Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum- Japanese home cooking class in Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is one of Tokyo’s most distinctive museums, where visitors can enjoy the architectural beauty of Art Deco design alongside lush gardens that change with the seasons. Housed in a historic building originally constructed in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka, the museum seamlessly blends its ornate interiors-designed by renowned French artists such as Henri Rapin and René Lalique-with expansive Japanese and European-style gardens. In addition to its stunning setting, the museum offers a rich program of special exhibitions and events, making it a highly recommended destination for lovers of art, architecture, and nature alike.
Rediscovering Modernism: Graphic Design in Postwar West Germany- Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
The Appeal of Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
A Masterpiece of Art Deco Architecture
The main building was constructed in 1933 as the residence of Prince Asaka and opened as a museum in 1983. The building itself is a work of art, with both the interior and exterior unified in the Art Deco style, showcasing the highest level of craftsmanship and design from that era.
Prince and Princess Asaka, inspired by Art Deco during their stay in France, commissioned renowned designers such as Henri Rapin and René Lalique. Notable features include the Lalique glass doors at the entrance, unique lighting in each room, and a perfume tower, all meticulously designed down to the finest detail.
The architectural design was overseen by Gondo Yōkichi from the Imperial Household Ministry. As a surviving example of a private Art Deco residence, it is of exceptional quality and has been well preserved. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The architectural beauty of Art Deco style-Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Harmonious Seasonal Gardens and Nature
The grounds, rich in the natural beauty of Musashino, feature a lawn garden, Japanese garden, and Western-style garden, allowing visitors to enjoy flowers and greenery throughout the seasons. Strolling the gardens, you can experience both the historical architecture and the beauty of nature.
Regular events such as “Garden Tours” are held, where curators provide insights into the gardens and the history of the building.
Traditional Japanese garden- Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Diverse Special Exhibitions and a Contemporary New Wing
The museum hosts exhibitions of domestic and international art, crafts, and contemporary art, utilizing both the historic main building and the modern new wing (a white cube-style gallery) completed in 2014. Visitors can enjoy the fusion of art, architecture, and nature.
Well-Appointed Café and Museum Shops
On the first floor of the new wing, “Cafe du Palais” offers lunch and tea with views of the garden. The café is popular for its original tableware developed in collaboration with Noritake and its selection of sweets and drinks.
There are two museum shops-one by the main gate and one in the new wing-where you can purchase exclusive goods and exhibition-related items.
茶室-tea ceremony room-Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Tips for Visiting
Access: The museum is conveniently located about a 7-minute walk from Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Meguro Line) and about a 6-minute walk from Shirokanedai Station (Toei Mita Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line). Paid parking is also available.
Admission: Fees vary by exhibition, but you can also enter just the garden. Various discounts and free admission days are available (see the official website for details).
Events: Some events, such as garden tours, may require advance registration, so check official information before planning your visit.
Accessibility and Services: Events are available for wheelchair users, and tours with sign language interpretation are also offered.
Summary
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is a unique destination where the essence of Art Deco architecture and seasonal gardens intertwine. It is highly recommended for those interested in art, architecture, and gardens, as you can simultaneously enjoy art, history, and nature in a historic setting.
About the Exhibition: "Rediscovering Modernism: Graphic Design in Postwar West Germany"-Held from March 8 to May 18 ‘2025
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
The ongoing exhibition, “Rediscovering Modernism: Graphic Design in Postwar West Germany,” focuses on the development of graphic design in West Germany from the end of World War II to German reunification in 1990.
Exhibition Features
Exhibition Composition:
The exhibition consists of approximately 130 posters and numerous materials (booklets, magazines, etc.) from the “A5 Collection Düsseldorf,” many of which are being shown in Japan for the first time.Four Main Categories:
Geometric Abstraction
Typography
Illustration
Photography
These categories showcase the diversity and experimental spirit of postwar West German graphic design.
Bauhaus Legacy and Evolution:
The ideals of the Bauhaus, which was closed by the Nazis, were revived in postwar West Germany through institutions like the Ulm School of Design, leading to a rediscovery of modernism and the development of new design theories.Representative Designers and Works:
Posters and materials by prominent designers such as Otl Aicher (known for Lufthansa’s corporate identity), Hans Hillmann, and Heinz Edelmann are on display.Connection with Social Background:
The exhibition also explores how design evolved in close connection with the “economic miracle” and social changes in West Germany.
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
Highlights of the Exhibition
Experience the full scope of West German graphic design, which inherited modernist ideals while pursuing unique theories and new forms of expression.
Appreciate the diversity and creativity of design through geometric abstraction, experimental typography, illustration, and photography.
Understand how design developed in tandem with society and industry through actual posters and materials.
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
This exhibition offers a multifaceted introduction to the historical significance and creativity of postwar West German graphic design.
