The National Museum of Modern Art – or ‘MOMAT’ – opened in 1952 and was at the time, Japan’s first national art museum. Located in the central ward of Chiyoda, the museum is in a great location for exploring other popular attractions nearby.

Today, it houses over 13,000 artworks in its main collection by Japanese and international artists. Showcasing works from the Meiji Period (1869-1912) until today, the museum provides insight into the influence the West has had on Japanese art. The collection ranges from paintings, prints, sculptures, photography, and video works. The museum also has a crafts gallery which solely focuses on ceramics, textiles and metalwork. For lovers of film, the Museum has a National Film Centre where it helps to preserve and screen historically significant films from Japan and abroad.

Around 200 artworks are on display at any one time with several ‘Important Cultural Properties’ within the collection. Renovated in 2012, exhibitions still tend toward older style displays. Visitors can also enjoy special exhibitions hosted by the Museum.

Many visitors thoroughly enjoy the museum and given its proximity to nearby Tokyo Station and the Imperial Palace, a visit to the museum can be easily combined with other destinations in central Tokyo.