The Musée Tomo in Toranomon houses one of the finest collections of contemporary Japanese ceramics in the world. And, the museum is as elegant and tasteful as the pieces on display.
Musée Tomo - image © Florentyna Leow
It wasn’t until recent decades that Japanese ceramics came to be perceived by overseas collectors and art appreciators as art, rather than craft. Legendary ceramics patron Tomo Kikuchi was instrumental in creating this shift in perspective with her international exhibits of contemporary ceramics.
Musée Tomo - image © Florentyna Leow
Founded in 2003, Musée Tomo has one of the finest collections of modern Japanese ceramics in the world, with rotating exhibits of works from master potters and young artists alike. The gallery spaces are equally atmospheric, helping elevate the ceramics on display to the heights that they deserve.
Musée Tomo - image © Florentyna Leow
It’s also one of the relatively few places in Tokyo that actively helps to encourage and support aspiring artists. They hold the Kikuchi Biennale, a competition where new artists share their work; and the Kikuchi Kanjitsu Prize aims to highlight contemporary Japanese crafts by living artists. This isn’t limited to ceramics, but also includes work in textiles, glass, metal, and other mediums.
English name:
Musée Tomo
Japanese name:
智美術館
English address:
Nishikubo bldg., 4-1-35 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0001
Japanese address:
〒105-0001 東京都港区虎ノ門4-1-35 西久保ビル
Opening hours:
11am-6pm (last entry 5:30pm)
Closed Monday or the following Tuesday when Monday is a national holiday
Admission:
Varies by exhibition
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 6-minute walk from exit 4b of Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya line.
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near Musée Tomo on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone:
+81-3-5733-5131
Website:
Official Website (English)
Near To Here:
Musée Tomo is located in Tokyo's Roppongi and Akasaka district. See our complete list of things to do in Roppongi and Akasaka, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
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