The Ueno Royal Museum Guide (Ueno no Mori Art Museum)
Ueno is a district in Taito Ward, famous for its zoo, museums, lush parks, and the drinking district under the elevated train tracks. It's close to the city center and accessible by bullet train, making it an excellent location for tourists. Along with Asakusa, it attracts many domestic and international visitors.
While Ueno is often associated with izakayas and retro streetscapes, it also has a "cultural face." A glance at the map of Ueno Park reveals a concentration of museums and art galleries. It's also a hub for various cultural events, including exhibitions by art universities.
In this article, we'll thoroughly introduce the charms of The Ueno Royal Museum (also known as Ueno no Mori Art Museum), a standout institution within Ueno Park.
The Ueno Royal Museum: A Private Museum Showcasing International Art and Important Cultural Properties from a Unique Perspective
The most distinctive feature of The Ueno Royal Museum is its lack of a permanent exhibition. Instead, it displays international artworks and important cultural properties selected according to the themes and purposes of special exhibitions.
Thanks to its network with domestic and international museums and cultural institutions, visitors can enjoy valuable cultural heritage through international collaborations such as artwork loans and exchange exhibitions.
The museum also focuses on discovering and supporting young artists and hosts solo and group exhibitions of renowned domestic and international artists, making it a place to experience the latest trends in contemporary art.
Open since 1972, Hosting Various Exhibitions Centered on Contemporary Art
The Ueno Royal Museum opened in 1972 and has been hosting various exhibitions centered on contemporary art for about 50 years. Here are the types of art you can enjoy at this museum:
- Contemporary art
- Paintings (oil, watercolor, acrylic, etc.)
- Sculptures
- Photography
- Prints and lithographs
- Crafts
- Calligraphy and traditional Japanese art
- International artworks
- Art objects
- Installation art (experiential art using entire spaces)
The museum exhibits diverse genres of art, from contemporary pieces to traditional artworks.
Exhibitions Featuring Notable Artists, Japanese Culture, and Nature
Source: Anime Recorder
The Ueno Royal Museum hosts exhibitions that delve into the appeal of works featured in movies and TV anime. Original drawings used in the works, life-sized character art pieces, and meticulously recreated weapons and items are displayed, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the world of these creations.
There are also exhibitions related to traditional Japanese art such as ukiyo-e, nihonga, and crafts, offering insights into Japanese art history and culture. Furthermore, works depicting the beauty of Japan's four seasons and nature are exhibited, soothing the hearts of viewers.
No Permanent Exhibitions
The Ueno Royal Museum specializes in special exhibitions and has no permanent displays. Depending on the exhibition content and planning, a typical special exhibition usually lasts from a few weeks to two months.
Multiple exhibitions can be held simultaneously, with various special exhibitions of different scales rotating throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, you can enjoy completely different themed exhibitions.
Three Selected Highlights of The Ueno Royal Museum!
Numerous Creative Exhibitions by the Japan Art Association
Source: Art Exhibition Navi
The Ueno Royal Museum hosts unique exhibitions organized by the Japan Art Association. These exhibitions range from fusions of traditional Japanese art and contemporary art to showcases of energetic and promising artists.
Some notable events include:
- The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition, displaying free and creative works by both professionals and amateurs
- "Depicting Japan's Nature" exhibition, themed around seasonal landscapes and nature from across Japan
- The VOCA Exhibition, featuring works by young artists gaining attention in the domestic and international art scene
These distinctive events form the core of stimulating special exhibitions held regularly. These exhibitions play a crucial role in connecting the past, present, and future of Japanese art.
The Annual Contemporary Art Exhibition (VOCA Exhibition) is Highly Popular
Source: Official website
The VOCA Exhibition, held annually since 1994, is a highly popular contemporary art show. It displays two-dimensional works created by artists under 40 years old. Not limited to paintings, sometimes even clothes are displayed stuck to walls, showcasing diverse forms of art.
The VOCA Exhibition is considered a "first gateway to success" for young artists. Being selected for exhibition or winning an award here often leads to significant career prospects. It's highly recommended for those interested in contemporary art or the most energetic artists in Japan.
Public Exhibitions (The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition, Depicting Japan's Nature Exhibition) are Also Very Famous
Source: Official website
The museum also focuses on discovering and supporting young artists through public exhibitions like "The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition." This exhibition showcases selected works by young artists who have advanced through a competition format.
Additionally, "The Depicting Japan's Nature Exhibition" is a public exhibition open to anyone who enjoys painting, without distinguishing between professional artists and hobbyists.
It solicits various genres of artwork including Japanese paintings, oil paintings, watercolors, pastels, and colored pencil drawings that depict familiar Japanese landscapes and scenes. Outstanding works are awarded prizes.
This is a must-see for those who want to experience the heart-stirring works of sensitive artists living in contemporary Japan.
Dramatically Changing Artworks and Atmospheres in Each Room
Source: Official website
The Ueno Royal Museum adopts a special exhibition format. As there are no permanent exhibitions, completely different themed exhibitions or artist showcases are held each period. Due to the selection of themes and works from various genres, the exhibited pieces and atmospheres change dramatically from room to room.
The room design, lighting, and display methods are adjusted according to the exhibition theme, creating an atmosphere that allows visitors to enjoy the ambiance suited to each artwork. Each room offers a different experience, drawing visitors into the unique world of each piece.
