National Museum of Western Art
Quick answer
National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan — the National Museum of Western Art opened in 1959 in Le Corbusier's only completed building in Japan. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM); closed Mondays. Admission: ¥500 standard admission. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Visitor information last reviewed 30 June 2026. Check the official museum site for current details.
National Museum of Western Art at a glance: hours, tickets and time needed
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM) |
|---|---|
| Closed | Mondays |
| Admission | ¥500 standard admission |
| Booking | Tickets usually available on the day |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at 9:30 AM opening. |
| Getting there | Metro: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) — 3-minute walk into Ueno Park to the museum |
| Address | 7-7 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan |
| Official website | nmwa.go.jp |
Checked 2026-06-30 against the official website. Prices and hours change — confirm before you travel.
What is National Museum of Western Art known for?
The National Museum of Western Art (NMWA) in Ueno Park, Tokyo, was designed by Le Corbusier — his only building in the Far East and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of his architectural works. It opened in 1959 to house the Matsukata Collection.
Kojiro Matsukata, son of a Mitsubishi founder, assembled thousands of European paintings and sculptures before and after World War I. The collection includes Rodin's The Thinker in the forecourt, Monet, Renoir, and medieval European art.
The building underwent major renovation by SANAA (2019–2024) to improve seismic resilience and display conditions. The Brutalist concrete structure with pilotis and ramp circulation is Le Corbusier's Japanese masterpiece.
NMWA sits in Ueno Park alongside the Tokyo National Museum — combine both for a full day of art in Tokyo.
Best for: Art Lovers · Architecture enthusiasts · First-timers
How long do you need at National Museum of Western Art?
Allow 1.5–2 hours. A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at National Museum of Western Art without museum fatigue. Follow the stops in order:
- 1
The Thinker
📍 Forecourt
Rodin's Thinker in the museum forecourt — a bronze cast of the iconic figure in contemplation, greeting visitors before they enter Le Corbusier's building.
- 2
Water Lilies
📍 Impressionist gallery
Monet from the Matsukata Collection — part of the Impressionist holding assembled by Kojiro Matsukata in Europe before the First World War.
- 3
The Burghers of Calais
📍 Rodin gallery and forecourt area
Rodin's monument to civic sacrifice — multiple figures from the Matsukata Collection's exceptional Rodin holding.
- 4
Le Corbusier Building
📍 Entire museum
The only Le Corbusier building in Japan — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What are the must-see works at National Museum of Western Art?
4 highlights that define the collection: The Thinker, Water Lilies, The Burghers of Calais and more.
The Thinker
Auguste Rodin · 1880 (cast)
📍 Forecourt
Rodin's Thinker in the museum forecourt — a bronze cast of the iconic figure in contemplation, greeting visitors before they enter Le Corbusier's building.
Water Lilies
Claude Monet · c. 1916
📍 Impressionist gallery
Monet from the Matsukata Collection — part of the Impressionist holding assembled by Kojiro Matsukata in Europe before the First World War.
The Burghers of Calais
Auguste Rodin · 1889 (cast)
📍 Rodin gallery and forecourt area
Rodin's monument to civic sacrifice — multiple figures from the Matsukata Collection's exceptional Rodin holding.
Le Corbusier Building
Le Corbusier · 1959
📍 Entire museum
The only Le Corbusier building in Japan — UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pilotis, ramp circulation, and roof garden exemplify his Modulor principles.
Collections and highlights
- • Rodin — The Thinker and Burghers of Calais
- • Matsukata Collection Impressionists — Monet, Renoir
- • Medieval to Renaissance European art
- • Le Corbusier UNESCO World Heritage building
- • Rubens, Delacroix, and French painting
- • Modern sculpture and prints
- • Ueno Park setting
Tips for visiting National Museum of Western Art
- 1.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings at 9:30 AM opening. Ueno Park cherry blossoms in spring add to the visit.
- 2.
Crowds & busy periods
Moderate — less crowded than Tokyo National Museum. Rodin forecourt popular for photos.
- 3.
Tickets & booking
¥500 standard at nmwa.go.jp. Free second and fourth Saturdays of month. Check post-renovation reopening schedule.
- 4.
Food & cafés nearby
Ueno Park vendors; Ameyoko market street beside JR Ueno; museum café.
- 5.
Accessibility
Renovated for improved accessibility. Le Corbusier ramp provides circulation — check current access routes.
How do you get to National Museum of Western Art?
- metro JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) — 3-minute walk into Ueno Park to the museum
- metro Ginza or Hibiya Line to Ueno — 5-minute walk through the park
- walk Ueno Park — Tokyo National Museum and Shinobazu Pond nearby
Address: 7-7 Uenokoen, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
National Museum of Western Art: frequently asked questions
Why is it a UNESCO site?
It is one of seventeen Le Corbusier buildings collectively recognised as a transcontinental UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is the Rodin garden free?
Yes — the outdoor sculpture garden in front of the museum is free to visit.
How long should I spend at National Museum of Western Art?
Plan 1.5–2 hours for the highlights of National Museum of Western Art. Our 4-stop route — The Thinker, Water Lilies, The Burghers of Calais and more — is designed to fit that time. Add extra time for temporary exhibitions, the shop and the café.
What is National Museum of Western Art best known for?
The National Museum of Western Art opened in 1959 in Le Corbusier's only completed building in Japan. The original building and recent additions form a UNESCO-listed work of modern architecture. Key highlights include Le Corbusier's UNESCO-listed building, The Thinker by Auguste Rodin, Matsukata Collection of Impressionists.
How do I get tickets for National Museum of Western Art?
Admission: ¥500 standard admission. Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://www.nmwa.go.jp/en/
Why is the building UNESCO listed?
The NMWA is Le Corbusier's only building in Japan — part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of his works worldwide. The 1959 concrete structure with pilotis and ramp is a masterwork of modern architecture.
What is the Matsukata Collection?
Assembled by Kojiro Matsukata in Europe before WWI — thousands of Western paintings and sculptures including Impressionists and Rodin. Much was lost in the war; surviving works form the museum's core.
Is The Thinker always outside?
Yes — a bronze cast of Rodin's Thinker stands in the forecourt permanently, one of the museum's most photographed works.
Is National Museum of Western Art open on Mondays?
No — National Museum of Western Art is closed every Monday. It is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM). Plan a different museum for that day, and check the official website for holiday changes.
What are National Museum of Western Art's opening hours?
National Museum of Western Art is open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Friday and Saturday until 8:00 PM), and closed Mondays. Hours can change for holidays and events, so check the official website before you go.
