Nezu Museum: A Hidden Gem of Art and Nature in Tokyo

USEFUL INFORMATIONS

📍Location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/U29zNfGAeDk589xW7

🌐 Website: https://www.nezu-muse.or.jp/en/

Nezu Museum is a must-visit for art lovers who are exploring Tokyo. Located in the south of Aoyama district, in Minato ward, this art gallery houses the collection of Nezu Kaichiro, one of the biggest art collectors of Japan. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941 and showcases more than 7,400 pieces of art, including some national treasures, which are exposed on a rotating basis. The museum's collection is surrounded by a magnificent Japanese garden that adds a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.

A Rich History

The private collection of Nezu Kaichiro is displayed in this museum. The museum was inaugurated in the center of Tokyo to welcome amateur art lovers a year after his death. During World War II, the museum was partially destroyed, but fortunately, the masterpieces were sent away from Tokyo. The museum was renovated several times, and the current version dates back to 2006, with pure geometrical forms in harmony with the surrounding nature, thanks to architect Kengo Kuma.

Exploring the Museum and Garden

Visitors are greeted by a bamboo alley that dresses up the building's entire facade on the street side. The museum has six galleries that are spread on the ground and first floors. Visitors can take their time to fully enjoy the pieces' aesthetics, and the temporary exhibitions are diverse and change about every month. The museum's visit gives access to a splendid Japanese garden, where visitors can almost feel like they are in the middle of a lush rainforest.

A Hidden Gem in the Heart of Tokyo

Nezu Museum is a beautiful surprise that is almost mandatory for fine art amateurs walking around Tokyo. The museum is close to Omotesando Luxury Avenue, and visitors can explore the area after admiring the museum's collection. The museum is alive and follows the seasons through the colors of its garden and of its numerous temporary exhibitions. The garden's atmosphere is serene and wild, and visitors can hear the songs of feathered inhabitants.