Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in Shirokane
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum in Shrokane is one of the unique museums in Tokyo. The uniqueness of this museum comes from its building, a former residence of an imperial prince, built in the Art Deco style featured with overall exquisitely crafted interiors. It stands in a greenery garden, allows visitors to explore art and culture in a natural setting.
The museum itself is a work of art
Built in 1933, the building of Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum was formerly the residence of the Prince and Princess Asaka. The Prince and Princess Asaka had stayed in Paris, France in the middle of the Art Deco era when they were inspired to bring the taste of the modern decorative arts into their house.
In 1983, this former residence was opened to the public as a museum to hold planned exhibitions. The original interiors inside of the building have been preserved so that exhibition visitors can enjoy seeing the interiors as a collection of artworks.
The major French designers of the period, such as Henri Rapin had designed the interiors in Art Deco style. Decorated with the authentic artworks by René Lalique, the master of glass art, the entire interior holds timeless beauty, can never look dated.
Shirokane, a great place for a stroll
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum is located in Shirokane, a district in the heart of Tokyo where Gozoku or wealthy, powerful families had formerly lived and numerous upscale residences and luxury villas used to be there. Though samurai houses can no longer be seen there today, some historic buildings or sites are still retained as a museum or a garden, most of which are reachable within 10 to 20 minutes’ walk from Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum. Having a stroll after enjoying art is nice as there are also stylish cafes and shops in this area.
Information on Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum
The museum holds various exhibitions and the admission fee varies depending on the exhibition. There is a café-restaurant in the museum and a garden in the museum area. (Tthe garden admission fee is 100 Yen)
Open from 10:00 to 18:00 (Last admission at 17:30)
Closed on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. (Closed on the following Thursday if the Wednesday is a public holiday)
Getting there
A 7-min walk from JR Meguro Station (East Exit) on the JR Yamanote-sen Line
A 7-min walk from Meguro Station (Front Exit) on the Tokyu Meguro-sen Line
A 6-min walk from Sirokanedai Station (Exit No.1) on the Toei Mita-sen / the Tokyo Metro Nanboku-sen Subway Line
A 20-min walk from Yebisu Garden Place
Related Websites
Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Official Website
https://www.teien-art-museum.ne.jp/en/
Institute of Nature Study Official Website
http://www.ins.kahaku.go.jp/english/
Tokyo Photographic Art Museum
https://topmuseum.jp/e/contents/index.html
Hatakeyama Memorial Museum of Fine Art
https://www.ebara.co.jp/csr/hatakeyama/english.html
