National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Good for: Art Lovers · Japanese art enthusiasts · First-timers
1952
Founded
13,000+
Works in Collection
1.5–2 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan — founded in 1952, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) was Japan's first national art museum. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM, Closed Mondays). Admission: ¥500 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (1.5–2 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
Founded in 1952, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT) was Japan's first national art museum. Its current building by Yoshiro Taniguchi opened in 1969 in Kitanomaru Park beside the Imperial Palace moat and was renovated in 2002.
The collection traces Japanese modern art from the Meiji period through the 20th century — yōga (Western-style oil painting), nihonga (Japanese-style painting), prints, and sculpture. Works by Yorozu Tetsugorō, Tomioka Tessai, and Tsuguharu Foujita anchor the permanent display.
The Crafts Gallery moved to Kanazawa and is no longer at the Tokyo site. MOMAT focuses on painting and sculpture. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month.
The view terrace overlooks the Imperial Palace moat and cherry trees — spectacular in sakura season. Friday and Saturday late opening until 8 PM.
1.5–2 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo without museum fatigue. · 1.5–2 hours
- 1
Nude Beauty
📍 Permanent collection, 2nd floor
Yorozu's fusion of Post-Impressionist colour and Japanese subject matter — a landmark of Taishō-era modernism and a MOMAT collection highlight.
- 2
Landscape of the Four Seasons
📍 Nihonga gallery
Tessai's late masterwork — literati-style ink landscape by the great nihonga painter who worked into his eighties.
- 3
Bridge over the Moat
📍 Modern Japanese painting gallery
Foujita's distinctive milky-white nudes and Paris-Tokyo career — the Japanese-French painter whose line and palette defined 1920s modernism.
- 4
Imperial Palace Moat View
📍 View terrace, upper floor
The terrace overlooks the Imperial Palace moat and Kitanomaru Park — cherry blossoms in spring, one of central Tokyo's best museum views.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo — and why they matter.
Nude Beauty
Yorozu Tetsugorō · 1912
📍 Permanent collection, 2nd floor
Yorozu's fusion of Post-Impressionist colour and Japanese subject matter — a landmark of Taishō-era modernism and a MOMAT collection highlight.
Landscape of the Four Seasons
Tomioka Tessai · 1924
📍 Nihonga gallery
Tessai's late masterwork — literati-style ink landscape by the great nihonga painter who worked into his eighties.
Bridge over the Moat
Tsuguharu Foujita · 1930s
📍 Modern Japanese painting gallery
Foujita's distinctive milky-white nudes and Paris-Tokyo career — the Japanese-French painter whose line and palette defined 1920s modernism.
Imperial Palace Moat View
Kitanomaru Park · ongoing
📍 View terrace, upper floor
The terrace overlooks the Imperial Palace moat and Kitanomaru Park — cherry blossoms in spring, one of central Tokyo's best museum views.
Collections & highlights
- • Japanese modern art — Meiji to 20th century
- • Yōga Western-style oil painting
- • Nihonga Japanese-style painting
- • Yorozu Tetsugorō and Tomioka Tessai
- • Prints and sculpture
- • Rotating temporary exhibitions
- • View terrace over Imperial Palace moat
Frequently asked questions
Is the Crafts Gallery still part of MOMAT?
The Crafts Gallery has moved to Kanazawa and is no longer part of the Tokyo site.
Is admission free at any time?
Yes, free on the first Sunday of each month.
How long should I spend at National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo best known for?
Founded in 1952, MOMAT was the first national art museum in Japan. Its current building by Yoshiro Taniguchi opened in 1969 and was renovated in 2002. Key highlights include Yorozu Tetsugorō painting, Tomioka Tessai late masterworks, Permanent room of major Japanese modernism.
How do I get tickets for National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo?
¥500 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.momat.go.jp/en/
Is the Crafts Gallery still at MOMAT?
No — the Crafts Gallery relocated to Kanazawa (National Crafts Museum). The Tokyo site now focuses on painting, sculpture, and prints.
When is admission free?
Free on the first Sunday of each month. Standard admission is ¥500 on other days. Special exhibitions require separate tickets.
How does MOMAT compare to the Tokyo National Museum?
TNM in Ueno covers Japanese art from antiquity to 19th century. MOMAT covers modern art from the Meiji period onward. Both are essential — different eras, different locations.
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