Toyota Municipal Museum of Art

Toyota city

A masterpiece by Yoshio Taniguchi, maestro of museum architecture.

One of the famous Japanese architects involved in the renovation of MoMA was Yoshio Taniguchi. Although he has designed many museums, the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art is considered a masterpiece contending for the highest honors among them. Natural light is skillfully incorporated into the exhibition rooms, and milky white frosted glass and moss green slate creates a soft impression. The meticulous design and the quintessentially Japanese stripped-back modernism are Taniguchi’s trademarks, and the design displays an unrestrained charm.

Escape to tranquility at the Doji-an teahouse

After enjoying the art, head west over to the gardens, where you will find the standalone Doji-an teahouse, also designed by Yoshio Taniguchi. Here you can experience a uniquely Japanese architectural space created by traditional wooden sukiya-zukuri construction, fusuma sliding panels, shoji screens, verandah, and deep eaves. After your encounter with modern art and architecture, this space will feel all the more impressive. The tea ceremony experience here is also considerate of foreign viewpoints— while sitting at the table, there is no need to take off your footwear. Japanese culture might appear difficult, but a hands-on experience will grant quicker understanding. Don't hesitate to try it.

A space reborn after renovation.

First opened in 1995, the Toyota Municipal Museum of Art celebrated its 20th year in 2015, and it just re-opened in October 2015 following large-scale renovations. While no major additions to the building were made, disability access was improved by adding elevators and ramps, and the space is now better equipped for viewing art. The Toyota Municipal Museum of Art is known for its high-quality collection and unique exhibitions, and art lovers from Tokyo and Osaka often come here for the exhibitions. The Aichi Triennale to be held in 2016, centered on Nagoya, should bring the Museum greater attention as a satellite location for art.

For reference

Address

8-5-1 Kozakahonmachi, Toyota-shi, Aichi-ken
Telephone

0565-34-6610 
Opening hours

10:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. (last admission 5:00 P.M.)
 Regular days of closure

Mondays (open on public holidays)
 Website

http://www.museum.toyota.aichi.jp/

Access

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 1-hour flight from Haneda Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 100-minute flight from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 75-minute flight from Sendai Airport.

Chubu Centrair International Airport is a 65-minute flight from Matsuyama Airport.

Toyota-shi Station is 80 minutes via airport shuttle bus from Chubu Centrair International Airport. Toyota Municipal Museum of Art is a 15-minute walk from Toyota-shi Station.