★★★★★ 5.0
Discover
Setagaya Art Museum
This art museum is completely invisible from the street... but it's hiding 16,000 artworks just steps from where you stand! Architect Shozo Uchii designed this sneaky building in 1986 to disappear among Kinuta Park's tall trees, using triangular shapes everywhere - look for them in the walkways under your feet and carved into the corridors inside! The famous artist Tadanori Yokoo was so excited when this place opened, he painted a special artwork right here during the opening ceremony. Ready to hunt for those secret triangles?
Did You Know?
- Setagaya Art Museum, opened in 1986, was built on land transformed after the devastating 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake, which accelerated Setagaya’s evolution from a rural farming area into a vibrant residential and artistic hub—today, the museum actively celebrates this legacy by spotlighting local artists and their works in its exhibitions, connecting the community’s past and present through art.
- The museum’s striking architecture, designed by Shozo Uchii, masterfully blends modern minimalism with traditional Japanese elements, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and abundant natural light; its seamless integration with adjacent Kinuta Park allows visitors to enjoy both indoor galleries and tranquil outdoor spaces, creating a unique ‘art in nature’ experience rarely found in urban Tokyo.
- Beyond its main gallery, Setagaya Art Museum operates three lesser-known annexes across the ward, including the Junkichi Mukai Annex dedicated to the influential Japanese painter—offering art lovers a chance to explore more intimate, specialized collections and deepening the museum’s roots within the local community.