Art Classes at the Art School on the 3rd Floor
Source: Official website
On the 3rd floor of The Ueno Royal Museum, art classes are held for those who want to learn painting. There are classes for oil/acrylic, watercolor, and Japanese painting, with instructors teaching according to the level of participants, from beginners to advanced learners.
There are also short-term courses like "Intensive Watercolor Course" or "How to Start Sketching Course" that run for one or two days. If you want to learn art from Japanese painters and create memorable works, try the art school. You can make reservations online, so why not take a look at what courses are available?
Three Unique Past Exhibitions at The Ueno Royal Museum
Takehiko Inoue's Last Manga Exhibition
Source: Official website
In 2008, "Takehiko Inoue's Last Manga Exhibition" was held, featuring the creator of the popular Japanese manga "Slam Dunk." Inoue's works focus on themes of "life" and "existence," with ink painting techniques and brush strokes that express characters that seem alive within the works.
The exhibition's highlight was the ability to appreciate manga, usually read in book form, as an installation utilizing the entire museum space. The Ueno Royal Museum was chosen as a venue to fully experience Inoue's gigantic works and dynamic presentations.
This shows that The Ueno Royal Museum hosts exhibitions not just of traditional "art" but also pop culture elements like manga.
Vermeer Exhibition
Source: Official website
The "Vermeer Exhibition" in 2018, which included works shown in Japan for the first time, attracted great interest from art enthusiasts.
Vermeer's works are characterized by their unique expression of light and shadow. To maximize this light effect, special lighting and spatial designs were implemented, immersing the audience in Vermeer's world. The exhibition also introduced the social and cultural background of 17th century Netherlands, allowing viewers to interpret the works in a broader context and gain deeper understanding and emotion.
If you want to experience the beauty of paintings and their historical background deeply, be sure to visit The Ueno Royal Museum.
The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition
Source: Official website
The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize Exhibition is a public exhibition open to a wide range of artists, from amateurs to professionals. Aimed at discovering new talent and encouraging free and diverse expressions, this exhibition awards prizes such as "The Ueno Royal Museum Grand Prize" to selected works from numerous entries each year.
If you want to experience the aesthetic sensibilities of contemporary Japanese artists, be sure to visit this exhibition. You can closely appreciate their sensitivities and methods of expression. It's a stimulating exhibition for art lovers, offering a chance to see artistic expressions from different cultures.
It's also an excellent opportunity to learn about uniquely Japanese art trends.
Access and Basic Information for The Ueno Royal Museum
Address: 1-2 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Ueno Station Park Exit, 5-minute walk from Tokyo Metro and Keisei Electric Railway Ueno Station
Opening Hours: 10:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 03-3833-4191
Official Website: https://www.ueno-mori.org/
Ueno Park Has Many Attractive Museums Besides The Ueno Royal Museum
TOKYO NATIONAL MUSEUM
Source: Official website
The concept of the Tokyo National Museum is the preservation and exhibition of cultural heritage from Japan and other Asian countries. You can appreciate traditional Japanese art and cultural properties such as Buddhist statues, hanging scrolls, ceramics, swords, and armor.
If you're interested in ancient Japanese history, be sure to visit the "Horyuji Treasures." It houses and displays over 300 treasures moved from Horyuji Temple, built in 607 by Prince Shotoku, a famous politician in ancient Japanese history. You can enjoy Buddhist art masterpieces and crafts, experiencing East Asian Buddhist culture and unique Japanese aesthetic sensibilities.
Address: 13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Fridays and Saturdays 9:30-20:00)
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en
TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM
Source: FASHION PRESS
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum's concept is "Opening the Door to Art," introducing a wide range of domestic and international artworks. In addition to exhibiting works, it also hosts workshops for a wide range of audiences from children to adults, providing an environment where anyone can become familiar with art.
There's also an experiential program where you can create plates with traditional Japanese patterns. Through this workshop, you learn about traditional patterns by appreciating artworks and then design a plate using ceramic pens. The fired plates are mailed to you later, becoming a special memento.
Address: 8-36 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:30-17:30
Closed: 1st and 3rd Mondays
Phone: 03-3823-6921
Official Website: https://www.tobikan.jp/en/index.html
National Museum of Nature and Science
Source: Wikipedia
The National Museum of Nature and Science focuses on Japan's nature and scientific technological development, introducing its connections and influences with the world.
If you're interested in Japan's unique ecosystem, experience the formation of the Japanese archipelago in the "Japan Gallery." The Japanese archipelago, with its rare and complex geological background, has seen numerous species flourish and become extinct. The skeleton of Futabasaurus suzukii (named after the discoverer's surname "Suzuki"), a plesiosaur that lived in the seas near Japan, is particularly impressive.
Address: 7-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.kahaku.go.jp/english/
The National Museum of Western Art
Source: Official website
The National Museum of Western Art is one of the few museums in Japan that systematically introduces Western art. Works are displayed to help visitors understand the flow of Western art, from Renaissance Italian art to French Impressionism and 20th-century contemporary art.
The dialogue between Japanese and Western art is an important theme, and visitors can learn about Western techniques that influenced Japanese art, as well as the influence of Japanese art on the West.
If you're visiting from a Western country, be sure to experience the connection between your home country and Japan through art.
Address: 7-7 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Opening Hours: 9:30-17:30 (Fridays and Saturdays 9:30-20:00)
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 050-5541-8600
Official Website: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/
