National Museum of Western Art
Museum Ueno museum focused on Western art masterpieces
On Ueno Park’s edge, the National Museum of Western Art displays Western paintings and sculptures, including notable Rodin bronzes; visitors pair art viewing with the park’s temples and galleries.
A national museum in Ueno Park dedicated to Western art with a collection formed largely from the donations of collector Kojiro Matsukata. The museum’s main building, completed in 1959, was designed by Le Corbusier and is a landmark of modern architecture in Japan.
The collection covers European painting and sculpture from the Renaissance through the early 20th century and includes a significant group of works and casts by Auguste Rodin. Displays are arranged in interior galleries and an adjacent outdoor sculpture garden that complements the indoor holdings.
Established in the mid-20th century to house imported and acquired Western works, the museum has retained its architectural and curatorial emphasis on 19th and early 20th-century European art.
Located within Ueno Park, it sits close to other national museums and is accessible from Ueno Station.
- UNESCO World Heritage: The museum building by Le Corbusier is included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing for his architectural work.
- Core collection: Collections were largely formed from the donations of industrialist Kojiro Matsukata and focus on European painting and sculpture from the Renaissance to the early 20th century.
What to See #
- Main building: The main building is an example of modernist architecture designed by Le Corbusier and retains its original gallery layout for Western paintings and sculpture.
- Sculpture Garden: An outdoor sculpture garden that displays large-scale works and is visible from surrounding parkland.
How to Get to National Museum of Western Art #
National Museum of Western Art sits on the southwest edge of Ueno Park. Ueno Station (JR lines and Tokyo Metro Ginza line) and Keisei Ueno are the nearest stations; the museum is a short 3-5 minute walk from the park’s western side and is well signed from the station.
Public transit is the easiest way to reach the museum; parking in the Ueno area is limited.
Tips for Visiting National Museum of Western Art #
- Visit on a weekday morning right when the museum opens to see the galleries with fewer people; the museum is compact so early arrival makes for a more relaxed experience.
- Approach via Ueno Park (short walk from JR Ueno Station) and head first to the sculpture garden-the outdoor Rodin pieces are often missed by visitors rushing to the indoor galleries.
- Allow 1-1.5 hours and pair your visit with nearby museums in Ueno Park; the building's Le Corbusier-designed architecture is a draw in itself, so take a few minutes to appreciate the exterior and layout.
Best Time to Visit National Museum of Western Art #
Visit on a weekday morning outside major holiday periods (Golden Week, summer, New Year) for a quieter experience at the museum.
Weather & Climate near National Museum of Western Art #
National Museum of Western Art's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1452 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (129 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (172 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (157 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (169 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm).
