Watari Museum Of Contemporary Art

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, head over to the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art in Gaienmae to check out their latest exhibition - as well as the stunning building that houses all the modern art.

[Watari Museum of Contemporary Art - image © Florentyna Leow]

A short walk from Omotesando, Harajuku, and Gaienmae leads you to the Watari Museum of Contemporary Art. Along with the Mori Arts Center in Roppongi and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, the Watari-um (as it’s charmingly known in Japanese) is one of the major contemporary art institutions in the country.

[Watari Museum of Contemporary Art - image © Florentyna Leow]

They showcase modern art by Japanese and international artists alike, without privileging any particular medium. Painting, sculpture, photography, industrial design - all are represented in equal measure. Larger exhibitions are balanced with smaller ones by emerging artists, and the museum often holds learning workshops and lectures for the public.

[Watari Museum of Contemporary Art - image © Florentyna Leow]

Besides the contemporary art exhibitions, architecture lovers will not want to miss a visit for the building alone. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the building is a striking geometric structure in metallic grey, making a nice pit stop on an architectural appreciation walk around the area.

[Watari Museum of Contemporary Art - image © Florentyna Leow]

Bibliophiles should also check out On Sundays, an independent basement bookstore and cafe located inside Watari-um. The collection of books and zines - mostly Japanese or bilingual - is extremely well-curated across the contemporary art, gardens, and travel genres. You can also pick up some zany, funky accessories like rings and watches - most of them design one-offs.

English name:
Watari Museum of Contemporary Art

Japanese name:
ワタリウム美術館

English address:
3-7-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001

Japanese address:
〒150-0001 東京都渋谷区神宮前3-7-6

Opening hours:
Tuesday and Thursday-Sunday: 11am-7pm
Wednesday: 11am-9pm

Admission:
Adults: 1000
70 years old and over: 700
Students (25 years old and younger): 800
Junior high and elementary school students: 500

Nearest Transport:
Subway: 8-minute walk from exit 3 of Gaiemmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza line.

Nearest Hotels:
Check availability and pricing for hotels near Watari Museum of Contemporary Art on Booking.com or Agoda.com.

Telephone:
+81-3-3402-3001

Website:Official Website (Japanese)

Near To Here:
Watari Museum of Contemporary Art is located in Tokyo’s Harajuku And Aoyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Harajuku And Aoyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

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