WB062: The Nezu Museum

Tokyo is a melting pot of architectural styles.

You can walk along the same street and easily spot buildings with very contrasting design languages. Good design is always pleasing to the eye, whether it is brutalist or clean and modern.

When pairing such walks with good weather and company, you have the makings of a simple yet perfect day out.

Last week, we decided to visit the Nezu Museum (Japanese: 根津美術館), an art museum located in Tokyo's Minato District (Japanese: 港区). I am neither an art nor history buff, but decided to pay the museum a visit after reading about it in the Tokyo Artrip: Architecture book.

Named after Nezu Kaichiro (Japanese: 根津 嘉一郎)(1860 - 1940), a renowned Japanese businessman, politician and philanthropist, the Museum is home to Nezu's personal collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art.

In total there are more than 7,600 cultural artefacts, of which seven are designated as National Treasures. Not all the artefacts are on display. Despite being a museum, it isn't terribly big like a national museum. In fact, I think it could pass off as someone's large residence.

According to the Artrip book, the Nezu Museum is one of Kengo Kuma's (Japanese: 隈 研吾) greatest works. Kuma was also the brains behind Japan's National Stadium, which was built for the 2020 (2021) Tokyo Olympics.

I find it quite interesting that an architect like Kuma can ideate iconic designs for both large-scale and small-scale buildings. One would think that architects specialise in specific areas of their craft. I guess creative professionals are only bound by their limitless imagination and nothing else.

The Museum's interior is equally impressive, with the extensive use of wood and well-placed lighting giving the place a very warm and welcoming feel. Even the design of the locker areas and entrance to the bathrooms has been carefully considered.

The museum is located in a large, lush garden that is just as majestic as the building. Visitors are permitted to walk through the garden, which feels like a secret oasis in central Tokyo.

All the more impressive is that the museum grounds are just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of the Omotesando (Japanese: 表参道) and Aoyama (Japanese: 青山) shopping districts.

Though you need to pay an entrance fee, the Museum and its grounds look like the perfect place to escape to for some peace and quiet if you're feeling stressed out or just want a digital detox.

--Ends