights, Rodin’s "The Thinker" is present in the museum’s courtyard, a symbol of contemplation in a space designed by pioneering modern architect Le Corbusier. This architectural wonder, gifted by the French government, stands as Le Corbusier’s only work in the Far East and offers Tokyo’s denizens a journey into the depths of Western art. While modest in size compared to global institutions, the museum’s collection is rich in quality, enhanced by rotating special exhibitions that bring traveling masterpieces to its galleries.
Hand over your ticket, and you are greeted by John the Baptist, with paintings of St. Michael and St. Augustine marking the beginning of a route that meanders through surrealist and transformative art. Max Ernst and Joan Miró share the spotlight with Picasso, Van Gogh, and Monet—a carefully curated gateway that draws visitors into the imaginative realms of Western masters. This unique collection owes its existence to Matsukata Kojiro (松方幸次郎, 1865–1950), the third son of Matsukata Masayoshi, a notable statesman and former prime minister of the Meiji era. Since its opening in 1959 (昭和34年), the museum has provided a space where the East engages with the West through the language of art.
Here, visitors can ponder images of Venus and satyrs while basking in scenes of the Resurrection—a stark contrast to the Buddhist sculptures and minimalistic art prevalent in many Japanese art institutions. The museum encourages contemplation of cultural intersections, offering a rare glimpse into Western spirituality and artistic vision. Following your visit, the tranquil paths of Ueno Park provide a perfect backdrop for reflection. Recognized for its significance, the National Museum of Western Art was added to the World Heritage List in July 2016—a true sleeper gem in Tokyo’s artistic landscape.
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